Cars

BMW’s Top Picks: The 2025 Car of the Year Winners

Published

3 months ago

December 22, 2025

The BMWBLOG 2025 Car of the Year Awards: Celebrating the Best BMWs of the Year

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the top BMWs that have graced our roads in 2025. This reflection has led us to formalize something we’ve been doing informally for years – naming our BMWBLOG Car of the Year award winners.

This year marks only the second time we are officially presenting these awards, but the motivation behind them remains unchanged. BMW owners and enthusiasts frequently ask us a simple question: Which BMW would you choose to buy? After a year of driving, testing, filming, and experiencing over 50 different BMW models across various segments and continents, these awards provide our most definitive answer yet.

Our small jury, comprising BMWBLOG editors and contributors, each brought their unique perspectives to the table – from daily usability and long-term ownership appeal to emotional connection and technical innovation. While the criteria were intentionally broad, certain patterns quickly emerged, with some cars consistently impressing us time and time again.

BMW M Car of the Year: BMW M2 CS

The BMW M2 CS has managed to unite our editorial team in a way few modern BMWs have. Despite its price tag and uncompromising nature, the M2 CS emerged victorious due to its hardcore M car identity. It embodies BMW M at its most focused, with compact proportions, real power, genuine rear-drive attitude, and a true driver-centric approach.

Several editors independently selected the M2 CS as their M Car of the Year, with some even dubbing it the most complete modern M car in BMW’s current lineup. In a range that includes high-performance models like the M3 and M4 Competition, the M2 CS stood out by offering less, but doing it better.

Notable mentions: M2 Manual, M3/M4 Competition, M4 CS.

BMW Electric Car of the Year: BMW iX3

The most decisive outcome in this year’s voting came in the electric category, with the iX3 garnering widespread support. While not flashy, the iX3 has redefined expectations by prioritizing driving balance, intuitive technology, and real-world usability over flashy specifications.

Editors noted that while there are faster EVs available, the iX3 feels more authentically BMW than most electric SUVs on the market. Its technology stack, consistent performance, and overall execution showcase BMW’s confidence in the next generation of EVs.

Even editors who had not yet driven the iX3 acknowledged its undeniable importance – a rare occurrence in the automotive world.

Notable mentions: i4, i5, iX.

BMW SUV of the Year: BMW iX3

While the BMW SUV lineup is fiercely competitive, the iX3 stood out in 2025 as the most comprehensive package. It seamlessly blends everyday practicality with EV refinement, offering comfort as a daily driver without sacrificing engagement.

While the X5 50e and iX continue to impress, the iX3 emerged as the SUV that best embodies BMW’s present and future, according to the votes.

Notable mentions: X5 xDrive50e, iX.

BMW Best Value Car of the Year: BMW M340i

The BMW M340i subtly reminded us this year that fun doesn’t have to come at a high cost. Balancing everyday usability, performance, technology, and price, the M340i excels in offering a well-rounded BMW experience without the premium price tag of an M car or flagship EV.

The G20 M340i gets everything right, from the impressive B58 engine to the comfortable yet confident chassis. It’s hailed as the best daily BMW of the year, offering BMW performance without compromising practicality or budget.

Notable mentions: 330i, i4 eDrive35, X3 xDrive30i.

The BMWBLOG 2025 Car of the Year: BMW M2 CS

After stripping away all categories, one question remained – which BMW best embodies the brand today? The answer led us back to the same car – the M2 CS.

While some argued for the Z4 M40i manual or the iX3, the M2 CS ultimately triumphed for encapsulating a rare essence in modern BMWs – a focus on enthusiasts. In a time of technological advancements, the M2 CS serves as a reminder that BMW still prioritizes driver involvement and feel without compromise.

And that’s what truly matters.