As the year draws to a close, we seized the chance to look back on the premier BMWs we encountered in 2025 and to formally unveil our BMWBLOG Car of the Year award recipients, a custom we've informally adhered to for years.
This is only the second occasion we have officially bestowed these honors, inspired by a recurring question from BMW enthusiasts and owners: Which BMW would you genuinely consider purchasing? After a year spent driving, testing, filming, and immersing ourselves with over 50 distinct BMWs across various locales and categories, these accolades represent our clearest answer.
A select panel of BMWBLOG editors and contributors assessed the vehicles, each prioritizing factors from daily practicality and long-term ownership desirability to emotional resonance and technological advancement. Although the criteria were extensive, certain trends surfaced, with specific models consistently wowing across the board.
Here are the recipients of the BMWBLOG 2025 Car of the Year Awards.
BMW M Car of the Year — BMW M2 CS
Few contemporary BMWs have brought together our editorial team like the M2 CS.
Though it comes with a hefty price tag and is uncompromising, it undeniably embodies a hardcore M car, which is exactly why it triumphed. The M2 CS represents BMW M at its most concentrated: compact stature, true power, authentic rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and a commitment to crafting drivers' automobiles.
Multiple editors independently designated the M2 CS as their M Car of the Year, with some labeling it the most complete modern M car BMW currently offers. Within a lineup that features the M3 and M4 Competition, the M2 CS stood out by delivering less — and excelling at it.
Honorable mentions: M2 Manual, M3/M4 Competition, M4 CS.
BMW Electric Car of the Year — BMW iX3
The most definitive outcome in this year’s voting took place in the electric segment.
The iX3 received widespread backing not for its flashiness, but for reshaping expectations. It showcases a clear perspective of BMW’s EV philosophy, prioritizing driving balance, user-friendly technology, and practical usability over mere stats.
Several editors pointed out that while they have experienced quicker EVs, the iX3 feels more like a genuine BMW than most electric SUVs currently on the market. Others praised its technology, consistent performance, and overall implementation as proof that BMW's upcoming wave of EVs is emerging with confidence.
Even editors who hadn't yet driven the iX3 acknowledged its undeniable importance. Such an occurrence is rare.
Honorable mentions: i4, i5, iX
BMW SUV of the Year — BMW iX3
In fact, the iX3 appears twice — and that’s deliberate.
While BMW's SUV range is quite competitive, the iX3 stood out as the most well-rounded option in 2025. It flawlessly merges everyday practicality with EV elegance, feeling instinctive rather than forced, and several editors highlighted its comfort as a daily vehicle without compromising engagement.
The X5 50e remains a standard for plug-in hybrids, and the iX continues to provoke mixed reviews while performing exceptionally. However, when the votes were finalized, the iX3 was celebrated as the SUV that best represents BMW's current and future direction.
Honorable mentions: X5 xDrive50e, iX
BMW Best Value Car of the Year — BMW M340i
The BMW M340i subtly reminded us this year that joy doesn’t have to come at a high cost.
While performance vehicles and EVs often dominate the limelight, value sits at the crossroads of everyday usability, performance, technology, and cost — and that's where the M340i shines. For many on our team, it’s the car we’d endorse to friends, family, or anyone looking for a balanced BMW without the premium price associated with an M Car or flagship EV.
As the year draws to a close, we seized the chance to look back on the premier BMWs we encountered in 2025 and to formally unveil our BMWBLOG Car of the Year award recipients, a custom we’ve informally adhered to for years.
This is only the second occasion we have officially bestowed these honors, inspired by a recurring question from BMW enthusiasts and owners: Which BMW would you genuinely consider purchasing? After a year spent driving, testing, filming, and immersing ourselves with over 50 distinct BMWs across various locales and categories, these accolades represent our clearest answer.
A select panel of BMWBLOG editors and contributors assessed the vehicles, each prioritizing factors from daily practicality and long-term ownership desirability to emotional resonance and technological advancement. Although the criteria were extensive, certain trends surfaced, with specific models consistently wowing across the board.
Here are the recipients of the BMWBLOG 2025 Car of the Year Awards.
BMW M Car of the Year — BMW M2 CS
Few contemporary BMWs have brought together our editorial team like the M2 CS.
Though it comes with a hefty price tag and is uncompromising, it undeniably embodies a hardcore M car, which is exactly why it triumphed. The M2 CS represents BMW M at its most concentrated: compact stature, true power, authentic rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and a commitment to crafting drivers’ automobiles.
Multiple editors independently designated the M2 CS as their M Car of the Year, with some labeling it the most complete modern M car BMW currently offers. Within a lineup that features the M3 and M4 Competition, the M2 CS stood out by delivering less — and excelling at it.
Honorable mentions: M2 Manual, M3/M4 Competition, M4 CS.
BMW Electric Car of the Year — BMW iX3
The most definitive outcome in this year’s voting took place in the electric segment.
The iX3 received widespread backing not for its flashiness, but for reshaping expectations. It showcases a clear perspective of BMW’s EV philosophy, prioritizing driving balance, user-friendly technology, and practical usability over mere stats.
Several editors pointed out that while they have experienced quicker EVs, the iX3 feels more like a genuine BMW than most electric SUVs currently on the market. Others praised its technology, consistent performance, and overall implementation as proof that BMW’s upcoming wave of EVs is emerging with confidence.
Even editors who hadn’t yet driven the iX3 acknowledged its undeniable importance. Such an occurrence is rare.
Honorable mentions: i4, i5, iX
BMW SUV of the Year — BMW iX3
In fact, the iX3 appears twice — and that’s deliberate.
While BMW’s SUV range is quite competitive, the iX3 stood out as the most well-rounded option in 2025. It flawlessly merges everyday practicality with EV elegance, feeling instinctive rather than forced, and several editors highlighted its comfort as a daily vehicle without compromising engagement.
The X5 50e remains a standard for plug-in hybrids, and the iX continues to provoke mixed reviews while performing exceptionally. However, when the votes were finalized, the iX3 was celebrated as the SUV that best represents BMW’s current and future direction.
Honorable mentions: X5 xDrive50e, iX
BMW Best Value Car of the Year — BMW M340i
The BMW M340i subtly reminded us this year that joy doesn’t have to come at a high cost.
While performance vehicles and EVs often dominate the limelight, value sits at the crossroads of everyday usability, performance, technology, and cost — and that’s where the M340i shines. For many on our team, it’s the car we’d endorse to friends, family, or anyone looking for a balanced BMW without the premium price associated with an M Car or flagship EV.
