What makes the ideal daily driver? There are a lot of factors, but for me, it’s practicality, comfort, fuel economy, and driving enjoyment. Most of us spend a couple of hours a day in our cars, so you want to be sitting in a vehicle that doesn’t drive you mad. That’s why finding the best daily driver is so important.
When it comes to the factors I mentioned, there aren’t many manufacturers that can tick every box. One of the best out there is BMW, spending decades creating some of the best everyday sedans on the market. With their model range expanding, there are some great cars and SUVs in the BMW lineup for everyday use.
Below, I’ve picked out my favorite BMW models in their current range that make some of the best daily drivers. I’ve covered why I think they are great, what features you get, and my experiences with each model.
Let’s get started!
BMW 330e
- From $44,900
- 288 BHP
- 75 MPGe / 28 MPG
We had to start here. The 3 Series is the best-selling BMW of all time and accounts for almost a third of every BMW car sold. It’s no coincidence, then, that 3 Series models are some of the best daily drivers around. But what exactly makes the 3 Series great for everyday use?
Performance
Let’s start with the engine. In the USA, the best choices are the 330i and 330e models, powered by a 2-liter turbocharged engine. The 330i is internal combustion only, but the 330e adds a small hybrid system to offer a mixture of power outputs. With 255 bhp and 288 bhp, respectively, both models have more than enough power as daily drivers, but how do they line up for fuel economy?
Fuel economy
As expected, when it comes to fuel economy, the 330e is the clear winner here. BMW doesn’t release all the details for their hybrid models, but they claim a combined 75 MPGe. Of course, this is blending electric and combustion power, and on engine power only, this number becomes 28 MPG combined.
Still, if your journey is less than 25 miles, you can use only electric power in your 330e, which is a huge advantage. The 330i still performs well, with a combined 29 MPG, making daily use easy here.
Comfort
The 3 Series might have the right engine for a daily driver, but is this a car you can comfortably spend time in every day? On each model, you get Sports seats as standard and the choice of Sensatec or Vernasca leather. Fortunately, keeping your seats clean and in good condition is easy, particularly with the Sensatec material. The sports seats are surprisingly comfortable, but they could offer more lumbar support, which you can get with the Premium pack.
Suspension in the 3 Series has been designed for comfort over performance, and if you go for the standard 18-inch wheels, the ride is smooth enough. The optional 19-inch alloys are a noticeable difference, but if you’re driving on a good road surface, they won’t make things uncomfortable.
Practicality
As a four-door sedan, passenger and storage space has to be a focus. Front occupants have plenty of legroom and headroom, even for the tallest drivers (I’m 6’5 and manage easily). In the rear, taller passengers will struggle on longer journeys, but there’s enough space for a shorter trip with a car full.
The storage space is key here too, and the 3 Series doesn’t disappoint. With 17 cubic ft of trunk space, the 3 Series beats the Mercedes C-Class for practicality and provides a trunk suitable for most occasions. There are plenty of smaller storage areas inside the 3 Series too, but it’s worth mentioning you lose a lot of space with the 330e due to the extra hybrid system.
Quality
Whatever you think of BMW and its recent design choices, I think it’s hard to argue with the quality of the 3 Series. This isn’t a true ‘luxury’ sedan, and you’re missing some of the premium feel of models like the 5 and 7 Series, but there’s enough quality here.
The interior is adorned with a blend of soft-touch materials, with the occasional hard plastic surface near your feet. Dashboard options include wood and aluminum, and leather steering wheels are standard. We’ve discussed the seats earlier, but it’s worth mentioning the upgraded Vernasca seats. They can’t compete with Nappa leather for softness, but real leather is still a welcome addition.
Technology
The 3 Series has just seen a midlife makeover, with the main upgrade coming in the form of a single central screen. This occupies most of the dash and is split between a driver’s display and infotainment. Styling-wise, I’m not a fan, but it’s got everything you need for a daily driver.
The latest iDrive system is excellent, and with Apple & Android functionality, everything is simple. The Premium package adds a Heads-Up Display too, which I’d strongly recommend. On the topic of packs, you have Assitance Packs for Driving and Parking, both of which will make your life that bit easier (at a cost, of course).
One-off upgrades that will make your time in the 3 Series even better include wireless charging ($200) and an HK Soundsystem ($875). These aren’t must-have items, but I’m glad I added both to my BMW.
Final Verdict
The 3 Series is a staple of the car industry. BMW might grab the headlines for its M-Division or even its controversial design choices, but this car is one of the real stars. The 3 Series almost defines the premium sedan market, and although plenty have tried to copy it, few have gotten close.
With a fine-tuned blend of practicality and luxury, enough power for day-to-day use, and the latest technology, you struggle to find too many things out of place on the 330e. And for me, that is the benchmark of a great daily driver.
228i Gran Coupe xDrive
- From $37,800
- 228 BHP
- 27 MPG
Our second BMW model is the 228i. This is BMWs smallest 4-door model, and a ‘Gran Coup’ style, as a spinoff design from the Coupe 2 Series. It’s not as practical as the 33e or 330i, but the price point is lower, and the 228i is a better car for city driving.
Performance
The 228i is one of those classic BMW models where the naming system breaks down slightly. This is the entry-level Gran Coupe model in the 2 Series range and comes with a 2.0L turbocharged engine. You get a healthy 228 bhp here, and with xDrive, that’s enough for a 0-60 time of 6 seconds flat.
Fuel economy
With a claimed 27 mpg, the fuel economy isn’t the best in the 228i. In other regions, the 2 Series comes with a range of smaller engines to improve your gas mileage, but the 2-liter option restricts your mpg numbers.
Comfort
Like the 3 Series, Sports seats come as standard in the 228i. The lumbar issue is still here, but an upgrade to the M Sport trim or the Comfort pack will solve that. Seats come in Sensatec or Dakota leather, and both a comfortable enough for longer drives.
You’ll have to pay extra for the comfort of heated seats in the 228i, but $550 feels like a reasonable cost for an option this popular. If you have rear passengers on longer journeys, chances are they’ll need to stretch their legs, as the rear seats aren’t the most comfortable.
Practicality
The standard 2 Series Coupe isn’t the most practical model, but the Gran Coupe version is a different story. Headroom is almost 39 inches, only an inch less than 3 Series headroom, and it’s the same story with front & rear legroom. The four-door setup improves practicality too, so regular trips with 4 passengers are easy.
With 15 cubic ft of trunk space, the 228i isn’t that far off a standard 3 Series. We found the trunk slightly harder to access, though, so larger items can be difficult to load. Still, if you’re using this car for work or a school run, there will be more than enough space.
Quality
The 2 Series range is the entry-level model for BMW, so quality is below what you’ll find in the average BMW. Saying that, for a daily driver, the focus isn’t on soft-touch materials and real wood/metal. There are some unique material choices for the dashboard trim, but the majority of the cabin is standard plastic. It’s hard-wearing and functional, but it doesn’t give you the feeling of sitting in a premium car.
Build quality is excellent here though. Vents and buttons feel solid to interact with, and both seat materials are well made. You won’t turn heads with a 228i, and there’s nothing in this interior that you won’t have seen before, but it’s suited for use every day.
Technology
The technology in the 228i is surprisingly impressive for a car in this segment, but like most BMWs, the best stuff is locked behind optional extras. You have a two-screen setup that is driver-focused, and although the 228i doesn’t include the latest iDrive system, I really like this setup. You still have a fully digital display, and features like adaptive cruise control and parking sensors are standard.
The Premium package offers the best value for upgrades in your 228i. You get a larger central screen, ambient lighting, heated seats & a steering wheel. You also get the option for a panoramic moonroof, which will be a bonus for plenty of owners.
Standalone options are varied too, with some hit-and-miss features. You can add wireless charging, gesture controls, remote start, and garage door openers onto your 228i, and we’ll let you make your own mind up on those.
Final Verdict
The 3 Series is hard to beat as a great daily sedan, but if you want something less expensive with 90% of the features, the 228i is a solid alternative. I’m not a fan of the exterior design, and you do miss out on the latest iDrive system, but there’s still a lot to like here.
BMW X3 xDrive 30i
- From $48,200
- 248 BHP
- 27 MPG
The only SUV on our list, the X3 fits into BMWs growing lineup as a lower-tier model with a few impressive details. The X3 comes in a range of engine sizes, but for everyday use, the only sensible option is the X3 30i.
Performance
Both versions of the X3 30i are powered by a 2.0-Liter engine with 248 bhp. It’s unlikely that you’ll need to launch your SUV on daily drives, but the xDrive model will hit 60mph in exactly 6 seconds, and BMW is usually honest about its performance data.
With an SUV like the X3, we would have to go for the all-wheel drive model. If you’re in a warmer climate and there’s little risk of snow or ice, then you can justify the rear-wheel model, but for most owners, we would always go for the safety of the xDrive system.
Fuel economy
As a mid-size gas-powered SUV, the X3 won’t win any awards for fuel economy. The xDrive model will get you around 25 mpg on your daily driving, with almost 30 mpg on long highway trips. These aren’t great numbers, but they are by no means the worst we’ve seen, either.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort as a daily-use vehicle, the X3 shines. It’s no surprise that every manufacturer is rushing out SUV and crossover models, and the driving position is a major factor. The X3 seats are almost identical to those in the 3 Series, and like that car, you have a choice of Sensatec or Vernasca leather.
Another benefit of the X3 as a daily driver has to be the space. Four people can travel in comfort on long journeys in the X3 with no issues, and the SUV design makes it easier to get in and out of the X3. The suspension is relaxed on this 30i version too, and with the standard 19-inch wheels, you’ll feel less of the road.
Practicality
Another area where the X3 performs well, there is no contest between this and a sedan. With almost 30 cubic ft of trunk space, you’re pretty much set for any scenario in the X3. You also have the option for a roof box to add extra storage, and there’s a trailer hitch available from BMW too.
It’s also worth mentioning the X3’s performance in winter conditions. Part of the reason we’d go for the xDrive version is the extra capability in snow and ice or just general off-roading. Most X3 owners will never leave the asphalt, but if you’re in a region with regular snow, this won’t let you down.
Quality
There isn’t a lot to mention about the build quality of the X3 that we haven’t covered above. This model is still at the lower end of the BMW range, so premium materials are limited here, but you still get the choice of wood & aluminum trims for your dash and door panels. The rest of the cabin feels on par with the 3 Series, which is no bad thing.
Technology
BMW are yet to update the X3 in 2023, so you get a dual-screen setup instead of the single display we are seeing on other models. Like the 228i, I’m still a fan of this design, and it’s a more driver-focused display.
You still have the choice from a variety of packs, including Convenience, Premium, and Driver Assistance. Dynamic handling offers some helpful tech to manage off-road, and the X3 30i comes with the option for ventilated seats too.
Individual options are mostly the same as we’ve seen on other models. Our favorites are still the HUD ($100) and the Harman Kardon Soundsystem ($875), but these are expensive additions.
Final Verdict
Personally, I’m not a fan of the SUV craze that we are currently in. Driving enjoyment is a key factor for me, and in a car like the X3, you don’t get that. For everyday use though, this will be an excellent SUV for most of you, with all the tech you need, plenty of space, and a comfortable cabin.
BMW 540i xDrive
- From $65,200
- 335 BHP
- 25 MPG
For our final BMW, we couldn’t leave out what is arguably their best car. The 5 Series is another BMW icon, and although it’s significantly more expensive than the 3 Series, you’ll find improvements everywhere. Another premium sedan, if you have deeper pockets and want a bit of luxury in your daily driver, this is the model for you.
Performance
We thought about going for the 530i or 530e models, but if you’re going for a 5 Series, the straight six approach is the way to go. The 540i comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, putting out a considerable 335 bhp.
This is a large sedan and not built for performance, but the 540i xDrive will take you from 0-60mph in just 4.6 seconds. That won’t be required for daily driving, but it’s good to know that kind of power is available here.
Fuel economy
The downside of the 540i is the fuel economy. The 3-liter engine is thirsty, averaging 25 mpg, with city values around 22 mpg. With an 18-gallon fuel tank, you can manage plenty of highway miles for long journeys, but you’ll be stopping for gas regularly in the city.
Comfort
The current 5 series is one of the most comfortable sedans I’ve experienced in a long time. The front seats are excellent, with far more support than you find in the 3 Series. If you go with the Sensatac or Dakota leather, you won’t be disappointed, but ultimate comfort requires the Nappa leather finish. This soft-touch leather is a step above, and although it’s harder to maintain, it’s incredibly comfortable.
On the standard 19-inch wheels, the 540i glides along. With the adaptive suspension option, you can make the 5 Series ride firmer to handle better, but its default setting is focused on comfort, and it performs well. If you’re still worried about the level of comfort, there is one more option for you – massage seats are available for $1,000.
Practicality
If you need a sedan with plenty of space, the 5 Series won’t disappoint. With 18.7 cubic feet, this can’t compete with SUVs, but it’s going to be more than enough space for most of your daily needs.
Comparing this with the 3 Series practicality, you have an extra 2 inches of headroom in the 540i, and at 6 ft 5, I have no issues in a 5 Series. Legroom is plentiful for both front & rear passengers, but the middle seat has limited space, so carrying 4 is the max for longer trips.
Quality
BMW has built the reputation of the 5 Series as a high-quality sedan, and the latest version keeps that in focus. We’ve mentioned the seats already, but the addition of Nappa leather is a major step up, and worth the costly price tag.
Elsewhere in the cabin, you can customize your dash, console, and door panels with a variety of materials. There are some interesting wood choices, with the Ash Grain as our favorite. The finish on every dial, switch, and button gives that high-quality feeling too, and there’s leather covering most of the door panels.
As a further upgrade, the Executive pack includes Ceramic controls, allowing you to include a black ceramic finish to the gear shifter and buttons. As a standalone option, we wouldn’t pick this, but as part of the executive pack, it’s a bonus.
Technology
The tradition on BMW models is to see technology from the 5 Series filter down to the 3 Series, and as a result, we get some pretty impressive tech here. The ambient lighting is a highlight (even if it’s outclassed by Mercedes’ system), and ventilated & massaging seats are also an option here.
The Driving Assistance Pro Pack gives you access to the ‘Active Driving Assistant’. This is BMW’s semi-automated driving program, which will help to drive the car in certain conditions, monitoring the speed and keeping you in a lane. For daily commutes, any form of automated driving is a must-have, making the 5 Series ideal for these kinds of journeys.
Final Verdict
The 540i might be too expensive for most to consider as a daily driver, but if you have the money, this car is one of the best places to be for your daily commute. Packed with features and luxurious enough to spend long drives in comfort, there isn’t a lot the 540i can’t do.
Other choices
The cars above represent our favorite BMW models for everyday use, but there are a few more on our shortlist:
i4 e40: The electric 4 Series model has been a controversial model since its launch, but a combination of performance, range, and build quality has set it apart from most electric sedans. With the charging conditions, this car won’t suit everyone for everyday use, but if you want an alternative option, the i4 could be the answer.
X1 28i: BMWs entry-level SUV, the X1 won’t impress you with practicality, but this is an ideal car for the city. It’s small enough to avoid the problems of most larger SUVs, and if you want a ‘sit-up’ driving style, this is a solid choice.
X5 50e: If you absolutely need the space for everyday use, the X5 is a significant step up from the X3. This comes at a cost, and with the 50e spec, you’ll be paying over $70,000 for this SUV, but the hybrid system works well, and this is truly a luxury SUV.
If you found this article helpful, you can find out more about all things BMW from our other articles below:
