The BMW iX is a big luxurious electric SUV, which isn’t exactly cheap, but sure isn’t pretty to look at? However, it does have a superb interior, complete with sound effects in certain drive modes that were penned by legendary movie composer Hans Zimmer, while a choice of two battery packs gives an official range of up to 617km. Performance is also strong, especially if you go for the 619hp M60 flagship. There’s a mid-life update for this model coming in 2025, though we don’t expect it to dramatically improve the appearance.

BMW’s 3 Series has come to dominate its market sector during its near-50 years in service, and the current generation continues to represent the pinnacle of the compact executive vehicle. It comes in either four-door Saloon or five-door Touring estate body styles, with the main range powered by either a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine or a 330e-badged plug-in hybrid. Those wanting more performance can go for the M3, with more than 500hp available in both body shapes.

Ignore the grandiose title on this one, as the 2 Series Gran Coupe is in effect a four-door saloon version of the BMW 1 Series. Once you accept that, you’ll realise this is quite an affordable way into BMW saloon ownership, and though the front-drive chassis isn’t as dynamic as, say, that of the 3 Series, it’s still a decent all-round car for everyday use. In line with the updated 1 Series, there has been a significant overhaul for the 2 Series Gran Coupe this year.

The 1 Series is arguably BMW’s most important car, and a significant update for 2025 has only made it more compelling. The fresh look won’t be for everyone, but the cabin is cleaner looking and more high-tech, while the new 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine that underpins the most popular models is brilliant at what it does. As before, the 1 Series is still one of the best-handling hatchbacks for keen drivers, even if it isn’t the most comfortable.

For many, the 5 Series is the essence of the BMW brand, mixing high quality with luxury, desirability, and more than a touch of sportiness. The current model is more comfortable and packed with more technology than ever, but BMW hasn’t forgotten how to make an engaging executive saloon. The 5 Series can be had as a practical Touring estate as well, and an incredible new M5 model tops the lineup with a 727hp plug-in hybrid system. Many lament the lack of a diesel option, but in return there are now all-electric versions of the 5 Series – called the i5 – to consider. They’re expensive to buy, though.

The extravagant, self-indulgent 8 Series comes with a choice of three body styles, though the open-topped Convertible is all but pointless in our climate. The two-door Coupe does feel like a special car, but our favourite is the 8 Series Gran Coupe. This is longer than the others and has an extra pair of doors, and we like it not just for the added practicality, but for its elegant design. All versions drive well, mixing lots of performance with smooth manners. There are only petrol options, including the 625hp M8 Competition models. 

We’ve lumped these two together because they’re essentially the same car underneath and they feel largely the same to drive. The X5 and X6 look quite different on the outside, though, with the X6 in particular grabbing attention. Both underwent a mid-life update in 2023, and they still look fresh. Our favourite model is the plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive50e as it uses a creamy smooth six-cylinder engine for diesel-like efficiency. At the top of the tree are the ludicrously fast and expensive X5 M and X6 M.

You’ll not forget the first time you see the XM as it’s quite unlike anything else on the road, and we’ve found few fans of its gargoyle-like design. This is a plug-in hybrid SUV developed from the ground up by BMW’s high-performance M division with up to 748hp at its disposal. It’s not a car made with markets like Ireland in mind. Picture it clearing the outside lane of the German Autobahn or jumping off sand dunes in the Middle East and you’ll get a better understanding of it.