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.
