2021 BMW M Models Reviews

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.

It comes down to this. Seven category winners, seven exceptional cars. But only one can take the crown of CarsGuide’s 2026 overall Car of the Year.The final shortlist for the overall Car of the Year award is made up of the winners of each of our seven categories.This impressive list includes high-end performance SUVs from Germany, new contenders from China, a game-changing ute, family friendly hybrids and top-notch EVs.As a reminder, here are the category winners that make up this final shortlist.Best Small Car Starting Under $50,000 - Kia EV3The Kia EV3 proves small EVs don’t have to be boring. A striking design combined with an engaging drive experience, visually appealing and surprisingly spacious cabin and high levels of standard equipment make for a winning package.Best Small Car Starting Under $80,000 - BMW X1It might not be the newest model on this list, but punchy petrol powertrains and a well-calibrated electric version elevate the BMW X1 above all of its premium small car rivals.Best Medium SUV Starting Under $60,000 - Zeekr 7XThe newest car on this list, the long-awaited Zeekr 7X is a deeply impressive electric family SUV in all grades and proves Zeekr means business.Best Medium SUV Starting Under $130,000 - Hyundai Ioniq 5Perhaps a surprising win against some impressive premium players, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 deserves this award as it remains one of the most impressive electric medium SUVs money can buy.Best Large SUV Starting Under $100,000 - Hyundai Santa FeA massive step up from the previous model, the new Hyundai Santa Fe has a bold design and a spacious and flexible interior with the choice of two excellent powertrains.Best Large SUV Starting Under $220,000 - Porsche CayenneOutpacing a range of mostly German rivals, the Porsche Cayenne has the performance and prestige to make it the clear standout in the category.Best Ute Under $85,000 - BYD Shark 6A truly game-changing ute, the BYD Shark 6 has brought plug-in hybrid power to the masses in a big way.Such a solid list of winners means the car that took the crown is a special vehicle indeed.Without further ado, the winner of CarsGuide’s overall 2026 Car of the Year award is… the Hyundai Santa Fe!The Santa Fe won over the CarsGuide Car of the Year judges for a variety of reasons.The six- or seven-seat large SUV is hard to fault. It’s a phenomenal family car with acres of occupant space across all three rows and decent cargo space as well. There’s also enough to keep kids occupied in the rear two rows while offering high levels of comfort and refinement up front.Interior design and layout is modern, with a retro twist, and the materials used throughout are second to none. Hyundai has used eye-catching seat materials, while the various touchpoints look and feel like they belong in the premium segment.A Santa Fe highlight is the fact that even the entry grade (simply called ‘Santa Fe’) feels nothing like a base model. In fact, it feels more high-end than top-spec versions of many of its rivals.The availability of two excellent powertrains further boosts the Santa Fe. The 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid is not just the best choice for efficiency and refinement, it’s also a punchy, engaging engine. But the 2.5L four-cylinder turbo-petrol version is also an absolute hoot.Both are available in front and all-wheel drive, and they come with a full-size spare wheel. Not something every hybrid can claim.Value for money was also a one of the Santa Fe’s biggest strengths. Pricing ranges from around $54,000 for the entry petrol grade and it tops out at $77,000 for the fully kitted out Calligraphy hybrid. Even at the entry point, the Sant Fe is packed with comfort and safety features.Finally, while its exterior design is undoubtedly polarising, the judges agree that it’s a standout among a largely vanilla bunch of family SUV rivals.Not only is the Hyundai Santa Fe CarsGuide’s top pick for a family car in 2026, but we reckon it’s the best car money can buy.A well deserved win for a brilliantly executed car.

Understandably, expectations are elevated in this high-altitude corner of the market, the luxury large SUV category (starting under $220K) in the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, with our 10 shortlisted models all suitably impressive vehicles.Four contenders from BMW (iX, X5, X6 and X7), three from Mercedes-Benz (EQE SUV, G-Class and GLS) and a solo entry from Porsche (Cayenne) give this group a distinctly Germanic flavour, with singles from Genesis (GV80) and Range Rover (RR Sport) to leaven the mix.In short, there are no bad options here. But, as with any new vehicle purchase, the fundamentals apply. Value, practicality, safety, cost of ownership and driving performance are all critical considerations for prospective buyers. But maybe, just maybe, the badge on the bonnet counts for a lot, too. Voting calculations came down to an exceptionally fine point following robust and positive COTY ‘War Room’ discussion across the judging panel before three contenders rose to the top. Having landed here in 2021, the pure-electric iX was given a mid-life refresh in late 2025 and several judges highlighted the specific benefits it delivered.Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton called out its “incredible road presence” and Senior Journalist Chris Thompson noted its bigger battery, increased range and faster charging capacity, introduced with a relatively modest price increase.“After the update it picked up more range. It’s not that much more expensive, it looks cool and points go to BMW for saying, ‘let’s try something with this’,” he said.It was a sentiment shared by Deputy News Editor Tom White who noted: “Every time I drive it I’m shocked with how it feels. It’s really special on the inside and it’s got this ethereal driving quality.“It’s ambitious, and forced other manufacturers to respond. And think about the value play. At the entry point for a combustion X5, you can get an electric one for only a few grand more. That’s pretty impressive,” Tom added. BMW was one of the first premium car brands to jump into the global SUV pond, its X5 sending heads spinning on arrival in 1999. And through four generations it’s maintained status as the go-to five-seater for family car buyers wanting extra luxury, performance and safety to go with thoughtful day-to-day practicality.In summing up its universal appeal, Senior Journalist Laura Berry had War Room heads nodding in agreement when she said: “It’s the 3 Series of SUVs. It does the job so well”.A choice of inline six-cylinder plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrains as well as a twin-turbo petrol V8 in the powerhouse X5 M illustrates how much the X5 has evolved over time, with pricing and specification consistently fine-tuned to maintain a competitive value proposition.  The line-up also won plaudits from Deputy Editor James Cleary who noted the X5’s quality, safety, space efficiency, updated tech and generous standard spec.And then there was one. A mid-life overhaul in late 2023 for Porsche’s ground-breaking large SUV brought a refined exterior treatment and comprehensive interior makeover which, among other things, added a ‘full-screen’ dash treatment.The current 10-variant (!) line-up offers two body styles (SUV and Coupe) and four engine choices (turbo V6 petrol, V6 petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, twin-turbo V8 petrol and V8 PHEV), with prices ranging from under $150K for the entry-level SUV to around $380K for the stonking Turbo GT.News Editor Dominic Tripolone summed up much of the judging group’s feeling for the car when he said: “It does everything a Porsche should but with a family inside”.Chris Thompson chipped in: “Dynamically it’s so impressive. Driving it in anger it’s as if some wizardry has happened. It feels like a sports car.”And Laura Berry also noted Porsche’s ability to make a high-riding SUV behave like a low-slung sports coupe. “It doesn’t feel like it’s made out of separate parts. It feels like it’s one part, so well built it just moulds around you. I love it.”