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How Much Horsepower Does A BMW Have? (All Models)

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 SeriesAverage Horsepower
BMW X-Series411 hp
BMW 2-Series322 hp
BMW 3-Series370 hp
BMW 4-Series355 hp
BMW 5-Series358 hp
BMW 7-Series456 hp
BMW 8-Series470 hp
BMW Z4-Series319 hp
BMW i-Series469 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:

RangeModel DetailHorsepowerEngine
X1X Drive 28i2412-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
    
X3S  Drive 30i2482-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 X Drive 30i2482-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 M40i3823.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 M4733.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
    
X4X Drive 30i2482-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 M40i3823.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 M473 
    
X5S Drive 40i3353.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 X drive 40i3353.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 X Drive 45e3893.0-liter 6 with an integrated electric motor
 M50i5234.4-liter twin-turbo V8
 M6004.4-liter twin-turbo V8
    
X6X Drive 40i3353.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 M50i5234.4-liter twin-turbo V8
 M5534.4-liter twin-turbo V8
    
X7X drive 40i3753.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 M60i5234.4-liter twin-turbo V8
 XB76314.4-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:

RangeModel DetailsHorsepowerEngine
2-SERIESCOUPE 230i2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 COUPE 230i X Drive2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
    
 M 240I3823.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 M240i X Drive3823.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
    
 GRAN COUPE 228i2282-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 GRAN COUPE  235i X Drive3022-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
    
 M2 COUPE4533.0-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:

RangeModel DetailsHorsepowerEngine
3-SERIES330I SEDAN2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 330i X drive SEDAN2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
    
 330e2882.0-liter plus integrated electric motor
 330 e X drive2882.0-liter plus integrated electric motor
    
 340i3823.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 340i X drive3823.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
    
 M34733.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 M3 COMPETITION5033.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 M3 COMPETITITON X Drive5033.0-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:

RangeModel DetailsHorsepowerEngine
4-SERIESCOUPE 430i2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 COUPE 430i X drive2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
    
 GRAN COUPE 430i2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 GRAN COUPE 430i X drive2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
    
 M 440i3823.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 M440i X drive3823.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
    
 M44733.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 M4 COMPETITION4793.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 M4 COMPETITION X Drive4793.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
    
 CONVERTIBLE 430i2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 CONVERTIBLE 430i X Drive2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 CONVERTIBLE M 440i382      3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 CONVERTIBLE M440i X Drive3823.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
    
 CONVERTIBLE M4 COMPETITION4793.0-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:

RangeModel DetailsHorsepowerEngine
5-SERIES530I248            2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 530I X drive248            2-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder
 540i3353.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 540i X drive3353.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
    
 530e288Single all-electric motor
 530e X drive288Single all-electric motor
    
 550i Xdrive5234.4-liter twin-turbo V8
 M56004.4-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:

EngineModel DetailsHorsepowerEngine
7-SERIES740I sedan3753.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 760i X drive sedan  5364.4-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:

RangeModel DetailsHorsepowerEngine
8-SERIESCOUPE 840i3353.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 COUPE 840i X drive3353.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 COUPE 850i X drive5234.4-liter twin-turbo V8
 M86174.4-liter twin-turbo V8
    
 GRAN COUPE 840i3353.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
 GRAN COUPE 840i X drive3353.0-liter twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder 
    
 M850 X drive5234.4-liter twin-turbo V8
 ALPINA B86124.4-liter twin-turbo V8
 M8 COMPETITION6174.4-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:

RangeModel DetailsHorsepowerEngine
Z4S-drive 30i roadster2552-0 liter twin-turbo in-line 4 cylinder  
    
 M40i3823.0-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:

RangeModel DetailsHorsepowerEngine
ELECTRIC iXX drive 50516Dual all-electric
 M60610Dual high-performance electric
                
                    I4e drive 35282Single all-electric
 e drive 40335Single all-electric
 M50536Dual high-performance electric
    
                   i7X drive 60536Dual 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.