i3: On sale since 2014, this electric hatchback is due to receive an update for 2018 with lightly revised aesthetics and the latest BMW interior equipment. A larger-capacity, 33.0-kWh battery was made available for 2017, and reports point to a more performance-oriented version joining the lineup next year with a stronger electric motor and revised suspension.

i8: As with the i3, we expect an update for BMW’s exotic sci-fi hybrid sports car early next year and the introduction of a topless variant. Both coupe and droptop plug-ins are likely to sport revised styling inside and out as well as the latest iDrive 6.0 interface. A stronger battery pack and electric motor will allow for greater range and a boost in total power from the current 357 horses. The gas-burning component of the hybrid powertrain—a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three—goes unchanged.

M4: Beyond some small trim changes to the M4, there is the addition of the CS model, which slots between the M4 with the Competition package and the now-defunct GTS track rat. The dual-clutch-only CS develops 454 horses from its turbo inline-six, 10 more than the Competition car, and it shares the latter’s aggressive suspension and rolling stock. A CS-exclusive front splitter and the GTS’s rear diffuser differentiate the exterior, while inside, the GTS lends its lightweight door panels. Expect a sizable upcharge over the Competition car’s $72K base price.

M5: Production of BMW’s new monster sedan should commence soon after its imminent formal unveiling, with the important bits being a 600-plus-hp twin-turbo V-8, an eight-speed ZF automatic, and an advanced all-wheel-drive system with a rear-drive mode. It also should be lighter than its predecessor, so expect it to be blazingly quick in a straight line. Pumped-up M-specific bodywork, an adaptive sport suspension, and lots of customizable chassis electronics are included. The first examples should hit dealer lots early next year with starting prices around $100,000.

X2: A sleeker version of the X1 crossover, the X2 follows the stylized path of the larger X4 and X6. The X1 will donate its transverse-mounted 228-hp turbo 2.0-liter four and eight-speed automatic, with a likely M Performance model boosting output a little and sharpening the X2’s reflexes. When the X2 launches in early 2018, base models should cost just below $40K.

X3: A third-gen X3 crossover goes on sale this fall riding on a platform about two inches greater in wheelbase and overall length. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic are standard, with the base engine a 248-hp turbo 2.0-liter four. An uplevel M40i features a 355-hp turbocharged inline-six as well as flared bodywork, a sportier suspension, bigger brakes, a variable exhaust, and unique all-wheel-drive tuning. Along with modern BMW sculpting, the X3 will receive the full suite of BMW’s latest safety gear and interior widgets plus a bit more cargo space. Prices start at $43,445.

X7: Joining the ranks of big luxury utes, the X7 will arrive early next year as a three-row behemoth with the trappings of a 7-series limo. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed auto should be standard, with power coming from the 7’s familiar turbocharged inline-six and V-8 engines. A hybrid version is likely. Production should begin late this year in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with prices ranging from about $70K to well above $100K.

Z4 or Z5: Although details remain scarce, BMW is developing this third-gen Z4 roadster, possibly to be named Z5, in conjunction with Toyota for its revived Supra coupe. The rear-drive convertible will be slightly larger than the previous Z4 and is likely to feature BMW four- and six-cylinder engines and potentially a hybrid setup shared with Toyota. The cars also will share chassis components, with the Bimmer the pricier of the two, starting at close to $50,000. While it should launch in production guise sometime next year as a 2019 model, the roadster was unveiled in concept form over the summer.

5-series: BMW is fleshing out its new 5-series lineup with an M550i xDrive model sporting a 456-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 backed by an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. On sale now for $73,095, it features big wheels, adaptive dampers, and darkened exterior touches. Also on sale is the new 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid, which starts at $52,395. Offered with rear- or all-wheel drive, the 530e brings together a turbo 2.0-liter four, a 95-hp electric motor, and a 9.2-kWh battery for a combined 248 horsepower routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

6-series: Along with minor tweaks to existing versions until the 8-series officially becomes a thing, BMW is adding a four-door hatchback Gran Turismo to confuse us even more. Replacing the ungainly 5-series GT, this slightly less awkward 6 GT is similar in size yet lighter, and it benefits from the latest 5’s updated chassis and equipment. A 335-hp 640i xDrive four-door, the only version available in the United States, carries a hefty $70,695 price in standard Sport trim, with available Luxury and M Sport versions pushing the prices even higher.

8-series/M8: Previewed by the recent 8-series concept, BMW’s new high number is all but confirmed for late next year, with the coupe leading a convertible and a four-door Gran Coupe that will replace most of the 6-series lineup. Sharing its platform with the current 7-series, the 8 should pack similar turbocharged inline-six and V-8 engines, an eight-speed automatic, and available all-wheel drive. A high-tech and opulent interior is a given, as is a striking exterior penned in BMW’s latest design language. A high-powered M8 perform ance variant, which BMW already has shown in camouflage and plans to take endurance racing, should come along shortly thereafter with a fulsome six-figure price and most of the mechanicals from the latest M5 sedan.

Minor trim changes: Alpina B7, M2, M3, M6 convertible, M6 Gran Coupe, X1, X4, X5, X6, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 7-series

Unchanged: Alpina B6 Gran Coupe, M6, X5 M, X6 M

Dead: M6 coupe

Ultimate Crossover Machine

Forget snazzy taglines for a moment. When you want to know what the character of a carmaker is (instead of the character it thinks it presents), look at the variety of models it sells. BMW is a good example. Here are the model tallies for its i, Z, M, and X lines either currently on sale or previewed in this section:

New Cars for 2018: Return to Full Coverage

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