BMW originally took over the market with agile cars and stylish luxury coupes, but nowadays the trend is shifting toward SUVs. BMW makes good SUVs, including the X3, X5 and X7 series. The German car manufacturer has come a long way since its first X5 vehicles in 1999.
BMW SUVs are good all-rounders
BMW started its SUV crusade by making the perfect compact luxury crossover SUV with the BMW X5 in 1999. The passion for SUVs in BMW fans was later reignited in 2003 when BMW released the first-generation BMW X3. The X3 is still produced today, currently on its third generation.
BMW SUV prices
There are currently seven BMW SUV models available on the market, with a large variety of engines, and years of production, leaving you with good options. Let’s compare, for example, the price of 2020’s models so that you can get a good idea of the price range.
These the approximate prices for basic models. They will increase with additional packages and features.
- 2020 BMW X1 – $35,000 (MSRP)
- 2020 BMW X2 – $35,500 (MSRP)
- 2020 BMW X3 – $42,000 (MSRP)
- 2020 BMW X4 – $51,000 (MSRP)
- 2020 BMW X5 – $59,000 (MSRP)
- 2020 BMW X6 – $64,000 (MSRP)
- 2020 BMW X7 – $74,000 (MSRP)
As you can clearly see, there is a big difference between the X7 and the X1, since one of them costs more than double the other. If the full price seems unattainable for you, many drivers choose to lease a BMW, rather than buying it outright.
If you are looking for a pick-up truck, BMW doesn’t manufacture one yet. They made an attempted concept but it wasn’t accepted well by the public and they’ve frozen the project for now.
Comparing BMW SUV models
BMW’s seven SUV models range from great compact commutes to large luxury SUVS suitable for business and family use.
The BMW X1 is a subcompact SUV that comes with great style, average passenger volume and very agile and flexible engine options. It has impressive cargo space for the segment. It is ideal for commuting, or for a small family of three.
The BMW X2 is slightly larger, based on the BMW 2 Series, and delivers a performance package if needed. It’s considered a more stylish alternative to the BMW X1.
The BMW X3 is the best seller of the bunch, much like the BMW 3 Series car it is based on. It is the middle ground between the budget version and the flagship that costs double. The X3 is a good balance between a very powerful vehicle and a family SUV that can take you to most places in style.
The BMW X4 comes with more features and a significant increase in pricing. The interior is a great improvement over the three previous models. It’s considered the luxury upgrade to the BMW X3. The interior is the major difference between the two.
The BMW X5 is a lot larger than the aforementioned models. It also allows for the option of a third row of seats, and despite being a five-seater, it can turn into a large-enough vehicle for seven. It’s a mid-size SUV that can take you on any adventure, ranging from the office to a holiday with your family.
The BMW X6 isn’t exactly an SUV, but rather the coupe variation of the BMW X5. It is a lot larger than the BMW X4. It offers more space than most coupes, as it is based on an SUV after all.
The BMW X7 is BMW’s flagship SUV. Coming with 3 rows of seats as standard, it seats up to seven passengers in total. It is the most luxurious option you can purchase and it delivers a lot of innovations and comfortable features that are rarely found lower down the BMW food chain.
Regardless of what you choose, BMW SUVs are good all-rounders and can be comfortable family vehicles, as well as business cars that present you with a good front during meetings and business visits. Moreover, the best thing about BMW is the sheer driving pleasure you get, regardless of the model you pick.
Things to know about BMW SUVs
What is xDrive?
All the BMW SUV models can be purchased with an xDrive add-on. Some of them actually come with a standard xDrive. If you are unfamiliar with the term, xDrive is a system equivalent to Quattro, or 4×4. It’s a full-time all-wheel-drive system, specifically designed and made for BMW SUVs and vehicles.
The system is controlled by a computer, which senses how much power a particular wheel needs to be allocated. Whenever one of the wheels has trouble moving, the power is distributed to the other three and vice-versa, making it an extremely reliable system.
Can BMW SUV’s xDrive be turned off?
There is no way to turn off the xDrive in a stock BMW model. There are, however, gadgets that can be installed on the car and be linked to your smartphone to manually override the system. Otherwise, the xDrive is only disengaged when the vehicle is making a sharp turn for safety reasons.
What is the best BMW SUV ever?
BMW had the most success with the SUV X3 model from 2006 – 2010. It is an extremely comfortable ride, and has proved to be a very reliable SUV over the years. It is equipped with a solid suspension and absorbs most bumps on the road. Additionally, the miles per gallon on the vehicle are higher than you would expect, with 22 mpg.
Which one is the most reliable BMW SUV model?
The BMW X3 2006 – 2010 is the most reliable BMW SUV car that has been produced up until now since it was based on the BMW 2006 – 2011 3 Series, which proved itself with 5 stars on crash tests in 2009. It also varied in reliability but always scored more than the average for BMW models.
Are BMW SUVs expensive to maintain compared to other SUVs?
Yes, BMW SUVs tend to be more expensive to maintain compared to other SUVs. This is due to the fact that all BMW models are built with higher quality components and materials than other brands. These components cost more money, which translates into a higher price tag for servicing and repairs than other vehicles. Furthermore, BMWs have complex electrical systems that are also expensive to repair or replace. Additionally, regular maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations can also add up over time on a BMW SUV. All these factors combined make BMW SUVs one of the more expensive car brands to maintain compared to its competitors.
How long can a BMW SUV last?
With the right kind of care, you can expect your BMW SUV to last for up to 250,000 miles or even more. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your vehicle lasts as long as possible. This includes regularly changing the oil and performing preventive maintenance such as tire rotations and brake inspections. It is also important to take good care of the exterior by waxing it and washing it regularly. This will help protect the paint from fading and keep it looking its best for years to come. With proper care, a BMW SUV can easily last over 200,000 miles and potentially further if driven carefully.
Are BMW X5 SUVs reliable?
The BMW X5 SUV is considered to be a reliable vehicle, however it does not maintain the same level of reliability as other models of BMW. According to RepairPal, the reliability score of the X5 is 2.0 out of 5.0, which is below average. The most common problems related to this luxury SUV include transmission issues, engine noises and malfunctions, suspension problems, electrical issues, and air conditioning failure. Additionally, some owners have reported problems with fuel pump failure and steering components wearing down prematurely. While these are all common issues with the X5 SUV they can usually be fixed without too much trouble and cost. With regular maintenance and proper care, your BMW X5 SUV should remain reliable for many years to come.
What is the biggest BMW SUV?
The biggest BMW SUV is the 2024 BMW X7. This luxury SUV has the largest cargo space, most seating, spacious headroom, and grand exterior dimensions compared to any other BMW model. It also offers a unique and luxurious interior design with an abundance of features such as a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats with memory settings, and climate control for both the driver and passenger. Additionally, it comes with a range of advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, blind spot detection, and collision avoidance systems. With all these features and its large size, the X7 is considered to be the ultimate luxury SUV from BMW.
Is BMW X7 bigger than Audi Q7?
The BMW X7 is indeed bigger than the Audi Q7. The BMW X7 measures 203.3 inches in overall length compared to the Audi Q7 at 199.3 inches. Inside, the new BMW X7 boasts greater third-row legroom and maximum cargo capacity than the Audi with its expanded wheelbase. Additionally, the exterior of the BMW has a more aggressive styling with a larger and more upright grille, and higher set headlights than its competitor. Its interior also features a wide range of luxury amenities such as heated/ventilated seats, power front seats with memory settings, four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and much more. Thus making it clear that when it comes to size and features, the BMW X7 is the bigger and better choice between these two luxury SUVs.
In conclusion, a BMW SUV is a good car to own if you are looking for a reliable vehicle with an abundance of features. While it may be more expensive to maintain than other cars, it is certainly worth it for the long-term reliability and luxury feel that comes with owning a BMW SUV.
Which BMW is bigger X3 or X5?
The BMW X5 is bigger than the BMW X3. The X5 is 8.5 inches longer, roughly five inches wider, and nearly three inches taller than the X3. Because of its size, the BMW X5 offers more room for passengers as well as a larger cargo capacity and a higher towing capacity. It also comes with more luxurious features such as heated/ventilated seats, power front seats with memory settings, four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and much more. Additionally, it can be outfitted with an optional third row of seating which makes it even better suited for larger families or groups who need extra space. Therefore if you are looking for a large yet luxurious SUV that has plenty of features and room, then the BMW X5 is a great choice.
Which BMW SUV is most comfortable?
When it comes to a comfortable ride, the BMW X7 is the most comfortable BMW SUV. The X7 offers superior comfort with its standard adjustable air suspension system which automatically adjusts itself to provide the optimum balance between sporty handling and luxurious comfort. Additionally, the interior of this luxury SUV is loaded with amenities such as heated/ventilated front seats with power memory settings, four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and much more all of which contribute to its overall comfort. Furthermore, this model also offers an optional third row of seating that can be reconfigured for maximum space or folded down completely when not in use. Thus making it clear that if you are looking for a large yet luxurious SUV that provides maximum comfort then the BMW X7 is an excellent choice.