BMW

Three words have conveyed BMW’s mission for many decades. Sheer driving pleasure. By focusing on the experience behind the wheel, the luxury German automaker has stood the test of time, creating an endless stream of highly-refined BMW models and masterpieces.

Consistent design points allow today’s BMWs to share an undeniable link to past models. Yet somehow, the BMW series looks are never stale, while the brand and its technology continue to push forward.

BMW price

How much does a BMW cost?

BMW offers a variety of models, each having multiple trim levels and unique variants. This incredible selection allows buyers to find a BMW to fit nearly any budget, with new BMW prices ranging from under $40,000 to nearly $150,000.

Entry-level BMW models include the 2 Series sedan starting at $36,600 and the compact crossover SUV X1 at $38,600. BMW prices mid-range models such as the 4 or 5 Series sedans and the X3 or X4 SUVs starting near the $50,000 mark.

What is the most expensive BMW

To get the highest level of performance and elegance that BMW offers, be ready to dive deeper into your bank account. While the new BMW price for the flagship 7 Series starts at $93,300, the futuristic electric i7 begins pricing at $119,300.

The most expensive new BMW types include the high-performance M4 CSL at $140,895, the highly-modified Alpina B8 at $145,895, and the automaker’s roomiest SUV X7 at $145,995.

Take a look back in time for the best BMW to buy, and you’ll land on the incredibly rare and stylish BMW Nazca M12, with an estimated market value between $1.1 million and $3 million, contending with the Bugatti price list.

What is the cheapest BMW?

If you’d like to drive a BMW-badged vehicle without obliterating your budget, the cheapest BMW is the 2 Series. It starts at a relatively modest $36,600, but add on all options to see that quickly jump to over $50,000. Those seeking more space can purchase the smallest SUV X1 starting at $38,600. The most affordable battery-electric BMW is the i4, sold at $55,900.

About BMW

History of the brand

Since the start, BMW has focused on creating incredible engines and drivetrains. The focus during the early years was creating aviation engines, supplying the vital component to World War I and II era airplanes.

The first BMW automobile was the 3/15, produced starting in 1927. The 747 cc engine produced just 15 horsepower, about the same as modern riding lawnmowers.

Since then, BMW has produced many legendary vehicles, including the 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL, one of our favorite classic cars. A special work of art came in the 1978 BMW M1 (E26), designed by the world-famous Giorgio Giugiaro.

The 2009 BMW X6 M somehow fused the growing popularity of the crossover SUV with downright insane performance, delivering an all-wheel drive beast clocking in at 555 horsepower. And with the latest release of the future-forward BMW i7, the German luxury automaker ushers in a new era of their flagship sedan on a fully-electric platform.

Who owns BMW now? BMW Group is the parent company with 50% public ownership and a 50% stake from long-time shareholders of the Quandt family. BMW headquarters are in Munich, Germany.

BMW meaning: what does BMW mean?

BMW means Bayerische Motoren Werke, which translates to Bavarian Motor Works. Like most brands, the BMW name is central to its legacy and mission. The BMW meaning reflects their history of starting in the German state of Bavaria, building refined aviation engines, and later switching to the automotive industry.

Understanding the BMW car range

Thanks to a consistent naming convention, understanding the BMW car range is straightforward. The BMW sedan models and coupe variants use a simple three-number code for the model name, followed by characters that indicate specific drivetrain features.

The most popular BMW type based on sales volume is the 3 Series. The base is the 330i, indicating it is a 3 Series car with an approximate power rating of a 3.0L engine and has a fuel-injected gasoline engine. The 330e is an electrified hybrid variant with a similar power rating, while the M3 is the highest-performance 3 Series available.

You’ll find an X as the first part of any BMW SUV, followed by a number indicating the size. Newer electric BMW car models start with an i, including the i4 and i7. The Z4 is a one-off roadster unlike anything else from BMW.

Interesting facts about BMW

If you’ve been around BMW enthusiasts, you might have heard some nicknames. Some people use the terms beamer or beemer to shorten the BMW name, but those are technically references to BMW motorcycles, not cars.

When the US popularity of all BMW models spiked in the 1970s, a couple of major outlets began using the bimmer nickname. That name stuck and is now used globally, even making it back to BMW’s home country of Germany.

Of course, it can’t be that easy. China has another nickname for BMWs, where the country’s appreciation for horses led to the nickname of bao-ma, meaning precious horse.

How are BMW models named?

Most of the BMW sedan, coupe, and gran coupe lineup has the Series as the first number in the model’s name. The second two numbers used to indicate engine displacement size but now are a generic reference to overall performance.

For the first number indicating the Series, lower numbers are used for smaller vehicles. This holds true for the odd-numbered Series, so the 3 Series is smaller than the 5 Series, that’s smaller than the 7 Series. The odd-numbered Series are mostly restyled variants and can be smaller than the companion Series even though the number is higher.

Letters coming after the model name indicate specific characteristics. If you see a d, that means it uses a diesel engine. An i after the name shows it has a fuel-injected gasoline engine. And an e indicates an electrified hybrid aspect.

xDrive refers to BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system and models with an M come from the performance-focused M variants available on nearly all BMW models.

BMW models explained

BMW 2 Series

As one of the smallest models, the 2 Series provides a more affordable option that still earns the prized BMW logo. It is a peppy car that brings in sports car vibes on a nimble platform.

Unlike most BMW offerings, the 2 Series is available in two body styles, the two-door Coupe and an extended-length four-door Gran Coupe. Both can be equipped with front-wheel drive or BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system.

The standard 2 Series engine is a 2.0L twin-turbocharged inline-4, but if you step up to the M performance Coupe variant, a larger 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 rests under the hood. The new BMW price for 2 Series is a relatively reasonable $36,600.

BMW 3 Series

As much as other luxury carmakers try, there is no replicating the incredible BMW 3 Series. Its unparalleled four-door sedan design matched with just the right amenities makes it BMW’s best-selling model, accounting for upwards of 30% of total sales. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better luxury daily driver.

If you expect BMW to become complacent, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The latest 3 Series continues to drive the brand into the future with four different models including gasoline, electric, and two M performance variants.

The 3 Series exemplifies BMW’s continuous ability to push forward in the face of near perfection.

BMW 4 Series

In 2014, BMW separated the two-door 3 Series models into its model class. The result is the 4 Series, which now includes two and four-door BMW coupe and convertible options.

The base 430i model is a stylish two-door BMW packed with BMW’s leading technology, such as adaptive LED headlights and remote start through the My BMW app.

What is the fastest BMW 4 Series? Step into the limited-edition M4 CSL to reach 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Just don’t look for the rear seats or be surprised by the lack of sound-deadening material. They’ve been removed to reduce weight by 190 pounds.

BMW 5 Series

Another iconic model in BMW sedan models is the 5 Series executive car. It brings a more refined interior and much of BMW’s top technology, keeping up with competitors like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

With 20-way adjustable seats and available Nappa leather, comfort is supplied in full. The base model’s inline-4 packs enough power for most needs, but those performance addicts with change to spare will get their fill with the 617-horsepower M5 Competition performance variant.

BMW 6 Series

If you wanted a two-door coupe or convertible but enjoyed a larger platform, then the 6 Series was the ticket. Bringing in the full-size executive car feel on a sportier platform, this BMW Series lasted for many decades before its discontinuation in 2019.

At the end of the road, the 6 Series was available as a two-door or four-door grand tourer. The top-tier ALPINA B6 featured a powerful 4.4L V8 with BMW’s TwinPower turbocharger, mating two exhaust down tubes to a single turbo for increased airflow and performance.

Those looking for a similar platform can now turn to the BMW 8 Series instead.

BMW 7 Series

As the flagship model keeping up with the best luxury car brands, you can set your expectations sky-high for the 7 Series, one of the best BMWs to buy. The latest update shows how this German luxury automaker continually stands apart from the crowd.

The exterior design is breathtaking, with an oversized version of the classic BMW kidney-shaped grille sitting front and center, now flanked with razor-thin split headlights that give this luxury BMW sedan a unique look.

Step inside to get transported to a different world, tucked away under a giant panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof resting overhead. If you want serious rear-seat comfort, opt for the Executive Lounge option with extra legroom, a reclining seat, and a 31-inch theater screen.

How much is a BMW 7 Series? Hovering right around the $100,000 price.

BMW 8 Series

Available as a BMW coupe, convertible, and four-door gran coupe, the BMW 8 Series is the ideal combination of power and luxury. Every detail is fine-tuned and relies on the rich BMW history to deliver an extraordinary vehicle without compromise.

The base 840i is no slouch, but the 617-horsepower M8 and even higher-performance 621-horsepower Alpina B8 are around to satisfy your every desire. While expensive, the price seems low if you compare the most expensive cars.

Pack on options like carbon ceramic brakes and carbon fiber trim. Or step into a blacked-out world with the M Sport Package Professional and its darkened grille, headlights, calipers, and rear spoiler.

BMW X1

With standard all-wheel drive, a seven-speed transmission, and an all-new look, the BMW X1 might be the automaker’s entry-level SUV, but it’s a fully capable machine with some serious cargo space.

One of the main differences in this BMW series is the expansive BMW Curved Display sitting front and center. It replaces the instrument cluster and infotainment system controls with one sleek touchscreen monitor. The available 20-inch wheels and panoramic moonroof pair with a full suite of standard driver assistance features.

BMW X2

With a sloping rear roofline and plenty of performance options, the BMW X2 is the X1’s wild cousin that trades practical purposes for a sportier look and improved handling.

Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, the X2 uses the same silky-smooth turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 found on many BMW car models. The sport suspension lets you power through the curves.

This sporty little SUV is made to look and perform better than its closely related X1 counterpart but comes at a cost of reduced cargo space.

BMW X3

The BMW X3 is ready for any adventure from the roughest remote roads to the most upscale destinations. It is a compact luxury crossover SUV located in the sweet spot of being big enough to handle anything you can throw at it without venturing into the bulky territory.

For all that’s packed on, the price of nearly any BMW X3 is worth it. If you want to fill your body with some adrenaline, the 503-horsepower X3 M Competition is ready to deliver.

BMW X4

What happens when you take the capable X3 and let the designers go full tilt? You get the BMW X4 and its confidence-inducing silhouette, packed with all the luxury features expected from a vehicle showing the BMW logo.

The X4 has the usual AppleCarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus throws in the Connected Package with real-time traffic and parking information. Dynamic Cruise Control lets you rest your feet during extended drives while the Active Driving Assistant keeps you out of harm’s way.

BMW X5

When a smaller crossover SUV isn’t enough, crank up the amenities with seating for seven passengers and a 7,200-pound towing capacity as found in the BMW X5.

The base X5 sDrive40i has plenty of power and a respectable 23 mpg combined fuel rating. The plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive45e provides an instant punch of torque and a 31-mile fully-electric range, making it onto our list of the best luxury SUVs.

But those with a need for speed should seek out the X5 M and its blazing-fast performance that’ll make you question what it means to be an SUV.

BMW X6

Following the blueprint of other BMW SUVs, the X6 transforms the more practical X5 into a more stylish model with an eccentric sloping roofline.

Take your commute to the next level of comfort with the available Extended Traffic Jam Assistant that takes care of most of the acceleration, braking, and steering for you.

The X6 M Competition has the usual lightning-fast performance but also throws in a collection of customizable features that make everything your own, all the way down to the feedback from the brake pedal.

BMW X7

Sometimes you need space. And that’s exactly the main difference in the BMW series’ largest SUV, the X7.

Even though this is a monster inside, sitting behind the wheel might convince you that you’re handling a BMW sedan instead of a vehicle weighing over 5,000 pounds.

Available exclusively in all-wheel drive with luxury hidden in every corner, the base X7 xDrive40i has what you need. But when you want to bring your A game, the Alpina XB7 has one of the few true twin-turbo engines offered on a BMW model.

BMW iX

The electrification of cars is opening up a new world in automotive design and engineering. And if you thought that BMW would get left behind, think again. The iX ticks all the right boxes, making it onto our list of the best electric cars.

The BMW iX is one of the German luxury carmaker’s latest battery-electric vehicles, leaving combustion in the dust with a whopping 811 lb-ft of torque on the iX M60 variant. The base model provides a 324-mile range, once thought to be nearly impossible for battery-electric vehicles. And it’s fast enough to hold its own against the world’s fastest cars.

While the design imitates aspects we all know in BMW SUVs, it also adds futuristic touches to pave the way forward.

BMW i4

I don’t think many would argue that BMW has done an exceptional job refining the luxury sedan style. The i4 adds an innovative electric platform that provides a glimpse into what the future holds. It’ll even keep up with the best electric motorcycles.

Available in single-motor and dual-motor options, the i4 can travel up to 300 miles on a single charge. But if you’re in a pinch, spend just 10 minutes at a DC fast charger to go up to 109 miles.

BMW i7

Facing serious competition from the Mercedes EQS, Tesla Model S, and the Porsche Taycan, BMW i series is prepared to enter the flagship luxury electric sedan segment.

By using design cues from the 7 Series BMW sedans placed on an efficient yet powerful battery-electric drivetrain, the BMW i7 is taking the brand to new heights. Offering generous space and premium materials throughout, there’s little that potential buyers can’t customize.

If you’re ready for a future-forward bimmer that undeniably invokes the BMW spirit, line up for i7. This is not a kid’s electric car, but maybe it’ll inspire one.

BMW Z4

Ready to explore the open road with the top down? The BMW Z4 roadster is the ticket to freedom.

The eight-speed sport automatic transmission shifts effortlessly between gears as you glide through canyon twists. Feel the sun on your face or put the top up to experience a level of sound insulation you thought was impossible on a convertible car.

This BMW sports car balances a highly-refined character with a fun-loving side to put a smile on your face.

BMW customer service number

If you want to speak to a BMW representative, you can reach their US customer relations department by dialing 1-800-831-1117. Those wanting answers about the electric or hybrid BMW offerings should call 1-855-236-1025.

Frequently asked questions about BMW