Thinking of a new SUV? It’s hard to ignore BMW. Once famous for its sharp-driving saloons, the German brand has fully embraced the world of high-riding family cars. Today, its "X" range of SUVs is vast, stretching from compact family crossovers right up to enormous seven-seat luxury barges. There’s a model for almost every need and budget, and they all promise to deliver that premium feel and engaging driving experience BMW is known for.
Whether you’re after petrol, diesel, a tax-friendly plug-in hybrid, or a fully electric model, BMW has you covered. The line-up can be a bit confusing, with odd-numbered cars (X1, X3, X5) being the traditional SUVs and even-numbered ones (X2, X4, X6) being their more stylish, coupe-roofed siblings. Then there’s the all-electric "i" range, which includes standalone models like the iX and electric versions of the core range, like the iX1 and iX3. It’s a lot to take in, which why we’ve put together this guide to the very best.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy. For more information, scroll to the bottom of this page.
The Best BMW SUVs to Buy in 2026
- 2026 BMW X5
- 2018-2024 BMW X3
- 2026 BMW X1
- 2026 BMW X3
- 2026 BMW X6
- 2026 BMW iX
- 2026 BMW iX1
- 2026 BMW iX2
- 2021-2025 BMW iX3
- 2026 BMW X7
1. 2026 BMW X5
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Far more enjoyable to drive than most large SUVs | Not as capable off road as a Land Rover Discovery |
| Brilliant plug-in hybrid version | Petrols in particular are expensive to run |
| Staggering performance of X5 M | Not everyone will take to the styling |
The BMW X5 is the original. It’s the car that proved a big, heavy SUV could still drive like a proper BMW, and this latest version continues to be the benchmark. It’s a fantastic all-rounder, offering a spacious and luxurious cabin with room for five adults and a huge 650-litre boot. You can even get a third row of seats for occasional seven-seat use. For company car drivers, the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid is a no-brainer; it pairs a smooth 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, giving you a whopping 483bhp and an impressive official electric-only range of up to 64 miles. That’s enough for most daily commutes without using a drop of petrol.
What really sets the X5 apart, though, is how it feels on the move. For a car of its size, it’s remarkably agile, handling corners with the kind of poise you’d expect from a 5 Series saloon. Standard air suspension means it’s also incredibly comfortable, soaking up bumps and making it a sublime long-distance cruiser. Whether you go for the sensible xDrive30d diesel, the brilliant plug-in hybrid, or the frankly bonkers 617bhp X5 M Competition, you’re getting one of the most complete and enjoyable large SUVs on the market.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BMW X5 gets the big stuff right: it’s spacious, properly luxurious and, unlike most large SUVs, genuinely enjoyable to drive, feeling better behind the wheel than rivals such as the Volvo XC90 while remaining easy and refined in everyday use." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
2. 2018-2024 BMW X3
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More fun to drive than most rivals | Sportier versions have a firm ride |
| A wide choice of efficient petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines | Not as able off road as a Land Rover |
| Spacious and comfortable cabin | No seven-seat option |
While a new version has just arrived, the outgoing third-generation X3 is still one of the best premium SUVs you can buy, especially on the used market. Its trump card has always been the way it drives; while rivals like the Audi Q5 focused on comfort, the X3 delivered a much more engaging and sporty experience. It’s the family SUV for people who actually enjoy driving. There’s a huge range of engines to choose from, including efficient diesels, a tax-friendly plug-in hybrid, and the ridiculously fast M40i and X3 M models.
It’s not just a one-trick pony, though. The X3 is also a superb family car. The interior is comfortable, beautifully built, and packed with tech that’s easy to use thanks to BMW’s excellent iDrive system. There’s plenty of space for passengers in the back, and the large 550-litre boot will swallow most luggage with ease. While some alternatives might be a bit more comfortable or capable off-road, very few can match the X3’s brilliant combination of quality, practicality, and driver appeal.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There’s an awful lot to like about the BMW X3, from the way it gets down the road to its modern equipment and accommodating interior. These traits, coupled with trim and engine options, subsequently make the X3 a great option for a wide range of buyers." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
3. 2026 BMW X1
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautifully appointed interior | Ride slightly firmer than some rivals |
| Brilliant on space and practicality | Higher-end models are expensive |
| Pleasant to drive | Too much desirable kit costs extra |
Don’t be fooled by its position as the entry-point to BMW’s SUV range; the X1 is a seriously impressive family car. This latest version has grown up, offering practicality that rivals cars from the class above. There’s loads of room for adults in the back, and the boot is a huge 540 litres – more than you’ll find in an Audi Q3 or Volvo XC40. The interior is the real star, though. It feels incredibly premium, with a high-quality finish and a slick, modern layout that makes it one of the classiest cabins you’ll find in any family SUV.
Being a BMW, the X1 is also great to drive. It feels keen and agile in corners, making it more fun than many of its competitors, but it’s also a calm and composed cruiser on the motorway. The engine range is comprehensive, covering everything from the efficient sDrive20i petrol to powerful plug-in hybrids and even a hot-hatch-in-disguise M35i model with nearly 300bhp. While the ride can feel a little firm around town, it’s a small price to pay for such a well-rounded and desirable package.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BMW X1 feels satisfyingly confident on the road, there’s an engine for every lifestyle, great roominess and practicality, and it has one of the classiest interiors of any premium family SUV." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
4. 2026 BMW X3
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Roomy cabin and a big boot | We’re unsure how it behaves on standard suspension setups |
| Good choice of powertrains | Some surprisingly iffy interior materials |
| Great to drive | Some key equipment items cost extra |
Another X3 makes the list, and this time it's the latest, fourth-generation model. This remains a hugely important car for BMW, as it goes head-to-head with big-selling rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC. To keep it competitive, BMW has made it bigger and given it a sharp, angular new look inspired by the smaller X1. There’s a powertrain for everyone, from an efficient mild-hybrid petrol and a punchy plug-in hybrid to a frugal diesel and a storming 393bhp M50 performance model.
As a family wagon, the new X3 is more practical than ever. The larger size means there’s loads of legroom and headroom in the back, so even tall passengers won’t feel cramped. The boot is a big, square 570-litre space that’s perfect for family holidays, although if you opt for the plug-in hybrid 30e model, the battery pack reduces that to a still-very-practical 460 litres. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats are a useful touch, too, allowing you to carry long items like skis while still fitting a couple of passengers in the back.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The latest fourth-generation version of the BMW X3 SUV is a logical evolution of the X3s that have come before it. The driving experience has the dynamism you expect of a BMW, and the interior has the practicality and quality that buyers will expect." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
5. 2026 BMW X6
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 3.9 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Undeniable road presence | Divisive looks will put off some buyers |
| Drives remarkably well for such a heavy car | The X5 is more roomy and less compromised |
| Still practical, despite SUV coupe body style | High price and running costs of the quickest versions |
The BMW X6 is the car for buyers who want to make a statement. It takes the sensible, practical underpinnings of the X5 and wraps them in a dramatic, coupe-style body with a sloping roofline. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it design, but there’s no denying its road presence. While that swooping roof does eat into rear headroom and boot space compared to the X5, it’s still surprisingly practical. The 580-litre boot is more than big enough for most needs, and the rest of the high-quality interior is lifted straight from its more conventional sibling.
Where the X6 really justifies its existence is on the road. It’s one of the sportiest and most enjoyable large SUVs you can buy, feeling impressively agile for such a big, heavy car. Performance is a given; even the entry-level diesel is quick, while the M Competition’s 617bhp V8 provides frankly ridiculous acceleration. It’s a car that perfectly blends the high-riding stance of an SUV with the sharp, engaging driving dynamics that BMW is famous for. If you value style over outright practicality, the X6 is a compelling choice.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BMW X6 is about as divisive a car as you could possibly ask for... Choice is a good thing, and the X6 is a good choice if its mix of attributes appeal to your sensibilities and desires, as well they might." - Kyle Fortune, contributor
6. 2026 BMW iX
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.1% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Breathtaking cabin with a superb standard of finish | Awkward looks aren't to all tastes |
| Serene, quick, and quiet to drive | Not available with seven seats |
| Long range of the xDrive50 | Very expensive to buy |
The BMW iX is what happens when BMW decides to build an electric SUV from the ground up, and the result is spectacular. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a stunning, lounge-like cabin that feels incredibly luxurious and spacious. With high-end materials, a beautiful curved display screen, and a completely flat floor, it’s an amazing place to sit. There’s a vast amount of room for passengers, making it exceptionally comfortable on long trips. The 500-litre boot is a decent size, but it’s a strict five-seater, so if you need space for seven, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
The driving experience is just as impressive. It’s smooth, silent, and seriously quick. The entry-level xDrive40 model is plenty fast enough for most, but the xDrive50 and the bonkers 650bhp M70 version offer supercar-worrying acceleration. For such a large and heavy car, it handles with real finesse, feeling confident and composed through corners. It perfectly balances the serene comfort you want from a luxury cruiser with the agile handling you expect from a BMW, making it one of the very best electric SUVs money can buy.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BMW iX is a truly lovely vehicle, especially from inside. It has the sort of perceived interior quality and finish, not to mention rolling refinement, that challenges a Range Rover for general ambience and on-road serenity." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
7. 2026 BMW iX1
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very classy interior and infotainment system | Not as versatile as some rivals |
| Good to drive | An expensive option in the class |
| Efficiency is pretty good | Dimensions aren't as compact as they once were |
The iX1 is the all-electric version of the excellent X1, and it’s a brilliant package for families looking to make the switch to an EV. It’s grown into a proper mid-sized SUV, and you have two versions to choose from: a front-wheel-drive eDrive20, or a more powerful, all-wheel-drive xDrive30. Both use the same battery, which gives the more efficient eDrive20 model an official range of up to 293 miles – more than enough for the vast majority of journeys.
On the road, the iX1 feels every bit the premium product. The xDrive30 model is seriously quick, while the eDrive20 still has plenty of punch for daily driving. Thanks to standard adaptive suspension, the ride is calm and comfortable, which is impressive for a heavy electric car. The real highlight, though, is the interior. It takes its inspiration from the flagship iX, so it feels incredibly classy and well-built. Practicality is strong, too, with a useful 490-litre boot and versatile split-folding rear seats, making it a top-tier choice in the electric family SUV class.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BMW iX1 is a seriously comprehensive premium SUV that offers the best infotainment and cabin finish in the class. It’s also a sophisticated car to drive, yet a practical family car, so it has the essentials wrapped up." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
8. 2026 BMW iX2
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very good to drive | Rear headroom severely cramped |
| Beautifully plush interior | Woeful rear visibility |
| Large, versatile boot | Complex infotainment is touchscreen-only |
If you like the sound of the iX1 but want something with a bit more visual punch, the iX2 could be for you. It’s the all-electric, coupe-styled sibling, sharing the same underpinnings but with a much more aggressive look thanks to its dramatic, swooping roofline. Inside, it’s pure modern BMW, with a stunning, high-tech cabin and that lovely curved infotainment screen. Despite its focus on style, the iX2 is surprisingly practical – its 525-litre boot is actually bigger than the iX1’s.
The iX2 is a proper BMW to drive, too. Standard adaptive suspension means it handles British roads with an impressive blend of comfort and control. The entry-level eDrive20 model is brisk enough, but the dual-motor xDrive30 is seriously rapid, hitting 62mph in just 5.6 seconds. It even has a ‘Boost’ paddle on the steering wheel for 10-second bursts of maximum power, which is great fun. It’s a refined and enjoyable electric SUV that proves you don’t have to sacrifice style for substance.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There’s a massive amount to like about the BMW iX2. You’ll make up your own mind about the looks, but there will be little debate about the stunning quality of the interior, the generous amount of standard equipment provided and the decent range figures." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
9. 2021-2025 BMW iX3
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 42.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable ride, thank to adaptive suspension | The ix3 is pricier and slower than a Tesla Model Y |
| Impressive real-world range | A Ford Mustang Mach-E is more practical and costs less |
| Generous equipment | Not as appealing to keen drivers as a Jaguar I-Pace |
This first generation version of the BMW iX3 takes the familiar, hugely popular X3 and simply replaces the engine with a battery and electric motor. The result is a car that feels reassuringly normal, just smoother and quieter. It’s practical, too, with a decent 510-litre boot and plenty of space for passengers. The official range of up to 285 miles is very competitive, making it a capable all-rounder for family life.
Better yet, the iX3 is one of the best electric SUVs to drive. Standard adaptive suspension gives it a brilliant balance of comfort and driver engagement, so it’s just as happy on a long motorway slog as it is on a twisty back road. While it’s not as ludicrously fast as a Tesla Model Y, its 282bhp motor provides more than enough performance for everyday driving. Add in a high-quality interior and generous standard equipment, and the iX3 stands out as a superb, user-friendly entry into premium electric motoring.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BMW iX3 is a great electric family SUV, justifying its price with generous equipment, a great ride and handling balance, and a classy finish. Even with strong competition, the balance of daily usability, sophisticated dynamics and general desirability that the BMW iX3 delivers is hard to fault." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
10. 2026 BMW X7
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Luxurious and spacious cabin | Cumbersome size is a burden on narrow country roads |
| Rapid performance, whichever engine you choose | Very expensive to run |
| Optional captain's chairs are wonderfully comfortable | The Audi Q7 and BMW X5 are better value, and roomy enough for most needs |
If you need space, and lots of it, the BMW X7 is your answer. As BMW’s flagship SUV, its main job is to be massive and luxurious. It comes with seven seats as standard, and unlike many rivals where the third row is just for kids, the X7’s rearmost seats can genuinely accommodate adults in comfort. For the ultimate in luxury travel, you can swap the middle-row bench for two individual ‘captain’s chairs’, turning it into a six-seater limo. Even with all seven seats in use, the 326 litre boot is still big enough for a weekly shop, and with the back row folded down, it’s absolutely cavernous.
You might expect something this big to drive like a bus, but the X7 is surprisingly refined and predictably powerful. Its standard air suspension does a brilliant job of ironing out Britain's bumpy roads, making it a supremely comfortable long-distance machine. The engine range is strong, but we’d pick the xDrive40d diesel; its 347bhp provides effortless performance without completely bankrupting you. While it’s certainly a handful on a tight B-road, the X7 feels secure and composed on the motorways and A-roads where it belongs.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There are plenty of seven-seat SUVs, but very few are as big as the BMW X7. Effectively, it's in a class of two with the Mercedes GLS." - David Motton, contributor
FAQ
Which is the biggest BMW SUV?
The biggest BMW SUV is the X7. It is a true seven-seater, with enough room in the third row for adults to sit comfortably, which is rare in this class. It competes with other huge SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover.
What is the difference between the BMW X1 and X3?
The BMW X1 is a small or compact family SUV, competing with cars like the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. The BMW X3 is a larger, mid-size family SUV that rivals the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The X3 offers more interior space, a bigger boot, and is available with more powerful engine options.
Are BMW SUVs reliable?
BMW as a brand generally has an average to slightly below-average reputation for reliability in many owner satisfaction surveys. However, modern BMWs have improved, and reliability can depend heavily on the specific model, engine, and how well the car has been maintained. Opting for a manufacturer-approved used car with a comprehensive warranty can provide extra peace of mind.
Which BMW SUV is best for a family?
For most families, the BMW X3 is the sweet spot in the range. It offers an excellent blend of interior space, practicality, and premium features without being as large or expensive as an X5. However, if you need seven seats, the larger X5 or the enormous X7 are your only options in the BMW SUV line-up. For smaller families, the surprisingly spacious X1 is also a fantastic choice.
What do the 'X' and 'i' mean in BMW model names?
In BMW's naming system, 'X' denotes an SUV (or Sports Activity Vehicle, as BMW calls them). The number that follows indicates the size and position in the range (e.g., X1 is the smallest, X7 is the largest). The letter 'i' signifies an all-electric model. So, an iX3 is the electric version of the X3, while the iX is a standalone electric model.
Are the coupe-style BMW SUVs (X2, X4, X6) less practical?
Yes, to an extent. The coupe-style SUVs trade some practicality for a more dramatic, sloping roofline. This typically results in less rear headroom for tall passengers and a slightly smaller maximum boot capacity when the seats are folded down. However, the boot space with the seats up is often surprisingly similar to their conventional counterparts, so for many buyers, the compromise is minimal.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in February 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
