Owning a BMW can say a lot of things about you: that you appreciate bold and powerful performance, that you enjoy being surrounded by exquisite luxury, and that you’re surprisingly comfortable with never using a turn signal again. (There, I made the obligatory joke. Now we can move on.) Before you go looking for a BMW X5 for sale, or any other model, it’s worth considering the reputation that BMW and its drivers have, and what that might say about you when you get behind the wheel. This is worthwhile with any brand, honestly, because the reputation that a company has usually comes from somewhere. Even if it’s not entirely accurate, there arw still grains of truth to be found. Whether you’re interested in a new or a pre-owned model, it’s worth taking a big-picture approach and spending some time to get a sense of any brand before you get into a lot of specifics and details.
With BMW, that reputation is all about performance, style, and luxury, with renewed focus on reliability and safety. BMW has been around for many decades and has been incredibly popular here in the US for a long time, so it’s earned a reputation based on what people have seen and experienced. If you’re thinking about becoming a part of this legacy, it’s worth considering what, exactly, that might mean about you and your expectations.
A Love for Remarkable Power and Performance
Personally, the first thing I think of when it comes to BMW is the incredible reputation for serious performance they’ve built over the years. There are people with strong feelings about any car company out there, but no one can really make a rational argument against BMW in terms of performance. This is the definitive “German engineering” brand, and the powertrains they put in their vehicles are among the most impressive in the industry. Even if they did nothing else right (though I assure you, they do), BMW would still have a lot of fans based purely on their engines and the performance of their vehicles.
Best of all, it really doesn’t matter which model you’re looking at. Whether you want a midsize SUV like the BMW X5 or a sleek sedan like the 3 Series, you’re going to get a fantastic driving experience. This is one of those things that you typically have to be careful of when you’re looking at vehicles and engines from a particular brand. It’s easy for a company to make its name for bold performance with a single model, then roll out other rides with underwhelming engines. With BMW, however, every vehicle they make has an engine that delivers a fantastic time behind the wheel. When you see someone in a BMW, you know that they wanted a vehicle that would be fun to drive.
This is true of any BMW, but it is particularly notable when you look at an M model. Let’s take the X5 as an example. The standard X5 features a 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine that delivers 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, but the X5 M Competition model comes with a 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that provides you with 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Even the standard engine is going to give you a fantastic ride, but that M Competition engine is on another level and elevates the performance of this vehicle.
An Eye for Gorgeous Style and Design
One thing that has always set BMW apart from other brands is the unique style that their vehicles have. This is as true today as ever before, and the modern BMW lineup has a gorgeous selection of cars and SUVs that look stunning. When I see someone driving a BMW, I know that they appreciate the aesthetic nature of cars, not just their functional capabilities, and that’s not something I can say about every brand out there.
To be completely fair, there is a decent amount of controversy, or criticism, these days about the front grilles on BMW models. There’s no denying that the grille has become pretty large on these vehicles, but it’s also unique and a stylistic touch that sets them apart from other cars and SUVs on the road. I understand that the large grilles aren’t to everyone’s taste, and that’s fine. In fact, I’d say that’s exactly the point. Trying to appeal to everyone results in dull aesthetics that are meant to make as large a swath of people as possible happy, which is why so many SUVs on the road look basically the same. I prefer companies that go for something unique and interesting with a touch of bold style.
The Desire to Be Comfortable and at Ease
There’s a reason so many people fall in love with their future BMW the moment they go for a test drive. You need to experience it to fully appreciate what one of these cars has to offer. Sure, they look great from the outside, and you can hear their engines, but everything comes together the moment you get inside and take it for a drive. Not only do you get to feel the power of the engine and the performance it delivers, but you also get to enjoy the rich comfort and luxurious features that BMW packs into its vehicles.
Again, let’s look at the X5. Standard features include power-adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar support, high-gloss wood trim, and a fully finished cargo area with velour carpeting. It has multi-zone automatic climate control, three-stage heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof with a fully automatic, two-piece glass panel. Combine all of that with technology that includes a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display and 14.9-inch infotainment screen, again both standard, and you can start to appreciate what BMW does with their vehicles. Words really don’t do this justice, and you need to feel and see it all for yourself to fully appreciate BMW’s commitment to comfort, luxury, and refinement.
BMW’s Reputation Moving Forward
In the past, there have been some concerns about reliability with the BMW brand, particularly since repairs and replacement parts can be rather pricey. This is a legitimate concern, and it’s worth considering the ongoing maintenance costs of any vehicle before you make your purchase. That being said, BMW has clearly heard these worries and committed themselves to making vehicles that are every bit as reliable and dependable as they are fun to drive. Evidence for this is clear when you look at the fact that Consumer Reports recently named BMW as number one in their annual Auto Brand Report Card Rankings, which includes performance and reliability. This is based on their road tests along with owner satisfaction surveys, demonstrating that BMW has taken steps toward ensuring drivers enjoy everything their vehicles offer for many years to come.
Is a BMW Right for You?
When you’re shopping for a vehicle, it’s always important to consider all of these aspects for a particular make and model and ask yourself this question. For many drivers, the answer is an overwhelming “yes.” With the desire to feel the power, luxury, and comfort that BMW delivers, I can’t say I blame them. Best of all, if you’re not sure about the price tag on a brand new BMW, a used or Certified Pre-Owned BMW can be an excellent option that delivers the same amazing driving experience while going easier on your budget. All you have to do now is consider which model has what you’re looking for, then head to your local BMW dealer for a test drive to feel what BMW has to offer.
