BMW in the US has an amazing range of sedans, SUVs and crossovers, performance cars, convertibles, hybrids, and all-electric vehicles that cater to every taste.
The range is so extensive that it can become confusing to the potential buyer, particularly the question of how much horsepower each BMW model has.
The average BMW car has 392 horsepower. The BMW Alpina XB7 has the most horsepower with 631 and the BMW X1 xDrive28i has the least horsepower with 241.
Three different engines are used in most BMW models – the 2.0-liter 4 cylinder, the 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder, and the 4.4-liter V8. These engines are mostly used in conjunction with an electric motor in a mild hybrid system and provide different outputs depending on their development.
Plowing your way through a list of over eighty different models to determine the horsepower rating of one particular variant is time-consuming, so we’ve done it for you.
Each series of cars or SUVs is contained in a separate table, giving the model, the horsepower, and the engine used. We’ve also included brief details and performance information for each BMW series. Read on!
Here’s a summary of the average horsepower for the different BMW model series.
| BMW Series | Average Horsepower |
|---|---|
| BMW X-Series | 411 hp |
| BMW 2-Series | 322 hp |
| BMW 3-Series | 370 hp |
| BMW 4-Series | 355 hp |
| BMW 5-Series | 358 hp |
| BMW 7-Series | 456 hp |
| BMW 8-Series | 470 hp |
| BMW Z4-Series | 319 hp |
| BMW i-Series | 469 hp |
The Horsepower Of All BMW Models
Although, as you will see from the tables, the same engine is used in a wide range of vehicles, horsepower figures may vary depending on the level of tuning.
Most BMWs also employ mild hybrid systems with a 48-volt electric motor to power the stop-start starter motor and other fuel-saving functions.
Let’s go through the horsepower of all the available BMW models.
Horsepower of The X-range Models
The X-range provides BMW enthusiasts with a wide range of crossover SUVs, where the car platforms have been modified to offer vehicles that are luxuriously equipped and comfortable but very capable in rough or off-road conditions.
Looking at the two extremes, the X1 with a 241hp 2-liter motor has a maximum speed of 130mph and a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds, while the mighty Alpina XB7 has a maximum speed of 180mph and a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds.
The average horsepower in the BMW X-series is 411 – Here’s a complete breakdown:
| Range | Model Detail | Horsepower | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| X1 | X Drive 28i | 241 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder |
| X3 | S Drive 30i | 248 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder |
| X Drive 30i | 248 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| M40i | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M | 473 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| X4 | X Drive 30i | 248 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder |
| M40i | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M | 473 | ||
| X5 | S Drive 40i | 335 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder |
| X drive 40i | 335 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| X Drive 45e | 389 | 3.0-liter 6 with an integrated electric motor | |
| M50i | 523 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |
| M | 600 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |
| X6 | X Drive 40i | 335 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder |
| M50i | 523 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |
| M | 553 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |
| X7 | X drive 40i | 375 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder |
| M60i | 523 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |
| XB7 | 631 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 |
Horsepower Of The 2-Series Models
The 2-series derives from the 1-series and incorporates the two-door versions, including the coupe and convertible models.
This has developed into a broader range, with the Gran Coupe now the smallest 4-door model in the BMW stable. A lot of mechanical specifications are shared with the 3- series.
Performance figures vary considerably with both 2- and 3- liter engines used across the range.
A Gran Coupe 228i achieves a top speed of 130 mph, reaching 60mph in 6.3 seconds, so it is certainly no slouch. The 235i version is quicker to 60mph (4.6 seconds) but has the same top speed.
The average horsepower in the BMW 2-series is 322 – Here’s a complete breakdown:
| Range | Model Details | Horsepower | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-SERIES | COUPE 230i | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder |
| COUPE 230i X Drive | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| M 240I | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M240i X Drive | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| GRAN COUPE 228i | 228 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| GRAN COUPE 235i X Drive | 302 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| M2 COUPE | 453 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder |
The top 2-series performer is the M2, with a top speed of 155mph and 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds.
Horsepower of The 3-Series Models
The popular 3-series consists of compact sports sedans powered by both the 2- liter and 3-liter engines in various stages of tune.
Also in the 3-series range is the 330e, with an integrated electric motor and performance figures of 5.6 seconds for the 0-60mph sprint and a top speed of 142mph.
Always exciting, the M3 Competition X-Drive has a potential top speed of 180 mph and a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds.
The average horsepower in the BMW 3-series is 370 – Here’s a complete breakdown:
| Range | Model Details | Horsepower | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-SERIES | 330I SEDAN | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder |
| 330i X drive SEDAN | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| 330e | 288 | 2.0-liter plus integrated electric motor | |
| 330 e X drive | 288 | 2.0-liter plus integrated electric motor | |
| 340i | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| 340i X drive | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M3 | 473 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M3 COMPETITION | 503 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M3 COMPETITITON X Drive | 503 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder |
The Horsepower Of The 4-Series BMW Models
As with the 2-series, the 4-series range was spun off from the 3-series to create a separate series of 2-door coupe models.
The range now consists of the coupe, Gran Coupe, and convertible models, which are powered by two engine choices. In addition, there are the all-wheel X-drive variants and M-competition performance models.
For comparison purposes, the 430i coupe has a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds, the 440i achieves it in 4.6 seconds, and the M4 competition in 3.4 seconds.
The average horsepower in the BMW 4-series is 355 – Here’s a complete breakdown:
| Range | Model Details | Horsepower | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-SERIES | COUPE 430i | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder |
| COUPE 430i X drive | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| GRAN COUPE 430i | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| GRAN COUPE 430i X drive | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| M 440i | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M440i X drive | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M4 | 473 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M4 COMPETITION | 479 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M4 COMPETITION X Drive | 479 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| CONVERTIBLE 430i | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| CONVERTIBLE 430i X Drive | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| CONVERTIBLE M 440i | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| CONVERTIBLE M440i X Drive | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| CONVERTIBLE M4 COMPETITION | 479 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder |
The Horsepower Of The 5-Series BMW Models
The 5-series comprises eight variants, with engines ranging from a 248hp 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder to the 600hp 4.4-liter V8 found in the top-of-the-range M5.
Described best as a mid-sized executive sports sedan, the 5-series combines space, power, and immaculate road manners.
Even the least powerful 530i has a 0-60 mph time of under 6 seconds (5.9 seconds to be exact), while the M5 has an equivalent time of 3.2 seconds – a phenomenal time for a car of this size.
The average horsepower in the BMW 5-series is 358 – Here’s a complete breakdown:
| Range | Model Details | Horsepower | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-SERIES | 530I | 248 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder |
| 530I X drive | 248 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder | |
| 540i | 335 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| 540i X drive | 335 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| 530e | 288 | Single all-electric motor | |
| 530e X drive | 288 | Single all-electric motor | |
| 550i Xdrive | 523 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |
| M5 | 600 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 |
The Horsepower Of The 7-Series BMW
The new 2023 7-series has been extensively redesigned. Every dimension has been increased to provide even more space and comfort than the previous generation. In addition, BMW has announced its intention to add several new cars to the line-up during 2023.
As the flagship of BMW’s range of 4-door sedans, the 7-series is available with a 3.0-liter V6 producing 375 hp or a 536hp 4.4-liter V8.
The smaller engine delivers enough power to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds, while the V8-powered version has a time of 4.1 seconds. This performance is achieved without compromising the limousine-like comfort level and impeccable handling.
The average horsepower in the BMW 7-series is 456 – Here’s a complete breakdown:
| Engine | Model Details | Horsepower | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-SERIES | 740I sedan | 375 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder |
| 760i X drive sedan | 536 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 |
The Horsepower Of The 8-Series BMW
The 8-series takes the four-door 7-series and adapts it to create a range of coupes and Gran Coupes. The 8- series has never been a big seller in the US as it is expensive compared to the competition.
However, finishes are luxurious, and the cars make a real statement with customized ambient lighting, soft-close automatic doors, 14-way adjustable front seats (heated, of course), and fine leather trim throughout.
The M8 competition is BMW’s most powerful car, at 617hp, with a top speed of 156 mph. Time from zero to 60 mph is exactly 3.0 seconds, which is most impressive for a car of this size.
The average horsepower in the BMW 8-series is 470 – Here’s a complete breakdown:
| Range | Model Details | Horsepower | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-SERIES | COUPE 840i | 335 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder |
| COUPE 840i X drive | 335 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| COUPE 850i X drive | 523 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |
| M8 | 617 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |
| GRAN COUPE 840i | 335 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| GRAN COUPE 840i X drive | 335 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder | |
| M850 X drive | 523 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |
| ALPINA B8 | 612 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |
| M8 COMPETITION | 617 | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 |
The Horsepower Of The Z4 BMW
The Z4 is a roadster in the true sense of the word, having been designed specifically for this sector of the market as opposed to being a re-engineered derivative.
Available as the 30i, with the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder twin-turbo engine, or as the M40i with the 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder, performance is exciting rather than remarkable, with each model achieving 0-60mph times of 5.2 seconds and 4.4 seconds, respectively.
The average horsepower in the BMW Z4-series is 319 – Here’s a complete breakdown:
| Range | Model Details | Horsepower | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z4 | S-drive 30i roadster | 255 | 2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder |
| M40i | 382 | 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder |
The Horsepower Of The i-Range BMWs
In the table below, we have separated six all-electric vehicles from the various ranges they form part of. All these pure electric vehicles have dual electric motors, except for the e-Drive 35 and 40, which are part of the 4-series range.
The three performance models, the iX M60, i4 M50, and i7 M60 are fitted with high-performance motors. The i7 achieves a 0-60mph time of 4.1 seconds – a very competitive time compared to the petrol-engine equivalent.
The average horsepower in the BMW i-series is 469 – Here’s a complete breakdown:
| Range | Model Details | Horsepower | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRIC iX | X drive 50 | 516 | Dual all-electric |
| M60 | 610 | Dual high-performance electric | |
| I4 | e drive 35 | 282 | Single all-electric |
| e drive 40 | 335 | Single all-electric | |
| M50 | 536 | Dual high-performance electric | |
| i7 | X drive 60 | 536 | Dual high-performance electric |
Conclusion
The horsepower rating of BMW models gives an indication of performance, but this is also affected by other factors such as the size and weight of the car, whether it is all-wheel drive, and the gearbox utilized in the specific model.
I listed the weight of all the available BMW models here and the fuel economy of all their cars in this post.