Best BMW SUV picks for 2024
Take a look at some of the best BMW SUV options you can choose for 2024
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Best BMW SUV
If you’ve decided that you want an SUV, then what better brand to pick than BMW, which has an SUV variant of almost all of its regular cars.
Its cars are also associated with being made to a high quality and are enjoyable to drive, even despite the added bulk of an SUV bodystyle.
Even so, with such an extent of SUV models to choose from – and a growing number of electric models – picking the right one for you is becoming more challenging. We’ve outlined all the key differences below and the best BMW SUV options you can pick from.
BMW X1 - best small BMW SUV
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The BMW X1 is one of the company’s smallest SUVs, but rather than sharing parts with the 1 Series as the name suggests, early models were more similar to the 3 Series and later models have been more closely linked to the 2 Series Active Tourer, which all means more interior space.
There are petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions to choose from, and more recently, the German car manufacturer added an electric model, badged iX1.
Is the BMW X1 an SUV worth looking at?
This model benefits from being affordable to buy and run, but it’s not so small that you should feed cramped. Four-wheel-drive versions can even handle themselves well on a muddy track.
BMW X2
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BMW markets the X2 as a sportier version of the X1, but while they are mechanically similar, it has less room for rear passengers and in the boot.
It’s a popular model for drivers who have previously bought regular hatchbacks but are looking for a high-riding car. BMW announced a new version of the X2, and its electric iX2 counterpart, at the end of 2023, but you'll have to wait to get your hands on one.
What makes the BMW X2 SUV good to drive?
Because the X2 is smaller than the X1, especially in terms of height, it has a lower centre of gravity, which means it’s less likely to lean when you turn into a corner. It combines some of the benefits of both an SUV and a hatchback.
BMW X3 - best BMW SUV for family life
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This is one of the most common BMW SUVs and is now more than two decades old, though regular updates have kept this car looking and feeling in top form. It was also the first BMW SUV to get an electric variant – the iX3.
The latest models have only been available with four-wheel drive, but it’s a clever system that sends most of the power to the rear wheels under normal conditions for a sporty feel and improved fuel economy.
Is the BMW X3 a good SUV?
If you like the idea of a mid-size SUV, then the BMW X3 makes for an appealing choice because it has enough room for the family, is reliable, shouldn’t cost more to run than other SUVs, and is fun to drive.
BMW X4
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The BMW X4 caters to those looking for a raised ride height without the bulk of an SUV. It’s similar in size to the X3, but because it has a sloping rear roofline, it doesn’t look as cumbersome.
It has the same powerful engines as the X3 and gets a lot of kit as standard because it has only ever been sold in higher trim levels, like M Sport.
Is the X4 the best in the BMW SUV range?
The BMW X4 is one of the BMW SUV range’s sweet spots, because it’s big enough to fit most SUV buyers’ bills without feeling awkwardly large, and it looks great. Just be aware that you might not find it as practical as the boxier X3.
BMW X5
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This is another popular BMW SUV with a long heritage, but it’s a lot larger than most other SUVs and is a step above something like a Volkswagen Tiguan or a Nissan Qashqai.
Some versions are available with seven seats, but they’re best kept for smaller children. Either way, the big space that lies behind the split-folding boot, which consists of a normal boot door and a lower section that folds down to create a small bench, is enough for a family road trip.
Why is the BMW X5 SUV right for me?
Despite being a very large car, its diesel engines are reasonably economical and it’s available with plug-in hybrid power, too, so it really is a car you could live with.
BMW X6
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Like the X4, the X6 is a coupé-SUV, which means it has a sloping rear roofline that somewhat hinders boot space compared with the X5 on which it’s based, but it’s so big that you could hardly call its boot small.
It has all of the appeal of an X4, but for someone looking for a larger SUV. That said, it can feel its size when you’re trying to navigate a tight car park.
Should I buy a BMW X6 SUV?
While it’s an appealing car, it’s worth considering if the X4 could be more suitable. It offers cheaper running costs and is less of a task to park.
BMW X7 - best large BMW SUV
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This is BMW’s largest SUV: a seven-seater that’s even bigger than the Audi Q7. If you regularly need to carry adults in the rearmost seats, it’s one of the most comfortable cars to be able to do so.
X7 models can be pricey to buy, but in reality, they aren’t considerably more expensive to run than other seven-seater SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Is an X7 the biggest BMW SUV?
When it launched back in 2019, the X7 stole the X5’s crown as the largest BMW SUV, and you can only buy them with three rows of seats. It’s not much wider than mid-size and large SUVs, measuring 2m, but it’s almost 5.2m long, which is longer than a Range Rover.
What is the fastest BMW SUV model?
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Each BMW SUV has its own performance version. The X5 and X6 use a 625hp 4.4-litre V8 in ‘M Competition’ form to get to 62mph in 3.9 seconds, or 4.3 seconds with the 530hp V8 in ‘M60i’ form.
The X7 also gets an ‘M60i’ version, but because it’s a lot heavier and less aerodynamic, that only does the sprint in 4.7 seconds, which is still quick.
The smaller X3 and X4 models are the quickest BMW SUVs. They use a smaller 510hp 3.0-litre engine to do 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, or 4.9 seconds in 360hp ‘M40i’ form.
They’re the only ones to be sold new with a diesel-powered performance version, too. Badged ‘M40d’, it’s just as quick as its petrol counterpart.
Even the smaller X1 and X2 models have hot versions, but the 2.0-litre engine used in the ‘M35i’ models isn’t quite as quick. Depending on the model, expect it to take around five seconds to 62mph.
Finally, there are the electric BMW SUVs. The iX1 is lighter and is currently available with the most powerful electric motor at 313hp, which means it’s good for 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds.
Best BMW electric SUV
The iX range is the best place to look if you want the best BMW electric SUV. You can choose from the BMW iX, iX1, iX2 and iX3 for electric SUV motoring.
Based on their siblings with similar names, the iX range takes the classic BMW SUVs we love and electrified them.
The BMW iX is the brand's largest electric SUV and offers up to 377 miles of range, and can muster up to 610hp depending on the model.
Choose the iX1 for a small electric SUV with a luxury edge. Officially, you can achieve up to 294 miles on a single charge and there's a choice of all-wheel and front-wheel drive options.
The BMW iX3 is a great mid-size family SUV that's easy to drive and rivals the Audi e-tron and Mercedes EQC. It can achieve up to 285 miles of range and is really well equipt.
What is the best BMW SUV?
The best BMW SUV is the one that suits your needs the most. There are plenty of options to pick from, whether you want a seven-seater electric SUV or a compact petrol model.
We'd recommend the BMW X1 as a great starting point for a first BMW SUV, or the X3 if you want something that feels slightly more spacious.
The BMW X7 is the best large BMW SUV if you want to stick with fuel power, and has a really luxe feel.
Choosing to buy a used BMW is ideal if you want to save money on the cost of purchasing brand-new, and there are plenty of used BMW car finance deals to be had as well.
How much is a used BMW SUV?
Whether you’ve decided on an SUV or you’re willing to consider other bodystyles, buying a used BMW is much cheaper than buying new. Get a nearly-new one, and you could still benefit from the three-year/unlimited-mile warranty.
Because BMW’s SUVs have been around for some time now, there are plenty of older ones to pick from if you have a smaller budget.