BMW has long called its vehicles “The Ultimate Driving Machines.” In the fast-moving and extremely competitive automotive world, BMW continues to prove its dominance. For example, BMW vehicles recently scooped up honors from Consumer Reports and Car and Driver. These two respected automotive testing and reviewing organizations are great places to contrast and compare models because their experts do the work for consumers – you – and point toward the best of the best. 

Consumer Reports

The venerable nonprofit testing organization (90 years old this year!) does an annual roundup of what it considers the best of the best. This year, the BMW X5 took the top spot for Luxury Midsized SUV in CR’s “2026 10 Top Picks in New Cars, Trucks and SUVs.” The writeup was close to being a rave review! For instance, “The BMW X5 remains one of the best luxury SUVs Consumer Reports has ever tested.” Cabin appointments, supportive seats “expertly sculpted for day-long road trips,” and powerful and efficient performance for both the gas-powered and hybrid models” made the 2026 X5 “an entertaining driving experience that lives up to BMW’s reputation.” 

Car and Driver

Oh, my! Car and Driver’s “2026 Editors’ Choice: The Best New Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and Minivans” awards included several BMW models, including hybrids and electrics. Here’s the extensive list: 
Gas-Powered SUVs: BMW X1 (Subcompact Luxury SUV); BMW X3 (Compact Luxury SUV); BMW X5 (Mid-size Two-Row Luxury SUV); BMW X7 (Full-Size Luxury SUV). Handling and comfort were some of the most-mentioned attributes. 

Gas-Powered Cars: BMW 2-Series (Luxury Sport Compact Car); BMW M2 (Luxury Sport Compact Car); BMW 3-Series (Compact Luxury Car); BMW M3 (Sports Sedan); BMW M4 (Sports Coupe/Convertible); BMW 7-Series (Full-Size Luxury Car). Power and performance  in comfortable, luxurious packages are qualities the editors loved, and which continues to appeal to consumers looking for style and substance.
Hybrids and Electrics: BMW X5 Hybrid (Hybrid Mid-Size Luxury SUV); BMW iX (Electric Mid-Size Luxury SUV); BMW 7-Series Hybrid (Hybrid Full-Size Luxury Sedan); and BMW i4 and BMW i5 (Luxury Electric Cars). BMW’s hybrid models were lauded for good range and comfortable appointments. The EVs earned mentions for handling, acceleration and range.

The ‘70s-era rock song, “Born to Be Wild,” evokes the gestalt of these amazing Ultimate Driving Machines: “Get your motor running/Head out on the highway/Looking for adventure/In whatever comes our way” (Steppenwolf – 1968). While originally about motorcycles, the song sure could have been about BMWs!