1986 BMW M Models Reviews

BMW’s first global electric 3 Series has been revealed with a breathtaking driving range of up to 900km.Previewed by CarsGuide late last year but now officially revealed, the BMW i3 is the German giant’s next Neue Klasse (new class) model following the iX3 mid-size SUV that goes on sale in Australia mid-year.The sedan is expected to arrive in Australia in early 2027 and will be sourced from BMW's Munich plant in Germany.The next-gen internal combustion 3 Series sedan, which is based on BMW’s CLAR platform, will likely be revealed later in 2026.The headline news for the new i3 of course is that driving range. BMW says it can achieve EV range of up to 900km, although this is a provisional figure and may change by the time it makes it to production.In the prototype I sat in at the embargoed reveal in November, the mock screen readout showed the battery at 80 per cent capacity with 712km left. That means 100 per cent charge would give you 890km.This is well above the still impressive 805km range of the iX3 in 50 xDrive guise. It also outpaces the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (750km), while versions of the Lucid Air sedan (not sold in Australia) can drive up to 820km.The i3, shown in 50 xDrive guise, uses the same underpinnings as the iX3, which means the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive, this time with 800-volt architecture. Like the iX3 it uses cylindrical cells for the high-voltage battery. This “cell-to-pack” design means high energy density and, importantly for packaging, reduced battery height.There are two motors, one on each axle, with the rear motor the primary driver for the car, but it is all-wheel drive. Outputs are 345kW of power and 645Nm of torque, matching the iX3.DC charging is technically 400kW, which BMW says can add up to 400km of range in just 10 minutes at a high-powered charging station, but these don’t exist in Australia. AC charging is up to 22kW and the i3 has bi-directional changing capability.The i3 features the same four ‘superbrains’ found in the iX3. It includes the so-called ‘Heart of Joy’, which handles driving dynamics, as well as computers for automated driving and parking, multimedia, and for other functions like vehicle access and air conditioning.Design wise it maintains a sedan silhouette although it loses some of the striking elements of the gorgeous Vision Neue Klasse concept from 2023, like the tail-lights and the low-set glasshouse.The iconic BMW kidney grille and quad headlights take on a new look too. The grille is that in name only - it’s simply blacked-out panels with illumination for the kidneys. Circular headlights are gone and replaced with quad lines and in-set headlights much like on the iX3.The famed Hoffmeister kink remains, and the boot lid kicks up at the edge for a sporty look.At 4763mm long, 1865mm wide and 1482mm tall with a 2897mm wheelbase, the new i3 is 50mm longer, 38mm wider, 42mm higher and with a 46mm longer wheelbase than the current-gen BMW 330 sedan.Inside you’ll find BMW’s Panoramic Vision which projects content and visuals across the entire width of the lower edge of the windscreen. It also has a 17.9-inch central display touchscreen and a multifunction steering wheel with ‘Shy Tech’ controls that appear only when required. There’s also an updated version of its voice control system, a new digital key and an optional 3D head-up display.While BMW previously sold an electric 3 Series in China with the i3 badge, this is the first truly global 3 Series EV. It also marks a return of the i3 badge in Australia after the small tallboy hatchback that was discontinued in 2021.You can expect a Touring wagon version at some point, as well as high-performance electric M3 and lower grade models, too.

V8 engines in Australia have been on the decline with increasingly stringent emissions requirements and changes in production and demand.It has seen the recent departure of V8 favourites such as the 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel found in the Toyota LandCruiser.The options are continuing to fade with the next-generation Nissan Patrol ditching its 5.6-litre diesel V8, in favour of a twin-turbo six-cylinder set-up.For those wondering though, here are all the new cars still on sale in 2026 with a V8 engine.  Aston Martin  Aston Martin uses the Mercedes-AMG tuned 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 across most of its range. This includes the Vantage coupe and convertible models, producing 489kW and 800Nm. The engine is also found in the DB12, which is a V8-exclusive model. Previous DB generations have had the 5.9-litre V12, such as the DB9 and DB11.The DB12’s V8 produces slightly more power than the Vantage at 500kW, and has the same 800Nm.Aston Martin’s DBX SUV is the other model to house a V8 engine, which produces 405kW and 700Nm. The juiced up DBX 707 has 520kW and 700Nm. Audi Audi has a petrol V8 in four models, across both its sedan and SUV range. The top-spec limited edition RS6 Avant GT is the most expensive Audi model on sale in Australia, starting from nearly $400,000 (before on-road costs), although even the regular RS6 is a smidge over $250,000.Its 4.0-litre V8 engine produces 463kW and 850Nm, which is the same as in the related RS7.The standard versions of the SQ7 and SQ8 SUVs have lesser power outputs at 441kW/800Nm, while the range-topping RSQ8 Performance produces 471kW/850Nm.  FordFord has three V8 models on sale for its Mustang GT sports car, which all employ 5.0-litre unit, producing up to 347kW and 550Nm.  Bentley  The Flying Spur and Continental GT luxury grand tourers both have V8 power, with the Continental GT, a V8-exclusive. Bentley’s VW-group sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has been given some hybrid assistance in the top-end version of the Continental GT, boosting performance to 575kW and 1000Nm.The ultra high-end Bentayga SUV meanwhile shares its powerplant with the aforementioned Audi models, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo without plug-in assistance producing 478kW/850Nm.BMWBMW has one V8 petrol engine which features in five models on sale in Australia. The M5 adds a plug-in hybrid set-up to its V8, producing 535kW and 1000Nm. The M8 uses the same 4.4-litre engine, but it does not have an electrification, so it 'only' produces 460kW and 750Nm. This V8 is also found in several performance-oriented SUVs from BMW’s line-up, such as the X5, X6 and X7, as well as the full-size XM, which also employs a plug-in hybrid set-up. It was recently reported BMW has plans to continue its production of V8 engines in the carmaker’s Hams Hall facility in the United Kingdom, with North American demand continuing to be strong despite emissions laws closing in around the world. Mercedes-Benz The 4.0-litre V8 engine continues to be available on several Mercedes-Benz models, such as its luxury limousine S-Class and Maybach. It gets a plug-in hybrid twist on the ballistic GT63 SE, taking figures to a staggering 620kW and 1400Nm. The petrol-only GT63 has the same 4.0-litre engine, producing up to 450kW and 800Nm.Mercedes’ latest generation C63 sedan only features a twin-turbo hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder set-up, which has proved an unpopular swap compared to the previous V8. Like BMW, Mercedes also employs its V8 across high-end variants in its SUV range. Land Rover Land Rover installs two V8 engines, which feature as part of its Defender and Range Rover line-ups. The biggest V8 on offer is a 5.0-litre example, producing up to 368kW and 610Nm in the top-spec Defender model. There is also a 4.4-litre hybrid unit found on many of the P-Series and Sport Range Rover variants, with a maximum of 467kW and 750Nm. Lamborghini Lamborghini has one V8 engine, which is available on its Temerario coupe and its Urus SUV. It is a 4.0-litre example, producing up to 588kW and 950Nm. Ferrari  Ferrari offers a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine on its Roma and Roma Spider two-door sports cars. Both cars have 456kW and 760Nm.The SF90 Stradale has a bigger 4.0-litre unit, which gets the assistance of a plug-in hybrid system to produce 574kW and 800Nm.Nissan The Nissan Patrol 4WD currently on sale in Australia comes with a 5.6-litre V8 (298kW/560Nm), but that is about to change with the next-generation model.The incoming Patrol will launch in late 2026 with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 replacing the V8. 

BMW has released details of its sharply-priced revamped iX3 electric compact SUV, with serious boosts to driving range and power output. The new-generation mid-size SUV starts from $109,900, before on-road costs, which is $5000 cheaper than the previous base model iX3 when it was released. BMW slashed the price of its previous- gen iX3 by more than $10,000 in 2023, with this latest version representing a return to the $100K+ bracket for the SUV. The car's price still sits below previous expectations of a $120K price tag, making the iX3 competitive compared to its segment rivals.It comes in as more affordable than a comparative all-wheel drive Audi Q6 e-tron, which starts from more than $120,000, before on-roads. It is also cheaper than the electric Genesis GV70, all-wheel drive Porsche Macan and dual-motor Polestar 3, with all three cars priced in the $130K+ bracket.There have been substantial improvements to the new-generation iX3 across the board. Its bigger 108kWh battery has a driving range of more than 800km (WLTP), nearly doubling that of the outgoing model and its 800-volt platform facilitates DC charging from 10-80 per cent in 21 minutes. The new SUV's dual electric motor set-up provides 345kW and 645Nm, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.9 seconds, utilising its all-wheel drive system.This means the iX3 has taken a significant step up on the set-up in the outgoing rear-wheel drive only iX3, which had a driving range of 460km and outputs of 210kW/400Nm.The car gets plenty of gear as standard, such as BMW’s wrap-around dashboard display and a head-up display. Seats are trimmed in a synthetic leather, with the front ones electrically operated and heated, and there is a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The new iX3 will launch in the middle of 2026, with more variants expected to follow soon after. 2026 BMW iX3 pricing Australia2026 BMW iX3 electric motor and efficiency2026 BMW iX3 standard features20-inch wheelsHead-up displayPanoramic digital dashboard displayPanoramic sunroofElectrically adjustable seats with memory functionHeated front seatsHeated steering wheelSynthetic leather seatsElectrically operated tailgateAutomatic air conditioningAmbient lightingPremium Harmon Kardon sound system2026 BMW iX3 safetyThe new BMW iX3 has not been crash tested yet. Standard safety features include: Adaptive cruise controlPark assistLane keep assistSteering assist2026 BMW iX3 warrantyAll new electric BMW cars are covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and an eight-year/160,000-kilometre battery warranty. 

The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 24,122 BMWs and Mini derivatives sold new in Australia from 2010 to 2022.It confirms that examples of the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Series (F0x, F1x, F2x, F3x, G1, G3x), the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6 (F48, F39, F1x, F2x, G0x) as well as the Mini Cooper (F5x) and Countryman (F6x) have been impacted.The notice said, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak. “If this occurs, the leaking coolant and recirculated exhaust gas may combine, which may result in a reduction of engine power and potentially a fire while driving,” the notice said. The department added, “A reduction of engine power whilst driving and/or a vehicle fire could increase the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and/or damage to property.”All grades of the nominated models sold from 2010 to 2022 are potentially included and the department says owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for replacement of the EGR cooler, free of charge.Alternatively, BMW can be contacted on 1800 243 675, through email info@bmw.com.au or via www.recall.bmw.com.au. This recall comes on the back of another large scale recall alert last month impacting 16,578 BMWs sold new in Australia from 2020 to 2023.In that case, examples of the 2,3,4,5,7 Series (G12, G2x, G3x, G42), X3 (G01), X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and Z4 (G29) were found to have been exposed to a potential manufacturing defect which means the starter motor solenoid switch could experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit and in a worst case scenario “a fire during vehicle operation”.

Australians are still buying cars at a rapid rate but should we be more patient?Some of the most exciting new models are still months away from hitting showrooms. In this article we’ll reveal the five newcomers that should have you staying calm and holding steady for a few more months.Toyota RAV4 PHEVThe new RAV4 is headed into showrooms very shortly, but the brand is saving the most important new variant until later in the year. That would be the new, long-awaited RAV4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which will come in the final months of the year to push back against the rising tide of PHEV rivals.While Toyota may be a latecomer to this PHEV party, the specifications sound promising. The RAV4 PHEV will offer a 227kW, all-wheel drive variant with up to 150km of electric-only driving range for the flagship GR Sport model. There will also be a 200kW, front-wheel drive XSE variant.Toyota Australia has already revealed pricing for the pair, with the XSE starting at $58,840 and the GR Sport from $66,340. So if that sounds appealing, all you have to do now is wait…Mazda CX-5Sure, it won’t have a hybrid option initially, but the arrival of a new CX-5 is still something worth waiting for. The brand has taken an evolutionary approach to this new model, which is a good thing considering its long-running popularity.While the turbocharged engine has been dropped and the hybrid won’t arrive until 2027, the new CX-5 will have a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, stylish looks and a roomy cabin. But will that be enough to ward off the challenges from the RAV4, BYD Sealion 6 and 7, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage? That remains to be seen, but if you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV in ‘26 you will want to wait and see what the CX-5 offers before you make your decision.Chery UtePlug-in hybrid utes are all the rage at this moment in time and you could choose to jump into a Ford Ranger PHEV, BYD Shark 6 or GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV right now. Or you could wait until the end of the year when Chinese brand Chery launches the first turbo diesel PHEV ute.Previewed as the KP31 concept already, the new ute should look the part and by combining the preferred diesel power with the new PHEV technology it could be a gamechanger for the ute market.Obviously a lot of its success will be dependent on its price, but Chery has already earned a reputation for being one of the most aggressive brands when it comes to pricing. Which means this could be worth the wait for anyone looking for both a fuel efficient and affordable new ute.Honda PreludeIf you’re looking for a new sports car, like a Ford Mustang EcoBoost, Nissan Z or even a Honda Civic Type R, you may not want to rush in. That’s because Honda is due to reintroduce the famous Prelude nameplate to Australia by the end of the year.Making its return after more than 25 years in the wilderness, the Prelude picks up where it left off. The new version remains a stylish coupe based on a front-wheel drive platform, in this case the same underpinnings as the Honda Civic.While not based on the red hot Civic Type R, the Prelude is expected to have a version of the hybrid powertrain from the Civic e:HEV - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to an electric motor for 149kW of power.While it may not be as potent as the Type R, the Prelude will turn heads with its sleek looks. Which is why it could be worth waiting for if you want to stand out from the pack.BMW iX3Finally, for anyone considering a premium electric vehicle in 2026, the BMW iX3 is probably worthy of consideration - even if it’s not due here until later in the year.While EVs are in a precarious position at the moment, the German brand has poured all of its latest and greatest technology into the new model to give it its best chance of success. This is the first model of the so-called Neue Klasse platform of vehicles, which will spawn the next-generation 3 Series too.It also features the next revolution of BMW design, with a bold new look that will undoubtedly polarise opinions when it arrives.More importantly, BMW claims this electric SUV will have up to 805km of range and will arrive with the punchy 345kW/645Nm iX3 50 xDrive variant that can sprint 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Sometimes secrets in the car industry make their way into the public, whether via journalists or general mishaps, but it’s not often a brand will spill its own tea.But much of the 2026/27 BMW model line-up has been revealed by an apparent mistake on the German carmaker’s USA website, where icons for some cars yet to be confirmed have appeared.As reported by Motor1 among others, a new version of BMW’s smallest M car is on the cards, with 2027 BMW M2 xDrive having been listed as one of several new models on the way.The shock addition of all-wheel drive to the only M car left without all four wheels doing the driving is just the start, with an all-wheel-drive 3 Series ‘M350i xDrive’ also apparently on the way, marking the start of the next-gen icon.It’ll be joined by the i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive, two variants of the electric version of the 3 Series in the same way the 5 Series has the i5 and so on.We don’t know what the 3 Series looks like yet, but expect it to borrow heavily from the brand’s recent Neue Klasse design concept.There’s also a BMW iX4 40 xDrive inbound, which should be the ‘coupe’ style version of the already-revealed iX3.The next-gen BMW X5 is also locked in with a ‘40 sDrive’ variant and an electric cousin in the iX5 60.Finally, the 7 Series comes along with what’s set to be a facelift of the limo that was launched in its current incarnation within the last four years. A 740i xDrive is the only variant listed, but the V8-powered 760i and electric i7 should be sticking around.The site has now removed the list of incoming vehicles, but the info is out and about now.More local confirmations will, of course, come in time despite expectations that much of what’s been locked in for the US is likely to land here anyway. Stay tuned.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 16,578 BMWs sold new in Australia from 2020 to 2023.It confirms that examples of the 2,3,4,5,7 Series (G12, G2x, G3x, G42) , X3 (G01) , X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and Z4 (G29) have been impacted and said, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.“If this occurs, the driver may be unable to start the engine, and in the worst case, the overheating can lead to a fire during vehicle operation,” the notice said. The department added, “A vehicle fire or the driver being unable to restart the engine could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants, and/or damage to property.”All grades of the nominated models are included, although for reference, close to 65,000 vehicles across those BMW model groups were sold in Australia during the recall period.The department says owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for the free of charge starter motor replacement.Alternatively, BMW can be contacted on 1800 243 675 or via www.recall.bmw.com.au. 

Battery recycling will take on an increasingly important role in electric vehicle production and sustainability as more EVs hit the roads. 

Australia’s free trade agreement with the European Union (EU) appears to be only a matter of time, according to reports and it could have some serious implications for the domestic car industry. The Luxury Car Tax (LCT), which has been in place for more than 25 years, has been one of many key points of discussion in negotiations with the EU. A new car imported from another country that exceeds a fuel efficiency of 3.5L/100km is subject to a 33 per cent tax on every dollar more than $80,567 in price. For vehicles with fuel efficiency 3.5L/100km or less, the tax does not kick in until $91,387. While European luxury vehicles are impacted by many other factors that contribute to their higher prices, such as import costs to Australia and other fees and taxes, the LCT is a significant component of its price. European luxury cars in Australia are priced at a significantly higher point compared to other markets. Removal of the LCT could increase the affordability of cars from major manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as many models under the Volkswagen banner.The LCT was originally designed to protect Australia’s domestic car manufacturing industry from imported alternatives, but Australia stopped producing cars in 2017.It is worth more than $1 billion to the Federal Government each year, with European manufacturers a large contributor, meaning its abolition for Europe brands would need to be enticing.Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell and the EU commissioner's joint statement said talks were “constructive and positive”, allowing “the two sides to converge positions on a range of issues.”"Good progress was achieved in narrowing gaps on a small number of outstanding matters," the statement read. Whether the future of the LCT was one of those issues is unknown but the continued rumours regarding the potential for its abolition indicate the agreement is working towards that end. 

The premium small car category (starting under $80K) is an interesting one because there are many cars that might not necessarily be cross-shopped, but in one way or another they end up being compared to one another.Our 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards category shortlist saw entrants from Audi, BMW, Cupra, Renault, Smart, Subaru and Volvo. The vehicles range from small petrol hatches all the way to small electric SUVs.Now we’re at the pointy end and it’s time to whittle it down to a winner. First up are the two runners up in alphabetical order, then the category winner.This small SUV from Audi is an oldie but a goodie and that’s how it has ended up as a runner up for CarsGuide’s best small premium car.CarsGuide reviewers love how the Q3, despite its age, still presents well with a stunning exterior design, while the driving experience is elegant, yet fun.“I think it’s such a neatly executed package, it’s hard to pick faults in that car,” said CarsGuide Deputy Editor James Cleary.However there is a new-generation model set to launch locally in early 2026 that could potentially become the new benchmark for the segment.While this French small electric SUV hasn’t stormed up the sales charts like some of its competitors, it’s a dark horse with charming driving dynamics and a stunning interior design.CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White, who had one for a three-month long-term loan early in 2025, noted it’s a car that moves the Renault brand forward in Australia.In fact, he said that everyone who sat in this tester asked if it was a Kia, which he believes is a massive compliment to the Megane E-Tech.The few things holding this car back are the mediocre AC charging rate, plus the Australian-specification car does miss out on things like connected services, which are offered overseas. Thankfully Renault has committed to addressing the latter with an update in 2026.Although it’s been a couple of years now since the current-generation X1 launched in Australia, it still stands out as a segment benchmark, therefore making it a clear choice for CarsGuide’s best premium small car of 2026.“Previously the Q3 was my favourite in that category, I think the X1 does move the game forward,” said CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White.It not only offers class-leading petrol-powered variants, but the availability of electric powertrains in the same body style. All of them have stellar driving dynamics and high-tech interiors.Additionally, besides its compact exterior dimensions, the X1’s clever interior packaging and available storage space makes it almost feel like a mid-sized SUV. You can see why this is now the best-selling BMW in Australia.