BMW’s 2026 Price Hike Explained: Which Models Cost More

BMW is increasing prices across most of its 2026 vehicle lineup, pushing entry costs higher for both luxury sedans and SUVs. The move reflects rising production costs, added standard technology, and ongoing market pressures affecting premium automakers. For buyers planning a 2026 BMW purchase, these price hikes could significantly impact budgets and buying decisions.

BMW 3 Series

so apparently it’s like forty-five grand now forty. five. thousand. for something that used to just, you know, be the fast business car. don’t get me wrong, still drives smooth, maybe too smooth? almost too perfect, like no soul. I remember sitting in one that smelled like rain and stale coffee (rental, obviously). maybe that’s why I liked it, it felt real. now it’s just… sterile.

BMW 5 Series

bro, when did this car become a spaceship? screens everywhere, all touch, no personality. they bumped it up past $60k now and the base model doesn’t even feel base anymore it feels bored. I sat in a new one once and the seat heaters nearly roasted me alive, smelled faintly like pretentious leather. still comfy though.

BMW 7 Series

this one’s not even a car anymore, it’s like rolling ego wrapped in chrome. about $100k to start, and that’s before you start pressing the “add this and that option” buttons. the back seat has screens, reclining everything, too much attitude. I remember tapping the door handle and being like “oh wow it soft closes” as if that justifies the house payment it costs.

BMW X1

they keep calling it an “entry-level” SUV and then they quietly make it cost $40k. FOR AN ENTRY. looked at one last week, and honestly it’s cute like in a “my mom just discovered Spotify Premium” kind of way. drives fine, smells like plastic and ambition.

BMW X5

okay so I drove a 2015 once and it felt perfect, like warm steering, heavy gas pedal, that little BMW hum. now it’s ninety grand and somehow… less interesting. too quiet, too polite. like it used to have opinions and now it just nods along because it’s corporate now.

BMW X7

feels unnecessary but I get it people love giant cars now. starting price around $95k or maybe more depending on how much money you hate having. yeah it’s fancy, but it’s also so… extra. I saw one double parked at Whole Foods once and it just felt appropriate.

BMW i4

I really do. electric, sleek, fast, but also kind of soulless in a way BMW used to tease Tesla for. I just miss when driving a BMW made you feel connected, not like you’re charging your feelings overnight.

BMW i7

this is the one that makes you feel poor just looking at it. $120k and it lights up like a gaming PC. who decided cars need mood lighting in 26 colors? I tried one and it literally massaged my back while playing classical music, which is… unsettling when you’re stuck in traffic. looks incredible though.

BMW Z4

remember when these were fun? like early 2000s kind of fun, wind in your hair, terrible sound system, top you had to fight with a little. now it’s almost $60k and feels more like a digitally managed experience than a drive. I mean, yeah, fast, but no vibe. some cars should stay messy this one got too well-behaved.

BMW M2

okay, this one’s still got spirit. boxy, immature, loud in a good way. $65k though, ouch. but I sat in one at a gas station once (don’t ask how) and it had that smell of new tires and leather that hasn’t realized it belongs to a grown adult. the kind of car that makes bad decisions feel reasonable.