The automaker delivered 2,169,739 vehicles worldwide last year, falling short of its 2023 record by about 83,000 units. Still, it maintained a clear edge over Mercedes and Audi, reinforcing its position as the top-selling premium brand. This upcoming product cycle reflects a strategy focused on electrification and gradual design evolution rather than abrupt change.
An inadvertent listing on BMW’s online shop revealed the models planned for the U.S. market, including both expected updates and a few less anticipated entries. Some of these vehicles will be unveiled in 2026 but may only reach North America the following year.
Electric Models Lead the Rollout With i3 and iX3
The new i3 sedan marks the beginning of BMW’s 2026 offensive, becoming the first electric 3 Series within the Neue Klasse lineup. Introduced recently, it promises a range of up to 440 miles and supports 400-kW charging, aiming to reduce charging times significantly. Production is scheduled to begin in August, with deliveries starting in Europe before reaching the United States in 2027.
According to Motor1, the initial version will be the i3 50 xDrive, while a more affordable i3 40 xDrive briefly appeared on BMW’s U.S. configurator. Alongside it, the iX3 electric crossover is already being delivered in Europe, with U.S. pricing expected around $60,000. Dealers are anticipated to receive units by June, with customer deliveries beginning in late September or early October.
The iX3 50 xDrive will launch first, while additional variants, including the 40 sDrive and 40 xDrive, are planned for the 2027 model year.
Core Lineup Updates Include 7 Series and Next-Generation X5
BMW’s flagship 7 Series is set for a facelift debut at the Beijing Auto Show later this month. The update retains its existing design language, including the large kidney grille and split headlights, while introducing the latest iDrive system. This includes a central touchscreen and the Panoramic Vision display, which projects information across the base of the windshield.
The next-generation X5, expected this summer, represents a more significant transformation as a full redesign. It adopts Neue Klasse styling and updated in-car technology, including the removal of the traditional iDrive rotary controller. A rear-wheel-drive version, the X5 40 sDrive, was listed for the 2027 model year before being removed, while an electric iX5 60 xDrive has been officially confirmed.
A hydrogen-powered X5 variant is planned for 2028, though details remain limited at this stage.
Performance and Niche Models Evolve as Others Exit the Lineup
BMW is also preparing updates to its performance and niche offerings. The new combustion-powered 3 Series will debut later this year, closely resembling the electric i3 but with a longer front section to accommodate engines. Among the variants, the M350 xDrive is expected to replace the M340i while retaining a six-cylinder engine.
The M2 coupe will gain an all-wheel-drive version, the M2 xDrive, which is likely to be automatic-only. The rear-wheel-drive version with a manual transmission will remain available. It remains unclear whether the AWD system will include a selectable rear-wheel-drive mode similar to the M3 and M4.
BMW is also expected to introduce the iX4, an all-electric coupe-style SUV derived from the iX3. The model will not have a combustion counterpart, reflecting a shift toward fully electric offerings in this segment.
At the same time, several models are being phased out. Production of the X4 ended last year, while the Z4 and 8 Series are scheduled to be discontinued this month without direct successors. The i4 is also expected to be retired, though timing remains uncertain.
