Choosing a BMW M is mostly about matching the car to how you actually drive. If you want the purest, most affordable way into a full M car, the M2 is the entry point. Need four doors and everyday usability with M performance? Look at the M3. Want a coupe or a drop-top? That's the M4. Prioritizing space, family duty, or all-out output? The M5 (sedan or Touring wagon), X5 M, X6 M, and XM cover luxury, cargo, and electrified power. Use the comparison table below, then read the head-to-heads that follow.
BMW M categories, explained
BMW organizes its performance range into three tiers. Keeping them straight matters, because an M340i is a very different car from an M3 — even though both wear an "M."
High-Performance M
The full-fat M cars, developed by BMW M from the ground up: M2, M3, M4, X5 M, X6 M. Dedicated M engines, chassis, brakes, and cooling.
Electrified-Performance M
Full M cars with plug-in-hybrid M power: M5 Sedan, M5 Touring, and the XM. Big outputs plus short-range electric-only capability.
M Performance
Sportier versions of regular BMWs — M240i, M340i, X3 M50, X5 M60i, and the electric i4 M60/i5 M60/iX M70. Quick and desirable, but not full M cars. Not included in the table below.
This page compares the full ("pure") M models only. See the "Full M vs. M Performance" section for how to decide between, say, an M3 and an M340i.
Compare current BMW M models
Every full M variant BMW USA currently lists, from the $69,000 M2 to the $159,600 XM. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways — the model-name column stays in view. Units are shown in each column heading. lb-ft = pound-feet of torque.
| Model | Starting MSRP | Category | Body | Drivetrain | Powertrain | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Transmission | Seats | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M2 Coupe 2026 · entry M car |
$69,000 | High-Performance | Coupe | RWD | 3.0L inline-6 turbo | 473 hp | 406 | 4.1 s | 6-speed manual (auto avail.) | 4 | Not published |
| BMW M3 Sedan 2026 · base, rear-drive, manual |
$79,300 | High-Performance | Sedan | RWD | 3.0L inline-6 turbo | 473 hp | 406 | 4.1 s | 6-speed manual | 5 | 16/23 mpg |
| BMW M3 Competition Sedan 2026 · rear-drive, automatic |
$83,500 | High-Performance | Sedan | RWD | 3.0L inline-6 turbo | 503 hp | 479 | 3.8 s | 8-speed automatic | 5 | 16/23 mpg |
| BMW M3 Competition xDrive Sedan 2026 · AWD · quickest M3 |
$88,600 | High-Performance | Sedan | AWD | 3.0L inline-6 turbo | 523 hp | 479 | 3.4 s | 8-speed automatic | 5 | 16/23 mpg |
| BMW M4 Coupe 2026 · base, rear-drive, manual |
$82,200 | High-Performance | Coupe | RWD | 3.0L inline-6 turbo | 473 hp | 406 | 4.1 s | 6-speed manual (auto avail.) | 4 | 16/23 mpg |
| BMW M4 Competition Coupe 2026 · rear-drive, automatic |
$86,400 | High-Performance | Coupe | RWD | 3.0L inline-6 turbo | 503 hp | 479 | 3.8 s | 8-speed automatic | 4 | 16/23 mpg |
| BMW M4 Competition xDrive Coupe 2026 · AWD · quickest M4 coupe |
$91,500 | High-Performance | Coupe | AWD | 3.0L inline-6 turbo | 523 hp | 479 | 3.4 s | 8-speed automatic | 4 | Not published |
| BMW M4 Competition xDrive Convertible 2026 · AWD · retractable hardtop |
$98,400 | High-Performance | Convertible | AWD | 3.0L inline-6 turbo | 523 hp | 479 | 3.6 s | 8-speed automatic | 4 | 16/22 mpg |
| BMW X5 M Competition 2026 · performance SUV · 5 seats |
$131,000 | High-Performance | SUV | AWD | 4.4L V8 + mild hybrid | 617 hp | 553† | 3.7 s | 8-speed automatic | 5 | Not published |
| BMW X6 M Competition 2027 · coupe-SUV · 5 seats |
$136,100 | High-Performance | SUV | AWD | 4.4L V8 + mild hybrid | 617 hp | 553† | 3.7 s | 8-speed automatic | 5 | Not published |
| BMW M5 Sedan 2027 · plug-in hybrid |
$123,300 | Electrified | Sedan | AWD | 4.4L V8 plug-in hybrid | 717 hp | 738 | 3.4 s | 8-speed automatic | 5 | PHEV · MPGe not published |
| BMW M5 Touring 2027 · PHEV wagon |
$125,300 | Electrified | Wagon | AWD | 4.4L V8 plug-in hybrid | 717 hp | 738 | 3.5 s | 8-speed automatic | 5 | PHEV · MPGe not published |
| BMW XM Label 2026 · most powerful M |
$159,600 | Electrified | SUV | AWD | 4.4L V8 plug-in hybrid | 738 hp | 738 | 3.6 s | 8-speed automatic | 5 | Up to 30 mi electric |
† X5 M / X6 M torque (553 lb-ft) is BMW's official figure from the BMW Group press release; it is not printed on the current BMW USA model page. All other figures are from BMW USA model pages (see sources at the bottom). "Not published" means BMW USA does not list that figure for that model.
"Best for" — our editorial picks
These are BMW of Darien recommendations based on the verified characteristics above — not official BMW awards. Each names the criterion it's chosen on. Your priorities may point elsewhere; that's what the table and a test drive are for.
Best entry to a full M car
BMW M2
Lowest starting MSRP of any full M ($69,000), rear-drive, available manual — the purist's on-ramp.
Best four-door everyday M
BMW M3 Competition xDrive
Five seats, all-wheel drive, 3.4-second 0–60 — the most usable balance of pace and practicality for a daily driver.
Best for coupe shoppers
BMW M4
Two-door M3 mechanicals with coupe proportions; choose rear- or all-wheel drive and manual or automatic.
Best for open-air driving
BMW M4 Competition xDrive Convertible
The only drop-top in the current M coupe/sedan range, with AWD traction for shoulder-season top-down days.
Best for cargo & passengers
BMW X5 M Competition / M5 Touring
The X5 M swallows up to 72.3 cu ft with seats folded; the M5 Touring wagon adds M-car handling to real load space.
Best electrified M
BMW M5 (most rounded) / XM (most powerful)
The 717-hp M5 blends plug-in hybrid efficiency with sedan/wagon usability; the 738-hp XM is the range-topping statement SUV.
Focused comparisons shoppers ask about
M2 vs. M3
Same M-developed turbo inline-six family, two different missions. The M2 is the smaller, lighter, rear-drive-only two-door — the most playful and the most affordable way into a full M car. The M3 adds two doors, back-seat and trunk space for real family use, more power as you climb the Competition ladder, and — crucially for Connecticut — an available xDrive all-wheel-drive Competition variant. Pick the M2 if you want the driver's car; pick the M3 if it also has to be the family car.
M3 vs. M4
Mechanically these are close siblings: shared engines, transmissions, and drivetrains across matching trims. The decision is body and use case. The M3 is the four-door sedan — five seats and easier rear access. The M4 is the two-door coupe (or the convertible) — sleeker, but with a tighter back seat. Same performance ladder (473 → 503 → 523 hp); choose on doors and style, not speed.
M3 vs. M5
A step up in size, power, price, and technology. The M3 is a compact sport sedan with a gas inline-six. The M5 is a larger, plug-in-hybrid V8 super-sedan — 717 hp, standard M xDrive, and short-range electric-only running for quiet, local trips — at a starting price roughly $35,000–$45,000 above the M3 depending on trim. Choose the M3 for agility and value; the M5 for outright performance, luxury, and the option of a Touring wagon.
M5 Sedan vs. M5 Touring
Identical plug-in-hybrid running gear — 717 hp, AWD, 8-speed automatic. The Sedan is a hair quicker on paper (3.4 vs. 3.5 seconds to 60) and slightly less expensive. The Touring is the wagon: the same M performance with a large, square cargo hold and a raised roofline — a rare and highly practical choice. If you never need the extra load space, the Sedan is the pick; if you do, the Touring gives up almost nothing dynamically.
X5 M vs. X6 M
Same 617-hp mild-hybrid V8, M xDrive, and 3.7-second 0–60 — the difference is the roof and the trunk. The X5 M Competition has the traditional upright SUV roofline and more cargo room (33.9 / 72.3 cu ft). The X6 M Competition trades some of that space and rear headroom for a coupe-like sloping roofline (27.4 / 59.6 cu ft) and a higher starting price. Choose the X5 M for maximum practicality, the X6 M for style.
Full M vs. the nearest M Performance model
M Performance cars (M240i, M340i, X5 M60i, and the electric i4 M60/i5 M60/iX M70) are quick, well-equipped, and cost thousands less than the full M above them — but they are tuned versions of standard BMWs, not cars developed by BMW M from the ground up. A full M car adds a dedicated M engine, chassis, cooling, brakes, and driving modes built for sustained hard use.
- M2 vs. M240i: both two-door coupes; the M2 is the purpose-built M car, the M240i the everyday-friendly M Performance version.
- M3 vs. M340i: the M340i is a superb fast sedan; the M3 is a track-capable machine with far more focus (and price).
- X5 M vs. X5 M60i: the M60i (523 hp) covers most real-world needs for less; the X5 M Competition (617 hp) is the full performance SUV.
Rule of thumb: if you'll spend weekends on back roads or at track days, the full M rewards you. If you mostly want strong daily pace and comfort, an M Performance model may be the smarter buy. Browse new BMW inventory to compare what's available in each.
Owning a BMW M in Connecticut
xDrive vs. rear-wheel drive for four-season driving
Connecticut sees real winters, so all-wheel drive is worth serious thought. Several M cars offer M xDrive — the M3 and M4 in Competition xDrive form, and the M5, X5 M, X6 M, and XM as standard. M xDrive is rear-biased and can send power rearward for enthusiast driving, so you don't give up much character to gain wet- and snow-weather traction. A rear-drive M2, M3, or M4 is entirely livable here for many owners — but if you plan to drive year-round without swapping cars, xDrive earns its keep.
Winter tires matter more than drivetrain
The single biggest safety upgrade for an M car in a Connecticut winter is a proper set of winter tires — not all-wheel drive alone. M cars ship on summer-compound performance tires that lose grip sharply below about 45°F, regardless of how many wheels are driven. Many local owners keep a dedicated winter tire-and-wheel set. All-wheel drive helps you get moving; winter tires help you turn and stop. Ask our team about a winter wheel package sized for your model.
Body style and everyday practicality
Think about how the car has to fit your week. Coupes (M2, M4) and the convertible are the most personal and the least practical for passengers and cargo. The M3 sedan and M5 add usable rear seats and a trunk. The M5 Touring, X5 M, and X6 M carry families and gear — the X5 M with the most space, the X6 M trading some room for style. If the M has to double as the household hauler, weight the SUVs and the Touring accordingly.
Commuting, charging, and the plug-in-hybrid M cars
The electrified M5 and XM can cover short local errands on electric power (BMW rates the XM at up to 30 miles of electric-only range; the M5's EPA figures were still being finalized at the time of writing). For a Fairfield County commute with home charging, that can mean quiet, gas-free running around town and V8 muscle when you want it. If you can't charge at home, you'll still enjoy the performance, but you won't capture the efficiency benefit — worth weighing before choosing a PHEV M.
Track capability vs. the public road
Every current M car will reach 60 mph in the 3-to-4-second range and is electronically limited to 155 mph (higher with the optional M Driver's Package). Those numbers describe closed-course capability. On Connecticut's public roads — the Merritt Parkway, I-95, town roads — the reward is in throttle response, braking, and composure at legal speeds, not top-end. If you want to explore the limits safely, ask us about BMW Performance Driving School and track-day options rather than the street.
Find your BMW M at BMW of Darien
Ready to move from the spec sheet to the driver's seat? Explore current inventory, book a test drive, or talk through a factory custom order with our team. We serve M shoppers across Fairfield County and Connecticut.
Model-specific inventory: M3 · M4 · all new BMW. Also see financing and directions to our Darien showroom.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a full BMW M car and an M Performance model like the M340i?
Full M cars (M2, M3, M4, M5, X5 M, X6 M, XM) are developed by BMW M with dedicated engines, chassis, brakes, and cooling built for sustained high performance. M Performance models (M240i, M340i, X5 M60i and the electric M60/M70 models) are sportier, uprated versions of standard BMWs — quick and desirable, but not built to the same track-focused brief.
Which current BMW M has the most horsepower?
Among current full M models, the plug-in-hybrid BMW XM Label is the most powerful at 738 hp, followed by the M5 (717 hp). The gas-only high-performance M cars top out with the X5 M and X6 M Competition at 617 hp.
Which BMW M models are available with all-wheel drive?
M xDrive all-wheel drive is available on the M3 and M4 in Competition xDrive form and is standard on the M5, X5 M, X6 M, and XM. The M2 and the base/Competition (non-xDrive) M3 and M4 are rear-wheel drive.
Is a rear-wheel-drive M car practical for a Connecticut winter?
Many owners drive rear-wheel-drive M cars year-round, but the key is tires: M cars come on summer performance tires that lose grip in the cold. A dedicated set of winter tires makes a bigger safety difference than drivetrain alone. If you want maximum year-round confidence without swapping tires seasonally, choose an xDrive model and still consider winter tires.
Does BMW still make an M5 wagon?
Yes. The current M5 is offered as both a Sedan and a Touring (wagon) in the U.S., both using the same 717-hp plug-in-hybrid V8 powertrain. The Touring adds significant cargo space with nearly identical performance.
How much does a BMW M cost?
Current starting MSRPs range from $69,000 for the M2 to $159,600 for the XM Label, before destination, taxes, and options. See the comparison table above for each model. Prices are set by BMW and change over time — confirm current figures and any available offers with BMW of Darien.
About this comparison
Last updated: July 29, 2026. Specifications verified: July 29, 2026. Model years covered: current BMW USA lineup, 2026–2027 (see each row; BMW lists some M models as 2026 and others as 2027).
How we verify: every specification and starting MSRP on this page was read directly from BMW USA (bmwusa.com) model and technical-data pages on the verification date. Where BMW USA does not publish a figure, we show "Not published" rather than estimate it. Where BMW's own pages disagreed (for example, the M2's horsepower), we used the model-specific technical page and noted the discrepancy. Prices and specifications are time-sensitive and set by BMW; we re-check them on a schedule.
Primary sources (BMW USA): M lineup overview · M2 · M3 · M4 · M5 Sedan · M5 Touring · X5 M · X6 M · XM. X5 M / X6 M torque via the BMW Group press release.
Editorial attribution: researched and written by the BMW of Darien editorial team. "Best for" labels are our recommendations based on the verified specifications shown, not official BMW awards.
Disclaimer: Starting MSRP excludes destination & handling, taxes, title, registration, options, and dealer charges. MSRP, availability, options, and actual performance may vary. Acceleration and top-speed figures reflect BMW's testing under controlled conditions and are not intended to encourage unlawful driving. Vehicles shown may not be in stock; confirm current inventory, pricing, and specifications with BMW of Darien.