Which BMW SUV is best for me?

BMW makes some of the best SUVs. These are spacious and practical family cars. Their interiors are luxurious, comfortable and filled with technology. They look great and are economical by SUV standards. They are fantastically pleasant to drive - even better than many conventional hatchbacks and sedans. And there is a huge selection to choose from.

BMW produces seven SUV models - X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 - the larger the number, the larger the car. There are also significant differences between the odd-numbered and even-numbered models, which we will return to shortly.

With so many models to choose from offering broadly the same qualities, deciding which BMW SUV is right for you can be tricky. Here we will answer some important questions to help you decide which one is right for you.

What is the difference between odd and even numbered BMW SUVs?

Basically, there are two separate lines of BMW SUVs - odd-numbered and even-numbered. 

The odd-numbered models X1, X3, X5 and X7 feature the high body of a practical family SUV. The even-numbered models - X2, X4 and X6 - have the chunky looks and increased height you'd expect from an SUV, but with a lower roofline and coupe styling that gives it a sportier look. They also seem to be more sporty when driving.

The two ranges are combined. The cars in each pair are the same size and share many mechanical parts. These are the pairs X1 and X2, X3 and X4, X5 and X6. The X7 will be joined by the X8 when that model launches in late 2021.

BMW X5 (left) BMW X6 (right)

What is the smallest BMW SUV?

BMW's smallest SUV is the X2. It is similar in size to other compact SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA or the Audi Q3. Despite its smaller size and coupe style, the X2 has plenty of rear seat space and a large trunk. As a family car, it performs very well, although small children may have trouble seeing out of the small rear windows.

If you're worried about this, the X1 might be your best bet. Although it has a lower number in its name, the more traditional X1 SUV body is a few inches longer and taller. Its trunk is significantly larger, and you and your passengers, regardless of their age, will appreciate a more spacious cabin that is lighter and brighter than the X2.

BMW X2

What is the biggest BMW SUV?

BMW's biggest SUV is the X7. This is a very large car, about the size of a Range Rover or an Audi Q7. The X7 is really spacious, practical and very luxurious. 

The X5 is slightly smaller, but it's still a big car, the same size as a Lexus RX or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Between the X5 and X1 sits the X3, a midsize SUV that competes with the Jaguar F-Pace and Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

The X6 is the same size as the X5 and the X4 is the same size as the X3, but the X6 and X4 have shorter, lower bodies and sportier styling. 

BMW X7

Which BMW SUVs have 7 seats?

Two BMW SUVs with seven seats in three rows are available - X5 and X7. In the X5, an extra pair of seats that fold down from the boot floor is available as an option when the car is new. Not many buyers go for it, however, and there really is enough room in these third-row seats just for kids.

The X7, on the other hand, offers plenty of room for adults in the standard third row. The back is luxurious too, with armrests, cup holders and heated seats. You can also fine-tune the space to suit your passengers' needs because the second row of seats slides back and forth.

There are also some six-seat X7 models, with a pair of luxurious "captain" chairs in the second row instead of a three-seater "bench".

Third row of seats in the BMW X7

Which BMW SUV is best for dog owners?

BMW SUVs are available in a wide range of sizes, so one should be large enough for your dog to be able to move around and lie down, regardless of size. However, the view from the sloped rear window of the X2, X4 and X6 is not great, especially for smaller dogs.

Of all the models, the X5 and X7 are the ideal dog carriers. They have the largest boots and two-piece boot lids with bottom halves that fold down to form a platform that makes it easy for your dog to get in and out. Some models also have a harness that lowers at the push of a button, so your dog has less time to jump up.

Trunk BMW X5

Are there hybrid or electric BMW SUVs?

The X1, X2, X3 and X5 are available with a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and offer a useful long zero emission range. According to official figures, the X1 25e and X2 25e can go up to 35 miles on battery; X3 30e up to 29 miles; and the latest X5 45e up to 60 miles. An older X5 40e can go about 25 miles.

At the end of 2021, two new electric models, iX3 and iX, will go on sale. The iX3 is the midsize electric version of the X3 with an official range of up to 285 miles on a fully charged battery. iX was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. It's the same size as the X5 and looks very high tech both inside and out. The iX has a maximum range of 380 miles.

BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid

Which BMW SUV has the largest trunk?

Unsurprisingly, the X7 has the largest trunk of any BMW SUV, with a whopping 750 liters in five-seat mode. Even with all seven seats, there is enough space for supermarket shopping. Fold down all the rear seats and you have 2,125 liters of space - enough for a full-length refrigerator or freezer. However, some other X7-sized SUVs have even more trunk space, such as the Land Rover Discovery. This is typical of all BMW SUVs - they have a very large trunk, just not the biggest you can get in an SUV of this size. 

Trunk BMW X7

Are BMW SUVs good off-road?

BMW makes its SUVs feel as good as possible on the road, but that comes at the cost of off-road ability. The X3, X5 and X7 can tackle more difficult terrain than most people have ever attempted. But ultimately they are not as efficient as Land Rover. Other models are more off-road capable than a regular car, but they don't feel particularly comfortable in that environment.

BMW X7 off-road

Do all BMW SUVs have all-wheel drive?

You can identify any type of all-wheel drive BMW - not just an SUV - by the "xDRIVE" badge on the trunk lid (xDRIVE is just the name BMW gives to its all-wheel drive system). Two wheel drive models carry the "sDRIVE" badge - most X1 and X2 models and some X3 and X5 models are two wheel drive.

Four-wheel drive makes the vehicle safer and safer on the road than four-wheel drive vehicles. Especially in wet, muddy or icy conditions. It's also useful for towing and very important for off-road driving.

BMW xDrive all-wheel drive badge

Are there BMW sport utility vehicles?

All BMW SUVs seem to be quite sporty to drive, but some models are more explicitly geared towards high performance and an exciting driving experience. These models actually come in two "levels". Tier 35 models have an "M" followed by two numbers as an engine designation, such as M40 or MXNUMX. It is followed by an "i" for a petrol engine, or a "d" for a diesel engine. All Tier XNUMX models give very fast acceleration and feel like a sports car on a winding country road, yet are very comfortable in everyday driving.

The second tier consists of just four models, all with an "M" in their name: X3 M, X4 M, X5 M and X6 M. They are very fast and powerful, and they are pleasant to ride on the roads, but the speed is achieved at the cost of a stiffer driving and higher operating costs.

BMW M X4

Brief description of BMW SUV models

BMW X1

The compact BMW X1 may be small on the outside, but it's big on the inside, with enough room for four adults and a large trunk. It's great for families and doesn't seem too big for singles or couples.

Read our BMW X1 review

BMW X2

The BMW X2 is essentially a sportier version of the X1 with coupe styling. It stands out from the crowd, it's a pleasure to drive, and you still get the high seating position of an SUV. But it's not as practical as the X1. 

Read our BMW X2 review

BMW X3

X3 is a step up from X1. As you might expect, the result is more spacious and practical. It also has more technology, and despite being larger, it's actually more manageable.

Read our BMW X3 review

BMW X4

As X2 is related to X1, so X3 is related to X4 - a sportier version of the "coupe". The X4 actually performs quite well as a family car, but its focus is more on style and sporty driving.

BMW X5

The BMW X5 is a very capable and versatile vehicle. It has a huge cabin that can accommodate five adults and a large trunk. It's comfortable, luxurious, and almost as enjoyable to drive as a sports sedan. 

Read our BMW X5 review

BMW X6

Thanks to its outstanding appearance, you won't lose the X6 in the car park. This is the coupe version of the X5, focused on style and sportiness. But it's also practical, with more than enough space and practicality for most families' needs.

BMW X7

The X7 is BMW's largest and most luxurious SUV. It has enough room for seven people, a huge trunk and just about every high-tech feature that BMW has to offer. It also feels surprisingly agile to drive.

You will find a wide selection of BMW SUVs for sale on Cazoo. Use our search tool to find the one that's right for you, buy it online and have it delivered to your door. Or pick it up at Cazoo Customer Service.

We are constantly updating and expanding our range. If you can't find a BMW SUV within your budget today, check back soon to see what's available or set up a stock alert to be the first to know when we have sedans to suit your needs.