True luxury is a three-letter word

It’s often said that fine wine and fast cars are the sign of a good life. But speed alone doesn’t cut it. A real premium vehicle needs to make you feel pampered and powerful, while still ensuring everyone around knows that you won’t settle for second best. So if you’re looking to make a statement along these lines, you should definitely be looking at the prestigious BMW Models, one of the finest automakers in the world.

The importance of pedigree

While not every luxury car comes from Europe, it’s true that many do, with popular brands hailing from Germany. As one of the oldest automotive companies in the world, BMW has had a lot of time to perfect its recipe for success. With multiple configurations to choose from, every model from the company is fine-tuned to deliver the best balance of performance, luxury, and high-tech gadgets.

To top it all off, premium vehicles are actually a lot more affordable than they once were, and the cost of ownership has been further reduced by advances in fuel economy, efficiency, and new technologies like hybrid or electric powertrains. BMW vehicles now boast among the best mileage figures in the luxury car segment in terms of gasoline engines, and the company has expressed its plans to expand further into the electric market after its initial experimentation with the i3 hatchback and i8 coupe.

Style is subjective

There are many conflicting ideas as to what defines a true luxury vehicle. Some will argue that it’s a stately sedan the size of a small boat with an engine to match and a sumptuous interior. Others claim that it’s a sporty, drop-top roadster with more horsepower than you’ll ever really know what to do with. Others, still, will say that leisure is best enjoyed with the family, so a cloud-like crossover with loads of cargo room for a weekend getaway would best suit them.

BMW understands this kind of consumer diversity, so there is a Bimmer for just about every kind of shopper than can actually afford them. But regardless of size, height, weight, or just about any other factor, no option falls short on style points. Even base models have exquisitely sculpted exteriors and impeccably built and styled interiors, while the top-of-the-line offerings practically ooze sophistication and poise.

A full list of the models available from BMW can look a little daunting at first, but by breaking them down into their respective categories, you can quickly formulate a shortlist based on your need and taste.

l  Sedans: These include offerings from the 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series.

l  Coupes: The sloping roofline is available on the 2 Series, 4 Series, and 8 Series.

l  Gran Coupes and Convertibles: Models available as either four-door coupes or two-door drop-tops include the 2 Series, 4 Series, 6 Series, and 8 Series. The Z4 Roadster is a standout nameplate in convertible configuration.

l  Crossover: In growing size and utility, the SUV range comprises the X models from 1 through to 7, as well as the Alpina XB7. 

A place for everything, and everything in its place

If you’re after a commuter with a bit of extra class, then there are several ranges to choose from. From Series 2 through to 5, you can have a sedan or coupe with enough practicality for most daily needs, good looks, and a punchy engine for when you want to be noticed. For those with somewhat larger wallets and a bit more responsibility, the 6,7, and 8 Series comprise more stately sedans and coupes, but the cabin still gets the lion’s share of the space, leaving the trunk a little wanting. Convertible variants are dotted throughout the line-up for buyers who want to let their hair down a bit and soak up some sun while driving. 

If practicality is a primary concern, there are almost as many crossovers to choose from, with size increasing as you peruse from the X1 through to the X7. All-wheel-drive is available to each high-rider, adding an extra layer of security and control. You’re unlikely to see these large utes go off the beaten path, though, and why would you want to mar their beauty with mud and other unseemly spatter? Cargo space is a lot more generous in these automobiles, and the engines are more than potent enough to lug around the extra weight without missing a beat. 

And finally, if what you’re really after is a thrilling drive that doesn’t sacrifice all luxury and comfort in the pursuit thereof, there are M-Performance variants of several popular models. Akin to the AMG models found in the Mercedes-Benz stable, BMW M vehicles get the most capable powertrains paired with expertly tuned suspensions and handling characteristics. Whether you’re taking it easy or blazing down the highway, discomfort is never a concern. Of course, the best of everything doesn’t come cheap, so you can expect the MSRP of these machines to be quite high. 

Space-age luxury

The German automaker has added hybrid powertrains to several of its flagship models and even dabbled in fully electric vehicles like the i3 hatchback. However, as the industry moves more towards sustainability, premium brands like BMW are putting a lot more focus on developing truly high-tech vehicles. 

The i3 is a rather unexciting compact with only 170 hp, and the i8 Coupe is a PHEV with a more respectable 369 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. But the upcoming iX3 will be a crossover while the i4 will be a tech-packed Gran Coupe - whether these vehicles find their way to US shores, remains to be seen. The i4 is still largely a mystery, but the iX3 will be powered by a 286-hp electric powertrain with an impressive 400 lb-ft of torque. The features are less transparent but we can know it will be getting massive digital displays. Things we hope for include advanced autonomous parking systems and possibly self-driving functionality. Sadly, its maximum range of 280 - 320 miles is disappointing in comparison to the figures we are seeing from Tesla.