Let’s start by agreeing on something – BMWs are not seen as low-cost options in the automotive world. And BMW prides itself on the high levels of luxury and performance they include in their cars, which don’t come cheap. But if you think that means you have to walk into a BMW dealership with $70,000+, then you might be surprised.
I’m not here to run through some of the used car options out there, where you need to get very lucky to find a good deal in 2023. I’m here to tell you what new BMWs you can buy for under $50,000. Ok, that is still a lot of money, but it’s also much less than most people would expect to pay for a brand new BMW.
So which cars have I chosen? There’s a lot of variety on this list; chances are if you are after a certain type of car, it’s here. So let’s get started…
The Five Best BMWs For Less Than $50,000
These are my own opinions, and you might disagree with my rankings – after all, everyone is looking for something different in a car, and my number one choice might be the opposite of what you need. What matters most though, is that every car on this list is a brand new BMW, often with optional extras, that you can own for under $50,000.
Want to find out what those cars are?
5. BMW X1 xDrive 28i – $39,100
The first car on our list is the BMW X1, their entry-level SUV. This car isn’t going to excite any BMW purists, but it’s a good choice for anyone looking at a small, premium crossover. If you’re after a less expensive alternative to an X3, you can pick up a new X1 with plenty of options for under $50,000.
| The Good | The Bad |
| Engine performance is better than rivals | The quality of materials is worse than some rivals |
| Great practicality | X2 styling is better |
BMW has set the X1 up to be a great entry-level car. Suspension is harsher than other premium crossovers, but handling and performance are excellent. The X1 isn’t the most practical SUV, but the xDrive system is capable off-road, and the storage space is ideal for family trips.
4. BMW 330e xDrive – $44,900
Next up we have the 330e. This is the hybrid option in the current 3 Series range, the most popular model BMW sells. I had difficulty deciding between the 330e and 330i, but the hybrid benefits are too good to turn down for under $50,000. The 330e combines the best parts of the 3 Series range and gives you the bonus of an electric motor to run alongside the engine or electric-only mode for a short time (around 25 miles).
| The Good | The Bad |
| Great interior design and material quality | Electric-only range isn’t the best |
| Best driving experience in its class | The 330i option is a strong alternative |
| Combination of engine and motor |
There isn’t a lot to dislike about the 3 Series – the sales figures prove that. It’s not the cheapest hybrid sedan on the market, but getting your hands on a premium sedan (with some extra packages) for less than $50,000 is an enticing option.
3. BMW 430i Gran Coupe – $45,900
The current 4 Series has been a polarising car – mainly as a result of the exterior design. Looking beyond the front end (which is a lot better in person than in photos) there is an excellent car here. The 4 Series is BMW’s sportier alternative to the 3 Series, and I’ve chosen the 430i Gran Coupe spec as the one to pick.
| The Good | The Bad |
| Overall exterior design is strong | The front-end design |
| Performance and handling are excellent | Rear headroom is worse than a sedan |
| Surprisingly good practicality |
I’ve chosen the Gran Coupe model (over the Coupe and Convertible) because it’s a perfect blend of design and practicality. This is a 4-door car with plenty of rear storage, making it far more practical than the 2-door options. On top of that, the design of the Gran Coupe is far better than a standard sedan (like the 3 Series). As for the engine, the 430i spec gets you nearly 300 bhp, more than enough for most drivers.
2. BMW X3 xDrive 30i – $46,200
In our runner-up slot is the BMW X3, and the xDrive 30i spec. For me, this is BMWs best SUV – it’s incredibly practical, can manage ok off-road, and performs like a sedan on the tarmac. The xDrive option might be $2,000 more than the FWD version ($43,700) but it’s worth it, and you can still come in under $50,000 with some options added.
| The Good | The Bad |
| Packed with technology | More expensive than an Audi Q5 |
| Better driving experience than its rivals | Interior design isn’t the best in its class |
| Great for long journeys |
The X3 stands out in an incredibly crowded market, and I think the current generation X3 is the best value for money of any current BMW. It’s not the best-looking SUV, and other models are better off-road, but it is very difficult to beat as a complete package.
1. BMW M240i xDrive – $48,900
At number 1 – the best BMW you can buy for under $50,000 – is the M240i. Like the 4 Series, this has divided opinion based on its exterior design, but there’s no denying how much fun this is to drive. For under $50,000 and with a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds, you’ll struggle to find another car on the market that brings as much driving enjoyment as an M240i.
| The Good | The Bad |
| Incredible performance and handling | With optional extras can be expensive |
| Surprisingly good MPG – 26 combined | Rear passenger space isn’t great |
| *The M2 version is coming in 2023 |
This is a driver’s car, make no mistake. The M240i’s cockpit is enclosed, making it feel more like a racecar than a premium coupe. There are rear seats, but the space is limited, and should only be used on short journeys. The interior of the M240i has a lot of similarities with more expensive BMW models, which is great to see but a little basic.
*One final point I wanted to mention. I’ve put this as a negative (which isn’t really true) but a lot of you looking at the M240i will probably have one eye fixed on the release of the new M2, expected in 2023. Whether you choose to wait for the M2 or go for an M240i now, you’re guaranteed a fantastic car.
Summary
There we are – my top five new BMWs for under $50,000. In summary, we have:
5. BMW X1 xDrive 28i – $39,100
4. BMW 330e – $44,900
3. BMW 430i Gran Coupe – $45,900
2. BMW X3 xDrive 30i – $46,200
1. BMW M240i xDrive – $48,900
Every car on this list has its benefits, and my ranking is purely based on what cars I would own if I had a $50,000 budget. Even in fifth place, the X1 will be the best option for many of you due to its practicality, but for me, anyone who wants to enjoy driving needs to try the M240i. So use this list as a general guide of those models you can choose from if you are looking for the best BMW has to offer on a budget of under $50,000.
If you’ve enjoyed this article and want to find out more, check out the links below:
Comparing The BMW X1 vs. The X3
Comparing The BMW 3 Series vs The 4 Series
