Making the right choice!
When it comes to your next BMW, there is much to be considered, and having all the necessary information to make your preferred choice in one place is key. The Buyer’s Guide not only helps you narrow down that final choice, but takes a deep dive into models all of which are rooted in luxury and performance. From sedans to gran coupes and everything in between, the choices — and your right choice — await!
Here’s more…
Most popular picks!
Sedans and Gran Coupes are among the more popular choices when it comes to BMW, an automaker that has a reputation like no other! When choosing your next four-door model, it is important to realize the advantages of each. For example, the 4 Series and 8 Series Gran Coupes boast all-out style as well as provide that ample cargo space over their traditional sedan counterparts, including the 3 Series and 7 Series. In addition, the hatchback linked to this model allows for taller and wider loads.
Sedans: 2 through 4 Series!
Power and comfort are main considerations when choosing the sedan that is right for you! Considered the smallest four-door option, the 2 Series Gran Coupe may not give you the space you desire while the 3 Series boasts ample power and considerable space. That is made clear in the additional 5 cubic feet in the trunk and 2 inches of second-row headroom. But, the 2 Series is considered a value at $37,800 for the 228i Gran Coupe. Despite that, the 3 Series is considered the better overall choice thanks to its power, estimated MPG and space.
Dubbed close rivals, the 3 and 4 Series have smaller cargo space than the Gran Coupe, but are able to stay competitive in this area due to the hatch and 45.6 cubic feet of total storage space with the rear seats folded down. With the same powertrain, it is a decision that comes down to your style preference. Also, it is important to note that by folding down the seats and taking advantage of the convenient hatchback layout, consumers may find that the 4 Series is their best choice.
Luxury personified — the 5 Series, 7 Series and 8 Series Gran Coupe
More space is found here, as well as additional options and amenities that may be of great appeal to many! For example, the 3 and 4 Series are presented with optional leathers, ventilated seats, sunshades and more. If cost is your main consideration, then take into account that while the 7 Series offers ample space and luxury, it costs considerably more than the 5 Series. Despite that, it is the preferred choice for those drivers who like to be driven, earning its moniker of the flagship through and through.
With minimal updates, the 8 Series Gran Coupe, while beautiful, spacious and a driver’s dream, may not be the preferred pick. Reason being, it does not prioritize rear-seat room, offering just a little more than the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It does not speak to practicality — bottom line!
EV lineup!
There are several choices when it comes to the EV lineup, which consists solely of four-door models. Since these are mostly built similarly to their non-EV counterparts, buying advice is about the same. For example, for those opting for the most advanced EV out there, the upcoming i5 eDrive40 may be your best bet. That does not mean the i4 or i7 would not also be a good fit. And it is important to note that the more powerful i4 M50, i5 M60 and i70 M70 offer lower driving ranges than their less-powerful counterparts.
The i4 is the brand’s first fully battery-powered model to be offered with an available M-package. At its heart is a 335-hp single motor setup that allows for just over 300 miles of autonomy on a single charge.
The iX represents the brand’s thoroughly state-of-the-art EV with impressive specs and a range of up to 324 miles.
Understanding the labels!
Like many luxury car brands, BMW uses an alphanumeric naming convention with its models. For example, those beginning with lower numbers are always the brand’s smallest and least expensive vehicles. This system of naming also applies to BMW’s X range of SUVs, which are called Sports Activity Vehicles. The initial numbers, which denote a vehicle’s model range, are followed by a second set that describe the engine’s size. For example, there is the X1, considered BMW’s smallest and most compact SAV. Then there is the BMW X2, a subcompact crossover model that has better performance than the X1.
The X3, a sporty compact SAV, represents BMW’s midsize offering. Then there’s the Z4, a two-door, two-seater roadster that is chock full of track-derived amenities.
Considered the brand’s first-ever dedicated SUV model, the X5 has enjoyed a great amount of success since debuting before the turn of the millennium in 1999. Essentially the Sportback version of the X5, the BMW X6 is a mid-sized luxury crossover and considered much sportier and more high performing than the X5.
The M Badge!
When it comes to the popular M lineup, the badge and its naming can be a bit more complex. To start, BMW produces eight fully-fledged M cars, which include the M3, M4, M5, M8, X3 M, X4 M, X5 M and X6 M, as well as 20 additional M Performance cars. These tend to focus on trim levels and M design features including race-inspired seating, steering wheels, shift knobs and more.
The first full-fledged M model is the X3 M, a sporty subcompact car with a potent 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder. The M3, considered a legend, is an ultra high-performance variant of BMW’s best-selling model. The base M3 generates 473 hp and a 4.1-second 0-60 time, while the sporty X4 M crossover does even better, with sub-four-second 0-60 mph runs thanks to the same forced-induction 473-hp powertrain.
Considered the purest driving car, the M4 boasts superb handling and an incredibly sleek and aggressive stance. It delivers 3.4 second 0-60 mph runs and represents the first time that the brand’s M xDrive system has been made standard on a BMW model.
The X6 M, featuring a 617-hp 44-liter V8 M TwinPower turbo engine under hood boasts a slew of upgrades, including a heavily revised interior. The M8 takes power and performance to great heights, thanks to a 4.4L V8. Considered the most exotic and exclusive offering to date, the M5 CS is a limited production model engineered exclusively and specifically for the racetrack.
The brand’s first full-sized SUV, the X7 is both luxurious and high performing, with ample space for driver and passenger alike.
There is much to be considered — and celebrated — when it comes to selecting your next BMW, so let the Buyer’s Guide lead the way. Make your next choice the right choice and reserve yours today!
