The Complete BMW Buying Guide (SUVs) (2024)

In 1999 BMW released its first ever SUV, or SAV as it likes to call it, the X5. This was a big deal as for the past 30 plus years it had built its reputation on making sport sedans and coupes. It ended up being a hit for the brand, a few years later the X3 came out, and ever since then it seems like the number of SUVs in the lineup has been expanding at an exponential rate. From X1, to X7, XM and iX, this guide is for all of BMWs current SUV offerings, and will help keep you informed about the current model options, as well as if it has had a recent refresh, or if you can expect one soon. With the exception of the X3 sDrive 30i, and X5 sDrive 40i, all BMW SUVs currently sold in the United States are AWD.

BMW X1 / BMW X2

Updated for 2023, the X1 has grown in every dimension and has lost the iDrive controller in favor of a touchscreen only interface. It also has new styling, which I think looks great, and is one of the best looking BMWs as of late. The X2 was updated shortly after the X1 for the 2024 model year. It has lost its small lifted hatchback appearance, gaining over 7 inches in length, and has turned into a true coupe version of the X1. It shares the same interior with the X2, and both X1 and X2 are available with a 4 Cylinder in two different trims, with a 7 Speed DCT. Both are on the FWD UKL architecture, but unlike last generation, there are no FWD options currently available, and the EV iX1 and iX2 are not being sold in the United States.

ModelMSRPEnginePower/Torque
X1 xDrive28i
$40,5002.0 I4 Turbo241 hp / 295 lb-ft
X1 M35i$49,9002.0 I4 Turbo313 hp / 295 lb-ft
ModelMSRPEnginePower/Torque
X2 xDrive28i
$42,0002.0 I4 Turbo241 hp / 295 lb-ft
X2 M35i$51,4002.0 I4 Turbo312 hp / 295 lb-ft

BMW X3 / BMW X4

Currently some of the oldest models in BMWs lineup, the current generation X3 came out for the 2018 model year, and the coupe roofed X4 variant came out a year later for the 2019. For 2022, the X3 and X4 received a LCI which updated the front and rear, as well as a large interior update, bringing the interior in line with other cars in the lineup. The X3 is available with RWD in the sDrive30i trim, but all other X3 and X4 trims are AWD. The X3 M came out for 2020, and introduced the S58 six-cylinder, which later went on to power the M2/M3/M4. Spy photos for the next generation X3 have been going around recently, and the car is expected to debut later this year.

ModelMSRPEnginePower/Torque
X3 sDrive30i$46,9002.0 I4 Turbo248 hp / 258 lb-ft
X3 xDrive30i$48,9002.0 I4 Turbo248 hp / 258 lb-ft
X3 M40i$61,9003.0 I6 Turbo382 hp / 369 lb-ft
X3 M$75,5003.0 I6 Twin Turbo473 hp / 457 lb-ft
ModelMSRPEnginePower/Torque
X4 xDrive30i$55,0002.0 I4 Turbo248 hp / 258 lb-ft
X4 M40i$66,4003.0 I6 Turbo382 hp / 369 lb-ft
X4 M$79,1003.0 I6 Twin Turbo473 hp / 457 lb-ft

BMW X5

The current X5 was released for 2019, with the sloped roof X6 variant coming out for 2020. For 2024, both cars were facelifted. Updates include a redesigned front end, with the X6 being available in M Sport trim only, new taillights in the X5, and a large interior update with bigger screens running iDrive 8.5 with fewer physical controls. The X5 xDrive 45e has been replaced with the 50e. Benefits include more power, with a longer EV driving range due to a larger battery. The M50i trims have been replaced with M60i, featuring a true M S68 engine, which replaces the N63 previously available.

The X5 M/X6 M engines have also been updated, powered by the S68 engine as well. Both the X5 M and X M now share the X6’s more uniquely shaped kidneys, and now have horizontal slats to bring it in line with other recent M products. 3 row seats are available on some models, but the third row should only be reserved for short trips or for little children as they are very tight.

ModelMSRPEnginePower/Torque
X5 sDrive40i$65,7003.0 I6 Twin Turbo375 hp / 398 lb-ft
X5 xDrive40i$68,0003.0 I6 Twin Turbo375 hp / 398 lb-ft
X5 xDrive50e$73,1003.0 I6 Twin Turbo + Electric Motor483 hp / 516 lb-ft
X5 M60i$90,0004.4 V8 Twin Turbo523 hp / 553 lb-ft
X5 M Competition$124,8004.4 V8 Twin Turbo617 hp / 553 lb-ft
ModelMSRPEnginePower/Torque
X6 xDrive40i$74,5003.0 I6 Twin Turbo375 hp / 398 lb-ft
X6 M60i$94,3004.4 V8 Twin Turbo523 hp / 553 lb-ft
X6 M Competition$129,7004.4 V8 Twin Turbo617 hp / 553 lb-ft

BMW X7

For close to 20 years, the X5 was the largest and greatest SUV BMW produced. There was no lifted counterpart for the 7 Series, but this changed in 2019 with the X7’s introduction. Being the same width as the X5, but 9 inches longer, the X7 is a true three row SUV. It received a large update in 2023, coinciding with the release of the all new 2023 7 Series. Updates included a totally redesigned front end with split headlights similar to the 7 Series, new taillights, and a new interior with iDrive 8. Like with the X5, the M50i trim has been replaced with the M Powered M60i. And like with the 7 Series, there is no full fat M variant.

ModelMSRPEnginePower/Torque
X7 xDrive40i$83,5003.0 I6 Twin Turbo375 hp / 398 lb-ft
X7 M60i$110,9004.4 V8 Twin Turbo523 hp / 553 lb-ft

BMW XM

To the shock and horror of BMW fans in 2023, BMW released the XM SUV. With a 122.2” wheelbase, identical to the X7 (a car the company doesn’t believe deserves a M variant) this is BMW’s first “ground up” M car since the 1978 M1. Coming in at over 6000 LBS, It features a plug-in hybrid setup with the S68 Twin Turbo V8, foreshadowing what will power the upcoming next generation M5. Above the base XM, there is the XM Label which was initially called the XM Label Red. It features the same engine with a different state of tune, and puts out over 700 horsepower.

ModelMSRPEnginePower/Torque
XM$159,0004.4 V8 Twin-Turbo + Electric Motor644 hp / 590 lb-ft
XM Label$185,0004.4 V8 Twin-Turbo + Electric Motor738 hp / 738 lb-ft

BMW iX

Unlike other current EVs in BMWs range, the i4, i5, i7, the iX is a ground up dedicated EV, similar to the i3 that came years before. Unveiled in late 2020 for the 2022 model year, It is around the size of a X5 being a bit longer, narrower and lower, but is larger inside due to the advantages that come with building a ground up EV. Currently available in xDrive 50 and M60 trims, a facelift is coming soon, expect the xDrive 50 be replaced with the xDrive 60, and M60 be replaced with the M70. Both will have more power, and more range.

ModelMSRPEnginePower/Torque
iX xDrive50$87,250Dual Electric Motors516 hp / 564 lb-ft
iX M60$111,500Dual Electric Motors610 hp / 749 lb-ft
The Complete BMW Buying Guide (SUVs) (2024)

FAQs

Which BMW SUV is best for seniors? ›

Best BMW for Seniors

Both the 2022 BMW X3 and X5 SUVs offer premier comfort and safety features that can provide peace of mind for senior drivers.

Which BMW SUV is more reliable? ›

BMW's entry-level SUV, the X1, is a compact luxury SUV. It ranks the highest of all the BMW SUV's for reliability, earning a reliability rating of 98.4% by What Car and a score of 86/100 for quality and reliability by JD Power.

What is the most reliable BMW to buy? ›

2022 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

Having just launched in 2019, the BMW 8 Series is the automaker's most recent offering and the pick of the bunch in terms of reliability is the 2022 model. The 2022 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe gets a J.D. Power quality and reliability score of 85.

What is the best selling BMW model of all time? ›

The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total car sales, and has won numerous awards throughout its history. The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted with the E30 M3 in 1986.

Which BMW is best for seniors? ›

These IIHS-HLDI Top Safety Pick+ small and mid-size SUVs have all their recommended safety features for seniors, making them the best SUVs for older drivers: 2023 BMW X1.

Do BMW SUV hold their value? ›

A pre-owned BMW X3 is an excellent choice for Syosset shoppers who want a luxurious SUV to retain a large portion of its value. The 2018, 2017, and 2016 BMW X3 model years have some of the best resale values for the luxury brand. On average, a 2018 pre-owned BMW X3 could retain as much as 40% of the original value.

Is BMW a good SUV to buy? ›

BMW's entry-level SUV is an excellent introduction to the BMW X range. It's really spacious, drives brilliantly, has a big boot and all the infotainment tech that you get in BMW's high-end cars. There are petrol, diesel, hybrid and – as you'll read later – now a fully electric version too.

What is the best used BMW to buy? ›

Best Used BMW to Buy
  • BMW X5. One of the best BMW SUVs used is the BMW X5. ...
  • BMW X7. Another worthy contender on our list of the best used BMWs to buy is the BMW X7. ...
  • BMW 3 Series. Without a doubt, one of the best BMWs to buy used is the BMW 3 Series. ...
  • BMW i3. ...
  • BMW 8 Series.

How many miles is too many for a BMW SUV? ›

Almost any BMW has the potential to run for up to 200,000 or even 250,000 miles with proper maintenance–and there are always going to be outliers that go further. Since every new BMW includes complimentary factory-recommended maintenance through BMW Ultimate Care, it's easy to start off on the right foot.

Which BMW engine is the best? ›

BMW S58 twin turbocharge Inline-6

It is the most incredible engine that BMW has created. It can produce a horsepower of 503 and is used on BMW models like BMW G20 3 Series. It is a fast car with excellent performance and one reliable engine. The S58 is the latest engine that follows the B58 engine.

Which BMW engine is most reliable? ›

The N52 is certainly the more reliable choice. Two aspects that make the N52 a good choice for a reliable BMW engine are the lack of direct injection and a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). Direct injection is often associated with a higher carbon buildup, and short drives amplify this issue further.

What is high mileage for a BMW? ›

Find Out What Good Mileage for a Used Car Is

If you're considering a used BMW, you'll want to consider the following factors when determining the condition of any low-mileage used cars you're considering: Use: What is considered high mileage? Anything over 75,000 miles falls under this category.

Which BMW depreciates the fastest? ›

BMW 5-Series Hybrid

Luxury sedans dominate the depreciation race thanks to the BMW 5-Series—specifically the hybrid version, according to iSeeCars. According to the data, the 5-Series hybrid loses 58.8 percent of its value on average after five years.

Which BMW holds its value best? ›

We analyzed over 3 million cars to determine the 5 year resale value for each model. The BMW M2 has the best resale value among BMW models, which retains 61.6% of its value after the first 5 years. Following the M2 is the BMW M4 (coupe) with 59.1% resale value. The BMW M3 ranks #3 with a resale value of 57.7%.

What is the best SUV for retirees? ›

The IIHS named the CR-V a Top Safety Pick, and Kelley Blue Book chose it as our Compact SUV Best Buy for 2024. On the safety front, the CR-V provides Honda Sensing with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with steering assist.

Which BMW SUV is most comfortable? ›

BMW X7. The BMW X7 is a larger SUV that offers even more space and comfort than the X5. The seats are made with high-quality materials and offer a range of adjustments to fit any driver or passenger.

What is the easiest BMW to drive? ›

A used BMW 1 Series is a great option for a first car if you want the on-trend model that's also compact and comes packed with tech. You might choose to opt for the 3 Series if you need more space or want a car that you can grow into as you gain confidence on the road.

What age group does BMW target? ›

Affluent Professionals: BMW's core demographic comprises successful professionals, typically aged 30–50, with higher levels of income. These individuals value both performance and luxury in their vehicles. 2.

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