1. BMW M3

The M3 is the benchmark everyone else is still trying to beat. Once you bury the throttle, the controversial bucktooth grille doesn’t matter anymore. The S58 twin-turbo inline-six pulls like a freight train, delivering up to 523 hp in the Competition xDrive model.

It’s a car with a split personality. In Comfort mode, the massive curved display and plush leather make it a docile daily driver. But switch to Sport Plus, and it becomes a weapon.

The steering is laser-precise, and the xDrive system has a party trick: you can switch it to 2WD mode to turn the rear tires into smoke on command. It’s stiff, it’s loud, and it’s not trying to be polite. It’s a four-door supercar that begs you to take the long way home.

SEE THIS: 14 Reasons Why the BMW M4 Is the Ultimate Luxury Sports Car!

2. BMW X5

The X5 is the SUV for people who refuse to admit they drive an SUV. While rivals like the Mercedes GLE float over the road, the X5 digs in. The steering has that classic BMW heft, and the chassis control is so good it effectively shrinks the car around you in tight corners.

Under the hood, the entry-level B58 inline-six engine is virtually bulletproof and silky smooth, though the V8 M60i is there if you hate your tires. But the real reason owners love this car is the split-folding tailgate.

It sounds minor, but having that lower ledge to sit on while changing muddy boots or loading groceries prevents things from rolling out. It’s the perfect balance of ultimate driving machine and ultimate grocery getter.

SEE THIS: 18 Fascinating Facts About the BMW Logo You Didn’t Know!

3. BMW Z4

Yes, this car shares its DNA with the Toyota Supra. But where the Supra is a boy-racer, the Z4 is the grown-up grand tourer.

BMW finally ditched the heavy, complex folding metal roof of the previous generation for a classic black canvas top. It saves weight, looks better, and drops in just 10 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph.

You don’t buy the Z4 for track times; you buy it for the B58 inline-six engine (in the M40i). With the top down, you get unfiltered access to that exhaust note, a deep, burbling growl that turbos usually muffle.

It’s not a razor-sharp M-car, and that’s a good thing. It’s compliant enough to drive across the country, provided you pack light.

SEE THIS: 24 Must-Know Facts About the Iconic BMW E30!

4. BMW 7 Series

For the 7 Series, BMW moved away from sport sedan here to focus entirely on waft. The design is controversial: massive, monolithic, and unapologetically brutalist. But step inside, and the noise of the outside world… vanishes.

The interior is a tech-fest that makes a Tesla look basic. The headline act is the optional 31-inch 8K Theater Screen that drops from the ceiling, turning the back seat into a private cinema.

Up front, the “Interaction Bar,” a crystalline strip that runs across the dashboard, changes colors and houses touch controls. With automatic doors that open at the push of a button, this is the closest you can get to a Rolls-Royce without spending half a million dollars.

SEE THIS:  23 Ultimate BMW Cars You Need to Know About!

5. BMW i8

The i8 is the closest thing to a concept car that ever escaped the factory. Even a decade after its launch, it still looks like it landed from the future. The butterfly doors and the floating roof pillars (flying buttresses) at the rear are pure theater.

But don’t let the supercar’s looks fool you, this isn’t a track weapon. It’s built around a carbon-fiber tub (just like a McLaren), but behind the driver sits a humble 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine borrowed from a Mini Cooper.

It sounds impossible, but the hybrid system makes it work, pumping out 369 hp. Getting in requires a “butt-first” slide over the wide carbon sill, but once you’re inside, it’s a surprisingly efficient grand tourer that can silently creep through the city and then carve up a canyon road.

6. BMW X3

If the 3 Series is the soul of BMW, the X3 is its backbone. It is arguably the best-handling SUV in its class, consistently embarrassing rivals like the Audi Q5 and Lexus RX when the road gets twisty. It drives like a lifted sedan, which is exactly what you want.

While the base 4-cylinder is adequate for the school run, the X3 M40i (or the newer M50) is the sweet spot. It pairs that legendary B58 inline-six engine with a chassis that refuses to roll in corners.

It’s practical enough to haul a week’s worth of camping gear, but fast enough to genuinely scare your passengers. It’s the “Goldilocks” of the lineup: big enough for a family, small enough to park easily, and fun enough to justify the badge.

7. BMW M5

To the uninitiated, it looks like a respectable sedan you’d drive to a board meeting. But under the metal, it’s unhinged. Whether you’re looking at the legendary F90 or the new hybrid G90, the formula remains the same: a twin-turbo V8 paired with a chassis that defies physics.

The magic trick here is the M xDrive system. It gives you the safety of All-Wheel Drive for wet commutes, but with a few menu taps, you can disconnect the front axle entirely (2WD Mode). Suddenly, you’re drifting a 5,000-lb luxury limo like it’s a go-kart. It’s a supercar with massage seats and cupholders.

RELATED:  19 Incredible Features of the BMW M5 F90 You Need to Know!

8. BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series is the metric system of the automotive world. For 40 years, it has been the standard that every other manufacturer tries (and usually fails) to beat.

Whether you’re looking at a vintage E30 or the modern G20, the formula is the same: a compact footprint, rear-wheel drive (or rear-biased xDrive), and a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

While the entry-level 330i is a fantastic daily driver, the M340i is the hidden gem of the entire BMW lineup. It packs the glorious B58 inline-six engine, giving you 90% of the M3’s performance without the stiff suspension or the “look at me” body kit. It’s the quintessential sports sedan; balanced, responsive, and timeless.

9. BMW X1

The X1 used to be the car you bought just for the badge, but the latest generation (U11) has completely flipped the script. It finally looks and feels like a real BMW. It has grown in size, ditching the awkward proportions of the old models to look more like a shrunken X5.

While purists might grumble that it’s based on a Front-Wheel Drive platform (unlike the rear-drive-based X3), that layout actually works in its favor here as it maximizes interior space.

The cabin is shockingly roomy for a subcompact, and it gets the same massive Curved Display found in cars twice the price. It’s no longer just the “cheapest BMW”; it’s arguably the best small luxury crossover on sale right now.

10. BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is a shining example in the lineup of luxurious cars. Today’s 5 Series is actually larger than the 7 Series from the 90s. It fills that crucial gap: comfortable enough to cross a continent, but agile enough to handle a back road when the meeting is over.

The new generation (G60) is now offered in two versions: you can buy it as a gas car or the fully electric i5. They look identical, which is a smart move by BMW. The standout feature is the Highway Assistant. You can drive hands-free up to 85 mph, and change lanes just by looking in the side mirror.

11. BMW M2

In a world of hybrids and SUVs, the M2 is a love letter to the purists. It takes the massive S58 engine from its big brother (the M3) and stuffs it into a smaller, shorter chassis. The result is a car that feels like a pitbull pulling on a leash.

The styling is blocky and aggressive, like it was carved out of granite rather than wind, but it fits the car’s personality perfectly. Thankfully, it is one of the few performance cars left on earth that you can still buy with a 6-speed manual transmission. It’s twitchy, it’s stiff, and it requires you to actually drive it. It’s the most fun you can have in a BMW today, period.

12. BMW X6

The X6 is the car that launched a thousand arguments. When BMW first chopped the roofline off an X5 to create this “Sports Activity Coupe,” people laughed. Now, every manufacturer from Porsche to Mercedes is copying it.

You don’t buy an X6 because it makes sense. You pay more for less trunk space and less rear headroom than in the X5. You buy it for the attitude.

It is wider, meaner, and tuned to drive slightly sharper than its boxy sibling. With the Illuminated Kidney Grille (Iconic Glow) leading the way, the X6 isn’t about utility. It’s the SUV for the driver who wants a sports car but lives in a world of potholes.

13. BMW i4

The i4 is the electric car for people who hate electric cars. Unlike Tesla, which tries to reinvent the wheel (literally) and remove every button, the i4 tries to be a normal BMW first and an EV second. It shares its body with the gas-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, meaning you get a proper dashboard, normal door handles, and familiar controls.

But don’t let the normal look fool you. The i4 M50 is violently fast, hitting 0-60 mph faster than the rear-wheel-drive M3. And since electric cars are naturally silent, BMW hired Hans Zimmer (yes, the Inception and Dune composer) to create the “IconicSounds” acceleration noise. It sounds like a spaceship warping into hyperspace, adding drama to the silent torque.

14. BMW M8

The BMW M8 is a shining example of what the Serie BMW stands for. It replaced the old 6 Series, but it cranked up the aggression to eleven.

With 617 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8, it can hit 0-60 mph in roughly 2.5 seconds, which is fast enough to make your passengers physically ill.

It’s a heavy car, and you feel the weight in tight corners. But that’s not the point. This is a Grand Tourer (GT) in the truest sense. It’s built to cross countries at 150 mph without spilling your coffee. Like the M5, it features the switchable M xDrive, meaning you can turn off the front wheels and drift this land yacht if you’re brave enough (or have the tire budget for it).

15. BMW 2 Series

BMW sells two different cars under this name. There is the Gran Coupe (a 4-door, front-wheel-drive sedan that feels like a Mini Cooper), and then there is the 2-Door Coupe (G42). We are talking about the latter because that’s the one enthusiasts care about.

The 2-Door Coupe is the spiritual successor to the legendary BMW 2002 turbo. It is the entry point to “real” BMW driving dynamics: a small footprint, rear-wheel drive, and a long hood.

The M240i xDrive is the star here. It’s so fast and capable that it frankly makes you wonder if you really need to spend the extra $15k for the full-blown M2. If you see one in the signature Thundernight Metallic (purple), you know the driver has good taste.

16. BMW X7

The X7 is the biggest BMW ever made. While the X5 offers a cramped third row for emergencies, the X7 offers a legitimate third row that even adults can tolerate for short trips.

The recent facelift gave it a split headlight design (where the daytime running lights are separated from the main beams), giving it a face that literally looks down on other traffic. But the real magic is the standard two-axle air suspension. It erases road imperfections so effectively that you often forget you’re driving a 5,500-lb tank.

17. BMW 8 Series

The 8 Series is arguably the most beautiful car BMW makes. It is low, wide, and aggressive. A proper spiritual successor to the original wedge-shaped E31 8 Series of the 90s. Whether you choose the Coupe, Convertible, or the four-door Gran Coupe, it has a road presence that makes the 3 Series look like a toy.

However, this is a selfish car. Despite being nearly 16 feet long, the rear seats in the Coupe are essentially upholstered luggage shelves. No human with legs fits back there. But from the driver’s seat, you won’t care. The M850i is the sweet spot of the range, offering a burly twin-turbo V8 that creates an effortless wave of torque. It’s a classic Grand Tourer designed to cross continents in style.

18. BMW X4

The BMW X4 takes the sensible, boxy X3 and chops the roofline off in the name of fashion. Critics call it “paying more for less car,” since you lose cargo space and rear headroom compared to the X3. They aren’t wrong, but logic isn’t the point here.

You buy the X4 because you want the aggressive “coupe-SUV” look without the massive footprint of the X6. To justify the sporty looks, BMW tunes the suspension to be slightly stiffer than the X3. In M40i guise, it’s a genuine canyon carver. The rear end is planted, the B58 engine sings, and it looks fast even when parked. Just don’t ask your tall friends to sit in the back.

19. BMW Z3

If it was good enough for Pierce Brosnan in GoldenEye, it’s good enough for you. The Z3 is the car that launched BMW’s modern roadster era. Unlike the Z4 that followed, the Z3 leans heavily into retro styling. The long hood, the short rear deck, and those functional side gills are pure 1950s tribute.

Driving one today is a lesson in analog joy. It feels tiny compared to modern cars. While the base 1.9-liter 4-cylinder is painfully slow by today’s standards, the inline-six models (2.8L or 3.0L) turn this chassis into a serious fun machine. It’s not the stiffest car in the world, but that’s part of the charm. It’s wind-in-your-hair motoring for a fraction of the price of a vintage Porsche.

20. BMW M4

Mechanically, the BMW M4 is identical to the M3. Same S58 twin-turbo inline-six, same 500+ horsepower, same nose. But by ditching the rear doors, it cuts a much more aggressive silhouette.

The M4 embraces the video game generation more than any other BMW. It literally has an M Drift Analyzer built into the infotainment system that rates your slides on a 1 to 5-star scale. Inside, you’ll find the optional Carbon Fiber Bucket Seats. They look incredible and hold you tight on a track, but getting in and out over the high bolster (and the carbon piece between your legs) is a dignity-destroying exercise. However, once you’re strapped in, there is nothing faster for the money.

21. BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series stands out from the 3 Series with its massive, vertical kidney grille. While some people love to hate it, in person, it gives the car a road presence that the conservative 3 Series lacks.

Under the metal, it is largely identical to the 3 Series, which is high praise. However, BMW widened the rear track by nearly an inch and lowered the center of gravity, making it feel just a bit more planted in corners. Whether you go for the Coupe or the Convertible (which notably switched back to a lighter soft-top roof to save weight), this is a car for the driver who values curb appeal over rear-seat headroom.

22. BMW 1 Series

The modern 1 Series is the car that broke the enthusiasts’ hearts to win the general public’s wallets. For years, the 1 Series was unique because it was the only Rear-Wheel Drive hatchback on the market. But with the current generation (F40/F70), BMW switched to a Front-Wheel Drive platform, the same architecture used by Mini.

By moving the engine sideways, they finally carved out a cabin that can fit adult human legs in the back seat. It drives more like a VW Golf now, safe, predictable, and grippy, rather than a tail-happy drift machine. The range-topping M135 xDrive is a serious hot hatch that rivals the Golf R, but for most buyers, this is simply the most affordable ticket into the BMW club

23. BMW M760I

The M760i represents the end of an era. It was the last BMW to house a massive 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine. With the recent downsizing to hybrids and electrics, this car is a dinosaur, but it’s a T-Rex.

The V12 delivers power so smoothly that you don’t feel acceleration; you just notice the speedometer swinging past 100 mph. It does 0-60 in a terrifying 3.6 seconds, which is faster than most supercars from a decade ago, all while massaging your back. If you see that V12 badge on the C-pillar, show some respect. You likely won’t see a car like this ever built again.