Best BMW cars for 2026: top picks from our lab tests

BMW is one of the bestselling car brands in the UK, but are its cars worth buying?

In this guide, we’ll show you which of the German brand’s models performed best in our lab tests and our reliability survey, along with the models that owners found to be the most and least satisfying to own.

Alternatively, to see all the models we've tested, head straight to our new and used BMW reviews.

Which BMW car is best?

Our lab assesses more than 300 individual factors for each car we test (read more about how we test cars).

The table below reveals the top-scoring BMW cars across all fuel types, based on our tough and independent lab tests.

Further down this guide, you'll find tables for:

• Best petrol and diesel BMWs
• Best electric BMWs
• Best plug-in hybrid BMWs 
• Best cheap BMWs

Log in to your Which? account to unlock the results, or join Which? today to get instant access.

Most recent BMW car reviews

They might not be the highest scoring, but these are the latest BMW cars to go through our lab tests.

Best cars for 2026: the cars from all brands that aced our lab tests

Are BMW cars reliable?

Every year we survey UK car owners to find out how reliable their cars are. This year, we heard from over 60,000 people including 2,200 owners of BMWs ranging from brand new models to those 15 years old. 

Based on data from our latest annual Which? car survey, BMW cars are less reliable than most other brands in every age group, but there are some interesting differences when looking at individual models and fuel types.

To find out more, including the BMW cars that performed better than others, log in to your Which? account to unlock the results, or join Which? today to get instant access.

Best new petrol and diesel BMW cars

These are the petrol and diesel cars (including mild hybrids) that have scored highest in our lab tests and are available to buy new.

Best new electric BMW cars

BMW has a wide range of electric cars and, based on our latest survey, owners love them.

If you're not sure whether an EV is right for you, head to our expert guide: should I buy an electric car?

Best new plug-in hybrid BMW cars

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have the potential for low running costs, but you need to keep the battery topped up. Here are the best PHEVs BMW has to offer.

 Best cheap BMW cars

Looking for a bargain? The table below shows the best BMW cars that are only available to buy used.

Do BMW owners like their cars?

In our annual car survey, we ask owners to rate how satisfied they are with the cars they drive and whether they’d recommend them to friends. For BMW, the picture is mixed.

Across all age groups we surveyed and fuel types, BMW scored 80% for customer satisfaction, which places it in the middle compared to other brands.

BMW’s electric cars are proving popular, with all models we have data on getting the full five stars for customer satisfaction. One BMW iX1 driver called their car ‘a revelation'; a BMW i4 driver described their car as being ‘simply brilliant to drive’. This contributed to BMW cars aged 0-4 and 5-9 years scoring four stars for satisfaction.

However, some of the older models struggle. The first-generation 1 Series (2004-11) scored just two stars for customer satisfaction, while the second-generation BMW 1 Series (2011-19) scored three stars. Several drivers complained about how expensive these cars were to repair and run.

Expert opinion: how things have changed for BMW

Dino Buratti, Which? cars expert

BMW cars were once famed for their easy-to-use interiors and sheer driving pleasure, but in my opinion the brand has lost some of its shine. That said, its cars still fare better in this respect compared to recent Audi and Mercedes models.

BMW’s decision to introduce its iDrive touchscreen system in 2001 was initially controversial because of how hard it was to use, but thanks to significant updates and refinements it is now one of the most functional touchscreen and control systems of any manufacturer.

While many BMW models still have a rotary controller system for the central screen, it’s sadly missing from some models (such as the X1). Several other BMW cars (such as the BMW 5 Series, pictured below) are now fitted with panoramic displays that integrate the instrument display with the central screen.

BMW’s EVs and PHEVs were initially very innovative – the BMW i3 and BMW i8 ranges caused a stir when they were first introduced over 10 years ago. And while the brand’s electrified cars are still very popular today, many of its rivals (including Mercedes, Smart and XPeng) offer more innovative models that are based on bespoke electric car platforms and have higher rapid-charging speeds.

BMW’s newly launched iX3 electric SUV is its first EV for several years not to be based on a petrol or diesel car, and it has a driving range of up to 500 miles. However, it will face stiff competition from the likes of the Mercedes GLC EQ and Volvo EX60.