Complete current-market desk
BMW vehicle research
The BMW vehicle research desk indexes 25 current EPA model families for model years 2025–2027, totaling 111 certification records across 109 model/option labels. Current BMW certification data spans Electricity, Premium, Premium and Electricity fuel types and All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive drivetrains, with combined efficiency of 13–118 MPG/MPGe. The archive extends further back with 64 additional model-year records across 19 BMW models. 26 dedicated model hubs break this down by nameplate, and each family page adds its own 12-answer decision desk covering configuration choice, ownership, maintenance and used buying. Every figure here traces back to its own EPA row or dated manufacturer source, never averaged across the make.
Trim guides
Trims, with primary source trails.
4 trims · 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or 3.0L turbo inline-six · RWD / AWD · seating for 4 or 5.
4 trims · full model guide →2026 · Compact luxury sedan3 Series4 trims · 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (mild hybrid) or 3.0L turbo inline-six (mild hybrid) · RWD / AWD · seating for 5.
4 trims · full model guide →2027 · Compact luxury coupe4 Series4 trims · 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (mild hybrid) or 3.0L turbo inline-six (mild hybrid) · RWD / AWD · seating for 4 or 5.
4 trims · full model guide →2027 · Midsize luxury sedan5 Series4 trims · 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, 3.0L turbo inline-six, or 3.0L turbo inline-six plug-in hybrid · RWD / AWD · seating for 5.
4 trims · full model guide →2027 · Full-size luxury sedan7 Series4 trims · 3.0L turbo inline-six, 3.0L turbo inline-six plug-in hybrid, or 4.4L twin-turbo V8 · RWD / AWD · seating for 5.
4 trims · full model guide →2026 · Full-size luxury coupe8 Series3 trims · 3.0L turbo inline-six or 4.4L twin-turbo V8 · RWD / AWD · seating for 4.
3 trims · full model guide →2026 · Compact luxury SUVX12 trims · 2.0L turbo four-cylinder · Standard AWD · seating for 5.
2 trims · full model guide →2027 · Compact luxury SUVX12 trims · 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder (xDrive28i) or 2.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder (M35i) · Standard AWD · seating for 5.
2 trims · full model guide →2027 · Compact luxury coupe-SUVX22 trims · 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (xDrive28i) or 2.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder (M35i) · Standard AWD · seating for 5.
2 trims · full model guide →2026 · Compact luxury coupe-SUVX22 trims · 2.0L turbo four-cylinder · Standard AWD · seating for 5.
2 trims · full model guide →2026 · Compact luxury SUVX32 trims · 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or 3.0L turbo inline-six · Standard AWD · seating for 5.
2 trims · full model guide →2025 · Compact luxury coupe-SUVX44 trims · 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, 3.0L turbo inline-six, or 3.0L turbo inline-six (X4 M) · Standard AWD · seating for 5.
4 trims · full model guide →2027 · Midsize luxury SUVX54 trims · 3.0L turbo inline-six (48V mild hybrid), plug-in hybrid, all-electric (iX5), or (later in the model year) diesel/hydrogen/M Performance V8 · RWD / AWD · seating for 5.
4 trims · full model guide →2027 · Midsize luxury coupe-SUVX63 trims · 3.0L turbo inline-six, 4.4L twin-turbo V8, or 4.4L twin-turbo M V8 · Standard AWD · seating for 5.
3 trims · full model guide →2027 · Full-size luxury SUVX72 trims · 3.0L turbo inline-six or 4.4L twin-turbo V8 · Standard AWD · seating for 6 or 7.
2 trims · full model guide →2026 · High-performance hybrid SUVXM2 trims · 4.4L twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid · Standard AWD · seating for 5.
2 trims · full model guide →2026 · RoadsterZ42 trims · 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or 3.0L turbo inline-six · RWD · seating for 2.
2 trims · full model guide →2026 · Electric compact luxury sedani43 trims · Electric motor(s), single or dual · RWD / AWD · seating for 5.
3 trims · full model guide →2027 · Electric midsize luxury sedani53 trims · Electric motor(s), single or dual · RWD / AWD · seating for 5.
3 trims · full model guide →2027 · Electric full-size luxury sedani73 trims · Electric motor(s), single or dual · Standard AWD · seating for 5.
3 trims · full model guide →2026 · Electric midsize luxury SUViX3 trims · Dual electric motors · Standard AWD · seating for 5.
3 trims · full model guide →2027 · High-performance sedan/coupeM2/M3/M46 trims · 3.0L turbo inline-six · RWD / AWD · seating for 4 or 5.
6 trims · full model guide →2027 · Electric midsize SUViX32 trims · Single or dual electric motor · RWD or standard AWD depending on trim · seating for 5.
2 trims · full model guide →2027 · Compact performance coupeM22 trims · 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six · RWD or standard AWD (xDrive) · seating for 4.
2 trims · full model guide →2027 · Compact performance sedanM33 trims · 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six · RWD or optional AWD (xDrive, Competition only) · seating for 5.
3 trims · full model guide →2027 · Compact performance coupeM44 trims · 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six · RWD or optional AWD (xDrive, Competition only) · seating for 4.
4 trims · full model guide →2027 · Midsize performance sedanM52 trims · 4.4L twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid · Standard AWD (xDrive) · seating for 5.
2 trims · full model guide →2025 · Full-size performance coupeM83 trims · 4.4L twin-turbo V8 · Standard AWD (xDrive) · seating for 4.
3 trims · full model guide →Official market snapshot
Every BMW EPA family in the dataset.
| Family | Year | Vehicle class | Configurations | Model/option labels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Series → | 2027 | Compact Cars, Subcompact Cars | 5 | 5 |
| 3 Series → | 2026 | Compact Cars | 4 | 4 |
| 4 Series → | 2027 | Compact Cars, Subcompact Cars | 12 | 12 |
| 5 Series → | 2027 | Midsize Cars | 4 | 4 |
| 7 Series → | 2027 | Large Cars | 2 | 2 |
| 8 Series → | 2026 | Midsize Cars, Subcompact Cars | 9 | 9 |
| i4 → | 2026 | Compact Cars | 7 | 7 |
| i5 → | 2027 | Compact Cars | 9 | 9 |
| i7 → | 2027 | Large Cars | 8 | 8 |
| iX → | 2026 | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 11 | 11 |
| iX3 → | 2027 | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 5 | 5 |
| M2 → | 2027 | Subcompact Cars | 3 | 2 |
| M3 → | 2027 | Compact Cars | 3 | 3 |
| M4 → | 2027 | Subcompact Cars | 4 | 4 |
| M5 → | 2027 | Midsize Cars, Midsize Station Wagons | 2 | 2 |
| M8 → | 2025 | Midsize Cars, Subcompact Cars | 3 | 3 |
| X1 → | 2027 | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 2 | 2 |
| X2 → | 2027 | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 2 | 2 |
| X3 → | 2026 | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 2 | 2 |
| X4 → | 2025 | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 4 | 4 |
| X5 → | 2027 | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 1 | 1 |
| X6 → | 2027 | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 3 | 3 |
| X7 → | 2027 | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 2 | 2 |
| XM → | 2026 | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 1 | 1 |
| Z4 → | 2026 | Two Seaters | 3 | 2 |
5 certified configurations · 5 model/option labels
14 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, +1 more →2026 · Compact Cars3 Series4 certified configurations · 4 model/option labels
16 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive →2027 · Compact Cars, Subcompact Cars4 Series12 certified configurations · 12 model/option labels
18 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive →2027 · Midsize Cars5 Series4 certified configurations · 4 model/option labels
11 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive →2027 · Large Cars7 Series2 certified configurations · 2 model/option labels
13 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive →2026 · Midsize Cars, Subcompact Cars8 Series9 certified configurations · 9 model/option labels
15 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive →2026 · Compact Carsi47 certified configurations · 7 model/option labels
16 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive →2027 · Compact Carsi59 certified configurations · 9 model/option labels
12 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive →2027 · Large Carsi78 certified configurations · 8 model/option labels
13 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2026 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDiX11 certified configurations · 11 model/option labels
15 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2027 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDiX35 certified configurations · 5 model/option labels
13 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2027 · Subcompact CarsM23 certified configurations · 2 model/option labels
16 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive →2027 · Compact CarsM33 certified configurations · 3 model/option labels
9 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive →2027 · Subcompact CarsM44 certified configurations · 4 model/option labels
9 model answers · All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive →2027 · Midsize Cars, Midsize Station WagonsM52 certified configurations · 2 model/option labels
10 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2025 · Midsize Cars, Subcompact CarsM83 certified configurations · 3 model/option labels
5 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2027 · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDX12 certified configurations · 2 model/option labels
17 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2027 · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDX22 certified configurations · 2 model/option labels
16 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2026 · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDX32 certified configurations · 2 model/option labels
17 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2025 · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDX44 certified configurations · 4 model/option labels
7 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2027 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDX51 certified configurations · 1 model/option labels
13 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2027 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDX63 certified configurations · 3 model/option labels
11 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2027 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDX72 certified configurations · 2 model/option labels
11 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2026 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDXM1 certified configurations · 1 model/option labels
13 model answers · All-Wheel Drive →2026 · Two SeatersZ43 certified configurations · 2 model/option labels
12 model answers · Rear-Wheel Drive →Model research hubs
Every BMW nameplate, with all of its published model years.
BMW 2 Series specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW 2 Series model hub →Compact luxury coupeBMW 4 SeriesBMW 4 Series specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW 4 Series model hub →Compact luxury coupe-SUVBMW X2BMW X2 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW X2 model hub →Compact luxury coupe-SUVBMW X4BMW X4 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW X4 model hub →Compact luxury sedanBMW 3 SeriesBMW 3 Series specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW 3 Series model hub →Compact luxury SUVBMW X1BMW X1 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW X1 model hub →Compact luxury SUVBMW X3BMW X3 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW X3 model hub →Compact performance coupeBMW M2BMW M2 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW M2 model hub →Compact performance coupeBMW M4BMW M4 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW M4 model hub →Compact performance sedanBMW M3BMW M3 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW M3 model hub →Electric compact luxury sedanBMW i4BMW i4 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW i4 model hub →Electric full-size luxury sedanBMW i7BMW i7 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW i7 model hub →Electric midsize luxury sedanBMW i5BMW i5 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW i5 model hub →Electric midsize luxury SUVBMW iXBMW iX specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW iX model hub →Electric midsize SUVBMW iX3BMW iX3 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW iX3 model hub →Full-size luxury coupeBMW 8 SeriesBMW 8 Series specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW 8 Series model hub →Full-size luxury sedanBMW 7 SeriesBMW 7 Series specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW 7 Series model hub →Full-size luxury SUVBMW X7BMW X7 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW X7 model hub →Full-size performance coupeBMW M8BMW M8 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW M8 model hub →High-performance hybrid SUVBMW XMBMW XM specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW XM model hub →High-performance sedan/coupeBMW M2/M3/M4BMW M2/M3/M4 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW M2/M3/M4 model hub →Midsize luxury coupe-SUVBMW X6BMW X6 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW X6 model hub →Midsize luxury sedanBMW 5 SeriesBMW 5 Series specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW 5 Series model hub →Midsize luxury SUVBMW X5BMW X5 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW X5 model hub →Midsize performance sedanBMW M5BMW M5 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW M5 model hub →RoadsterBMW Z4BMW Z4 specs by model year, with the trim and EPA configuration record for each one.
Open the BMW Z4 model hub →Model-year archive
Every indexed BMW model year.
64 model-year records across 19 BMW models.
3 Series
Other makes
Compare BMW against other current-market makes.
Recall record across the lineup
BMW: which models carry more or fewer federal safety recalls than the brand’s own average.
Below the BMW average
- BMW X2 : about 1.6 recalls per model-year on file across 7 published years (brand average is 5.0).
| Model | Average recalls per model-year | Total recalls on file | Model years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X3 | 7.8 | 93 | 12 |
| BMW iX | 7.0 | 28 | 4 |
| BMW X7 | 6.9 | 55 | 8 |
| BMW X5 | 6.5 | 78 | 12 |
| BMW i7 | 6.3 | 19 | 3 |
| BMW i4 | 6.0 | 18 | 3 |
| BMW X4 | 4.1 | 49 | 12 |
| BMW X6 | 3.5 | 42 | 12 |
| BMW Z4 | 2.9 | 29 | 10 |
| BMW X1 | 2.7 | 32 | 12 |
| BMW X2 | 1.6 | 11 | 7 |
Method: each model’s average is computed from the same NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API model-year data shown on that model’s own hub, queried by exact make, model and model year. Data pulled 2026-09-04. Models with fewer than 3 published model years of recall data are excluded from this comparison.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Which BMW models have the most federal recalls?
X2 carries a lower rate. See each model's own hub for the year-by-year breakdown.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API.
About the brand
About BMW.
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, trading as BMW Group (commonly abbreviated to BMW, sometimes anglicised as Bavarian Motor Works), is a German multinational conglomerate manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Germany. The moniker "BMW " first came into use when the German firm Rapp Motorenwerke changed its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH (BMW GmbH) in 1917.
- History
- BMW traces its origins to aircraft engine manufacturer Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik, founded in 1910 by Gustav Otto in the Kingdom of Bavaria, German Empire. On 18 August 1916, the firm was reorganized as Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW). In 1922, BFW was renamed Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW).
- Ownership
- The key trends of the BMW Group are (as at the financial year ending 31 December):
- Lineup
- BMW's model lineup is organized around a numbering system: even digits (2, 4, 6, 8) generally mark two-door coupes and convertibles while odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7) mark sedans and hatchbacks, with the number itself indicating size and market position, from the compact 1 and 2 Series up to the flagship 7 and 8 Series. The X-prefixed models (X1 through X7) are BMW's SUV range, sized to roughly parallel their numbered counterparts. Two performance and technology sub-brands sit across that structure: "i" models are BMW's electric vehicles, such as the i4 and iX, built from the ground up as EVs rather than converted from gasoline platforms, while "M" models are the output of BMW M GmbH, the company's in-house performance division, which builds the most powerful version of a given nameplate — the M3, M5 and X5 M among them — the same role Audi's RS models and Mercedes-Benz's AMG models play for their respective brands. BMW has a long motorsport history across touring cars (DTM, WTCC), endurance racing (24 Hours of Le Mans, Nürburgring, Daytona), Formula One, and more recently Formula E, and that racing pedigree is the origin of the M division itself, which began as BMW's motorsport arm before becoming a full performance-car brand.
- Reception
- BMW has received criticism for attempting to lock vehicle hardware features behind subscription fees. In 2018, BMW stated at the Detroit Auto Show that it will start charging users a subscription fee for CarPlay. After receiving widespread criticism, BMW removed the subscription.
- Branding
- BMW is an abbreviation for Bayerische Motoren Werke. This name is grammatically incorrect (in German, compound words must not contain spaces), which is why the grammatically correct form of the name, Bayerische Motorenwerke has been used in several publications and advertisements in the past. Bayerische Motorenwerke translates into English as Bavarian Motor Works.
- Logo
- The circular blue and white BMW logo or roundel evolved from the circular Rapp Motorenwerke company logo, which featured a black ring bearing the company name surrounding the company logo, an image of a horse head on a plinth.
- Slogan
- The slogan 'Freude am Fahren' (English: 'Sheer Driving Pleasure') has been used by BMW in most markets worldwide since 1972, when it was standardized as the company's official slogan and its English translation set for export markets. The slogan first appeared as 'Aus Freude am Fahren' in 1965 before the opening word was dropped in 1972.
- Motorsport
- Endurance racing, such as 24 Hours Nürburgring, 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona and Spa 24 Hours Isle of Man TT Dakar Rally American Le Mans Series IMSA SportsCar Championship Formula BMW, a junior racing Formula category Formula Two Formula E Superbike World Championship
- Recalls
- In November 2016, BMW recalled 136,000 2007–2012 model year U.S. cars for fuel pump wiring problems possibly resulting in fuel leak and engine stalling or restarting issues. In 2018, BMW recalled 106,000 diesel vehicles in South Korea with a defective exhaust gas recirculation module, which caused 39 engine fires. The recall was then expanded to 324,000 more cars in Europe.
Source: BMW (Wikipedia)