BMW

The BMW 3 Series has long defined the compact sport sedan category. It is not so much the power, but the fact it has near-perfect balance. It also has clean sightlines, the proper driver-to-control relationship and, of course, sweet driving dynamics. In spite of this, it still continues to face tough competition for its compact sports sedan crown, so heading into 2025 the seventh-generation BMW 3 Series gets upgraded.

2025 BMW 3 Series Competitors

The Audi A5, which replaces the A4 in the lineup for 2025, the Genesis G70, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are the key rivals. Others would include the Cadillac CT5, Infiniti Q50 and Lexus IS.

What’s new with the 2025 BMW 3 Series?

For 2025, the 3 Series gets a package of updates including new colours and wheels, and a revised interior with BMW’s Curved Display for the instrumentation and infotainment screens. There’s also a tweaked suspension and more power thanks to the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 330e plug-in hybrid disappears for 2025.

2025 BMW 3 Series Performance

The lineup starts with the BMW 330i xDrive. It features a 2.0-litre turbo-four that now works with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and the Miller combustion cycle (it’s more efficient). This combination produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque anywhere between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. Move up to M340i xDrive and there’s a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six that also works with a 48-volt mild-hybrid. In this case, the hybrid setup can provide an 11 hp boost during initial acceleration. The six’s output is 386 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque at 1,900 rpm. Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

When xDrive detects any loss of grip it uses an electronically-controlled clutch to send the power to the wheels with the best traction. Like other all-wheel-drive systems xDrive is fully-variable, however, it is one of the few that can send almost all of the power to the front or rear axle when needed. Its proficiency is such it brings better stability and sharper handling regardless of the weather conditions. The drivetrain combination powers the 330i to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds; the M340i cuts that to 4.3 seconds.

The ride/handling balance is legendary, and it continues with tweaks to make it more comfortable without giving up any of the cornering power. The steering has also been reworked to refine the feel. Enthusiasts will opt for the M Sport package and the sports suspension — the base setup is good; the M Sport is better.

2025 BMW 3 Series Efficiency

The BMW 330i xDrive is rated at 8.9 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 L/100 km on the highway and an average consumption of 8.0 L/100 km. The annual fuel cost is $2,960. The M340i consume 9.0 L/100 km, 7.1 L/100 km and 8.2 L/100 km, respectively, and has an annual fuel cost of $3,034.

2025 BMW 3 Series Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2024 3 Series sedan Good scores for the small front overlap, moderate front overlap original test and side impact original test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) gives the 3 Series a Five Star rating.

2025 BMW 3 Series Reliability

Consumer Reports gives the BMW 3 Series a score of 59 out of 100 saying, “the 2024 3 Series will have about average reliability when compared to the other new cars. This prediction is based on the 2021, 2022, and 2023 models, plus the BMW brand scores.”

2025 BMW 3 Series Interior

The key interior change is the addition of BMW’s fully-digital Curved Display. It puts the instrumentation and infotainment screens under a single pane of glass. The format is clean and unclutter with just enough hard buttons to make operation a simple matter. The iDrive now uses BMW’s latest 8.5 operating system with a new home screen and QuickSelect rapid-access. The latter speeds access to key functions by adopting a zero-layer principle. Access to the different functions is though the iDrive controller on the centre console, the touch screen or by using voice control. The optional Digital Cockpit Professional adds a head-up display and an augmented navigation view — it overlays the map with real time video of the scene ahead, so the instructions and where to go is no longer ambiguous.

2025 BMW 3 Series Dimensions

The BMW 3 Series is 4,713-mm long, 1,827-mm wide and it rides on a 2,851-mm wheelbase. For a compact sedan it has lots of rear seat space (894-mm) and headroom (944-mm). The trunk measures 480L.

2025 BMW 3 Series Canadian Pricing

The 2025 BMW 330i xDrive starts at $56,900 with the sportier M340i xDrive commanding $69,900.

The original BMW M5 surfaced when the then-CEO’s security detail, driving a 5 Series, could not keep up with his 7 Series, so the security team turned to the motorsport division for help. The solution was to install the engine from the 3.0 CSL, modify the suspension and beef up the brakes. The BMW M5, as we now know it today, was born. Over multiple generations, it has been improved each time. This time around the seventh-generation shifts the M5 from the gasoline era and into the electrified age — it is now a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

2025 BMW M5 Touring Competitors

In Canada, the lone competitor is the Audi RS 6 Avant. Picking between these two is like splitting the proverbial hair! In other countries, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 wagon would be a good fit.

What’s new with the 2025 BMW M5 Touring?

The Touring is new from the road up and represents just the third time a wagon has made it into the M5 lineup — it’s the first time for Canada! The Touring is bigger, bolder and, arguably, better looking than the sedan and it’s a really big deal for those who demand a true performance car, but have family commitments. It also represents the perfect anti-crossover. The M5 Touring’s biggest change is the adoption of said PHEV powertrain. The key is the electric side adds more elasticity and urgency to the drive. It also earns better road manners, an all-new interior and, to emphasize the point, a right now throttle response!

2025 BMW M5 Touring Performance

The new powertrain starts with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that delivers 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 rpm. It’s augmented by an electric motor that’s incorporated into the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The electric side adds another 194 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque from Rev One. However, as there’s a gear set between the electric motor and the transmission input shaft the effective torque value is really 332 lb-ft. The end result is 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque anywhere between 1,800 rpm and 5,400 rpm. This monster torque plateau brings a wicked turn of speed!

Officially, it takes 3.6 seconds to run from rest to 100 km/h. That, however, only tells part of the story. The 80-120 km/h passing move comes in at approximately two seconds — I say approximately because when testing the sedan, it was too fast to get an accurate reading! The electrics get the power from a 14.8-kWh battery that delivers up to 40-km of electric-only driving. An interesting aside is that a PHEV was chosen over a regular hybrid because the larger electric reserve means more hot laps with the motor helping to move things along.

The power reaches the road though the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, Active M Differential, adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled dampers and rear-wheel steering (up to 1.5-degrees). All this means this large family-friendly wagon dances through a series of switchbacks in a bewildering display of control. Now, if you happen to be brave there is the rear-biased Sport setting for xDrive. If you have serious intestinal fortitude (or work to that effect!) all the power can be directed to the rear wheels only.

2025 BMW M5 Touring Efficiency

The fuel efficiency figure for the BMW M5 Touring has yet to be announced. However, its numbers should be almost identical to the M5 sedan. This means a combined average fuel economy of 4.7 Le/100 km and an annual fuel cost of $3,672.

2025 BMW M5 Touring Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2025 5 Series sedan its Top Safety Pick rating. It has Good scores for the small front overlap, moderate front overlap original test and side impact updated test. It also has a Good score for headlight performance and front crash prevention for pedestrians. The key here is the M sedan and Touring will have the same ratings as they are based on the same platform. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has not rated the BMW 5 Series.

2025 BMW M5 Touring Reliability

Consumer Reports gives the BMW 5 Series a score of 55 out of 100. It says, “the 2024 5 Series will have about average reliability when compared to the other new cars. This prediction is based on the previous generation 5 Series, plus the BMW brand scores.” Again, the M5 Touring should mirror this rating.

2025 BMW M5 Touring Interior

The cabin is first-class all the way. From the body-hugging front seats to the intuitive tech, it takes a balanced approach where nothing overwhelms — sensible given the Touring’s alacrity! Centre stage goes to the Curved Display. It puts the instrumentation and infotainment screens under a single piece of glass and operates using BMW latest iDrive 8.5. The result is a cockpit-like feel with M-specific graphics for many of the vehicle functions. The infotainment side can be operated using touch control, voice commands or through the centrally-mounted iDrive controller. There’s also an M-specific heads-up display. It helps to keep the driver’s eyes looking forward and concentrating on the next apex!

Now, any M would not be worth its salt if it did not have two red M buttons on the steering wheel. In this case, the driver can mix and match the settings for everything from the throttle, shift speed, steering, suspension, xDrive and traction nanny (MDM in M-speak) and store the preferred settings in one of the red buttons. Touching the button then reconfigures the drive instantly.

2025 BMW M5 Touring Dimensions

The BMW M5 Touring is 5,096-mm long, 1,970-mm wide and it rides on a 3,006-mm wheelbase. This footprint brings generous interior space. It has 927-mm of rear seat legroom and enough head space for a 6-foot-2 adult. The cargo area has 500L with the rear seat upright and 1,630L when the 40/20/40-split/folding seats are flat.

2025 BMW M5 Touring Canadian Pricing

The 2025 BMW M5 Touring starts at $138,000.

The third generation of the BMW X1 launched as the xDrive28i for 2023, joined by the performance M35i xDrive for 2024, and so both of them cruise into 2025 unchanged. Available with a gasoline engine only, this compact five-seater is the smallest of BMW’s crossovers and the entry model into the brand.

Competitors to the 2025 BMW X1

Most of the premium brands now offer smaller crossovers and the X1 faces a number of worthy rivals, including the Audi Q3, Cadillac XT4, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40.

What’s new with the BMW X1 for 2025?

Since they both debuted as brand-new models recently, both the X1 xDrive28i and M35i xDrive are unchanged for 2025.

2025 BMW X1 Performance

The X1 xDrive28i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that makes 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, mated to an automatic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The M35i xDrive also uses the 2-.0L turbo-four, but coaxes 312 horsepower from it, while keeping the same 295 lb-ft of torque and the seven-speed dual-clutch. The xDrive in the names indicates standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

In his review of the 2023 xDrive28i, Peter Bleakney said, “Ah, but this new BMW X1 is a joy to drive. It blends a firm yet acceptable ride with fine body control, sharp steering and a general dynamic cohesiveness that we’ve long associated with BMW. There’s a bit of turbo lag and an occasional hesitancy in the dual-clutch auto when stepping off, but beyond that this little crossover moves out smartly, and in Sport Mode our ears are treated to a meaningful snarl from the turbo four. At cruise, this new X1’s cabin is notably hushed.”

2025 BMW X1 Efficiency

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the 2025 BMW X1 xDrive28i at 9.7 L/100 km city, 7.1 highway, and 8.5 combined, for an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,145. The M35i takes that up a notch to 10.3 city, 7.3 highway, and 8.9 combined, for an estimated $3,293. In both cases, you need to put premium fuel into the tank.

2025 BMW X1 Safety

The 2025 BMW X1 rates four out of a possible five stars overall in crash-testing by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), where it scored five stars for side crash, but four for front crash and rollover. At the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2024 model earned a Top Safety Pick designation. It hasn’t yet been tested in the update front moderate overlap test, which now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in front.

Driver-assist technologies include emergency front braking, blind-spot monitoring, safe exit warning, park distance control, and mandatory rearview camera. An optional Advanced Driver package includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, front cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and traffic jam assist.

2025 BMW X1 Reliability

The 2024 BMW X1 received a “Recommended” badge from Consumer Reports. It also got a predicted reliability score of 55/100, with the expectation that it will have “about average reliability when compared to the average new car,” based on limited data from the 2023 model plus BMW’s brand scores. The J.D. Power 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study looks at three-year-old vehicles, and in it, the last-generation X1 was named the highest-ranking small premium SUV; while BMW as a brand placed ninth among all automakers.

2024 BMW X1 Interior

The BMW X1’s dash is highlighted with a curved screen that contains a 10.7-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and its iDrive 9 operating system includes a digital assistant that starts listening when you say, “Hey, BMW.” Other features include dual-zone climate control, sport-style steering wheel, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats; but packages or options have to be checked off to get such items as an auto-dimming mirror, heated steering wheel, wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, and head-up display.

In his review of the 2023 X1 xDrive28i, Brendan McAleer said, “Front seats are well bolstered laterally, a good sign on a BMW. Both front and rear seats are on the firmer side; competitors may be a little cushier here. There’s plenty of storage up front, including a large central tray clearly designed to accommodate a handbag under a floating bridge containing the gear shifter…the only way to manually shift the X1’s gears is if you’ve ordered the M package — no paddle shifters on other trims. It seems like a quibble but, c’mon, this is a BMW. You even get paddle shifters on minivans these days. Regrettably, the touchscreen main interface means the loss of physical buttons for air-conditioning and heated seats, as well as the loss of BMW’s rotary controller. Like all touchscreens, this one picks up fingerprints and dust, looking a bit untidy at the end of just a week’s use.”

2025 BMW X1 Dimensions

The 2025 BMW X1 xDrive28i has an overall length of 4,500 mm (177.1 in), while the M35i stretches a hair longer to 4,505 mm (177.3 in). Cargo capacity is 540 litres (19.0 cu.ft.) with the rear seats upright, and 1,600 litres (56.5 cu.ft.) when they’re folded down.

2025 BMW X1 Canadian Pricing

The 2025 BMW X1 xDrive28i starts at $47,500, while the M35i xDrive begins at $57,600.

Serving as a spiritual successor to the beloved BMW 2002, the pert 2 Series is a right sized and approachably priced coupe which retains a whiff of what we used to call the Ultimate Driving Machine. Just don’t look too closely at its front or rear styling.

2025 BMW 2 Series Competitors

Depending on trim and engine, the 2 Series may be shopped against the Cadillac CT4 and its performance variants, loaded versions of the Toyota GR86, and maybe the Nissan Z. Brand snobs will have something to say about that, as will they when we mention the Ford Mustang. Fans will want us to mention the Porsche 718 but that machine starts at 85 grand these days.

What’s new with the BMW 2 Series for 2025?

For 2025, there are new paint finishes such as a tasty red and a blue which was once reserved for M cars. Also new are a variety of alloy wheels, interior trim, and upholstery choices. Attention programming types: the BMW iDrive with QuickSelect is now based on version 8.5 of the BMW Operating System. Finally, a new M Sport Pro Package, available as an option for all variants, adds darkened exterior details and an M rear spoiler in black plus M Sport brakes.

2025 BMW 2 Series Performance

BMW labels this 2.0L four-cylinder engine in the 230i xDrive as making 255 horsepower and a healthy 295 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which is all online at just 1,550 rpm. Meanwhile, the M240i xDrive uses a 3.0L six-cylinder engine to produce 382 horses and 369 lb-ft of twist, good enough for a run to 100 km/h in the low-fours. All-wheel drive part of the car here in Canada.

2025 BMW 2 Series Efficiency

The four-cylinder coupe is rated at 9.5 L/100km in the city, 7.1 on the highway, and 8.4 overall. Compare that with the much more powerful six-cylinder engine which is estimated to return 10.3, 7.3, and 9.0 respectively. Seems like a no-brainer to us.

2025 BMW 2 Series Safety

Testers at the IIHS haven’t turned their crash test equipment on the BMW 2 Series for a number of years, not unusual for a brand with pricey roots. However, its most recent exams came up all aces, including the notoriously difficult small overlap test. We’ll see if that holds true for the updated versions of that test and the side impact test.

2025 BMW 2 Series Reliability

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Consumer Reports gives the BMW 2 Series a solid 4-of-5 when it comes to predicted owner satisfaction, possibly in no small part to the fact that gearheads buying one of these things know exactly what to expect. Predicted reliability is middle of the road at 61-of-100, based on data from this model and other BMW offerings.

2025 BMW 2 Series Interior

Models with the 230i xDrive designation come standard with a new two-spoke wheel with optional M leather as part of the M Sport package (standard on M240i). That one has a flat bottom and a racy red marker at top dead centre. Standard heated sports seats for the driver and front passenger can be clad in a choice of four colours including new Tacora Red or four colours of Vernasca leather should that upholstery selection be chosen.

2025 BMW 2 Series Dimensions

Overall length from tip to tail is 4,547 millimetres or about splitting the difference between a Nissan Z and Ford Mustang. Total width is 1,838 mm (handy for the autocross) while height is just 1,400 millimetres. This means ground clearance is but 128 mm or 5.0 inches, so be sure to park up in an underground garage at yer condo instead of a snowbank

2025 BMW 2 Series Canadian Pricing

The brand keeps its easy with base MSRPs, with the BMW 230i xDrive priced at $49,300 while the BMW M240i xDrive commanding $59,700. Of course, as is tradition for German luxury automakers, it is possible to pad those totals nicely with rafts of extras and option packages.

Serving as one of the entry points into this neighbour-impressing brand, the BMW X2 wears crossover(ish) bodywork which trades a bit of cargo capacity for a fast rear roofline in comparison to its platform-mate, the BMW X1. All-new last year, the X2 doesn’t receive many changes for 2025.

2025 BMW X2 Competitors

Competition in this segment comes from the usual German suspects, including the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA (or GLB, if you favour boxy styling) plus the markedly fuel-efficient Lexus NX. However, its greatest threat is arguably posed by its fraternal twin – the BMW X1.

What’s new with the BMW X2 for 2025?

There aren't a host of fresh changes to this model, owing to a complete revamp last year. Look for a slightly different colour palette, though pricey matte options remain, and a slight shuffling of wheel designs depending on trim. Some markets now get heated front seats as standard.

2025 BMW X2 Performance

In Canada, all powertrains are gasoline-powered for this year, starting with the xDrive28i trim which uses 241 horsepower and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to reach highway speeds in about 6.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the M35i xDrive trim deploys 312 ponies and the same type of transmission to shave just over a second off that acceleration time. Both are variants of similar 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engines, just tuned differently and built with some different internal parts.

2025 BMW X2 Efficiency

The less-powerful X2 is rated to return a fuel efficiency of 9.7 L/100km in urban environs, 7.1 L/100km on the highway, and 8.5 combined. Opting for the M35i changes those figures to 10.3, 7.3, and 8.9 respectively. These aren’t impressive numbers for a vehicle of this size, and the delta in urban consumption should be examined by any customer planning to drive mostly in that environment. Fuel tank capacity is only 54 litres.

2025 BMW X2 Safety

The latest version of forward collision mitigation system is standard, bringing features such as collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist warnings with braking function, and it can also warn the driver of pedestrians and cyclists who are parallel to the road and approaching the vehicle from the front or rear whilst the car is turning right. Active blind spot detection is also standard.

2025 BMW X2 Reliability

The redesigned X2, introduced last year, made the ‘recommended’ list at Consumer Reports and sits well within the top five of their ranking in the luxury entry-level SUV class. Reliability is predicted to be midpack, which is to say no better or worse than anything else with which it competes.

2025 BMW X2 Interior

The cabin, new with last year’s redesign, features the BMW curved display which is actually two screens – measuring 10.25 and 10.7 inches each – behind a single pane of material. It houses a new operating system which exorcises most of the old system’s frustrating traits. Being spendy with options can net snazzy M Sport seats, an array of upholstery choices, and a heads-up display for the driver to keep tabs on vehicle vitals.

2025 BMW X2 Dimensions

Overall length is 4,567 millimetres on a width of 1,845 mm and maximum height of 1,575 millimetres. All three of those dimensions are significantly more than the old X2. Ground clearance is 191 mm or 7.5 inches, pretty good for a vehicle in this size category. Cargo capacity ranges between 560 and 1,470 litres, depending if owners fold the rear seat.

2025 BMW X2 Canadian Pricing

Sticker prices on the X2 are up for 2025, as they are for most cars, but only slightly so. The xDrive28i starts at $49,400 before fees and options though a raft of extras including an M Sport package can push that total well towards 60 grand. As for the M35i, that car starts at $59,500 plus fees but it isn’t impossible to create an $80,000 machine by going wild on the options list which counts a $6,000 paint job amongst its offerings.

Serving as the brand’s entry into the market of (relatively) reasonably priced all-electric luxury sedans, the i4 is likely to surprise EV first-timers with its outright normalness. Designed to look familiar to BMW buyers and owners of rival brands, the i4 doesn’t feel like an unfinished science project like some other models in this segment.

2025 BMW i4 Competitors

It is reasonable to think customers in this segment are cross shopping the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, and maybe the Hyundai Ioniq 6. Crossover-style machines such as the Mercedes-Benz EQB and BMW’s own iX have a very different form factor but are likely on the radar.

What’s new with the BMW i4 for 2025?

The model is slightly refreshed this model year, with changes of the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it variety. Still, small changes can add up – as they do here. New exterior light signatures are the first clue this is a 2025, along with a raft of new paint colours and wheel options. Inside, the infotainment display is curved and incorporates the latest evolution of BMW iDrive. That’s a new steering wheel design and interior accents as well.

2025 BMW i4 Performance

The eDrive35 model has a total of 282 horsepower and utilizes a 68.7-kWh battery. Upgrading to a more powerful eDrive40 brings 335 ponies plus a battery with a total useable capacity of 84.3 kWh. Adding all-wheel drive to create an xDrive40 means the same battery but 396 hp. As for the M50 xDrive, expect to be in command of 536 horses and a 84.3-kWh battery. Charging speeds are advertised at around 200 kW across the board but good luck finding a public charging reliably heaving out that many electrons.

2025 BMW i4 Efficiency

Thanks to the laws of physics, simply changing the wheels on an EV can have a notable impact on its total driving range. When shod with 18s, an eDrive35 is rated for 428 kilometres while the eDrive40 clocks in at 512 clicks. Upgrading to 19s drops those figures to 393 and 475, respectively. Meanwhile, the M50 xDrive should get approximately 430 km on 19-inch wheels or 365 km on 20-inch dubs.

2025 BMW i4 Safety

North American crash testers have yet to strap their dummies into a new i4, though the level of protection afforded by other modern BMWs should give one confidence. Across the pond, Euro NCAP testing gave the BMW i4 a four-star rating, causing some consternation in a few corners because it wasn’t a perfect score. Nevertheless, protection for occupants in the cabin was quite high, leading one to think they’d fare well if the unthinkable were to happen.

2025 BMW i4 Reliability

Consumer Reports suggests this car will enjoy towering reliability, giving it an 82-of-100 score based on owner feedback and the performance of other BMW electric vehicles. They also give the i4 a perfect 5/5 score on predicted owner satisfaction, a rating we understand after testing the vehicle ourselves earlier this year.

2025 BMW i4 Interior

Yes, this is actually a hatchback despite its distinctly sedan-like silhouette, so please go ahead and stop at that antique store – chances are the vintage hutch you find will fit in the cargo area with the rear seats folded down. Up front, controls and screens are very familiar to anyone who’s been in a BMW recently, we just hope you like screens. Vernasca leather with contrast stitching is available in five colours.

2025 BMW i4 Dimensions

As an overall footprint, the BMW i4 is slightly bigger than the Tesla Model 3. We bring that up immediately because we know you’re asking, even it is not out loud. Overall length is 4,783 mm (188.3 inches) on a wheelbase of 2,856 mm (112.4”). Total height is 1,448mm or 57.0 inches which put to rest any visual comparisons with a crossover or SUV.

2025 BMW i4 Canadian Pricing

Starting with the eDrive35, we find a sticker price of $54,990 plus fees and freight. Hopping to the eDrive40 bumps that to $63,990 while the xDrive40 with its all-wheel drive is $69,990. Finally, the M50 xDrive will ding bank accounts to the tune of $80,500 plus fees and freight. Options on all trims can push those totals much higher.