BMW is one of the most popular manufacturers out there, with a long history of producing exciting performance cars despite being a luxury brand above all else. That said, because of the ever-increasing demand for more eco-friendly vehicles even manufacturers who praise themselves for making some of the most engaging automobiles in the business, have to deviate from their main principles, for the sake of staying relevant. Some of the more recent developments experienced by the Bavarian company are perfect examples that the winds of change are upon us, and these are some of the results, we will see in 2021.

BMW i4

From 2021, the number “four” in BMW’s lineup will no longer be associated only with the two-door sporty coupe and its four-door counterpart, the Gran Coupe.

The i4 will have a power output of up to 530 horsepower and a range of around 370 miles (595 km) on a single charge. The 0 to 60 mph sprint will be in around 3.5 seconds. Given the $50,000 starting price, the i4 is competing directly with the Tesla Model 3. Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions will be offered.

Read our full review on the BMW i4

BMW M3/M4

In 2021 the new M3 and M4 will be available to the public.

Performance comes from a familiar 3.0-liter twin-turbo strait-six, with 480 to 510 horsepower. Moreover, the new grille design is a throwback to the original 1936 BMW 328i, so they are still retaining a signature look, even if it comes from times forgotten by most. Eventually, the design might transition to the rest of BMW’s lineup.

Read our full review on the BMW M3 and BMW M4

BMW M3 Touring

Speaking of the M3 and M4, we cannot overlook the comeback of the M3 Touring. Fans have been anxiously waiting for a station-wagon version of the M3 for some time and it seems they were heard. The M3 Touring is coming in the form of the G81. It will use the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six with 480 horsepower and 406 pound-feet (550 Nm). The M3 Touring is part of BNW’s strategy to dominate the segment. Since Mercedes’ C-Class currently does not offer a station-wagon version, the battle will be between the Audi RS4 and the BMW M3 Touring.

Read our full review on the BMW M3 Touring

BMW iX

The introduction of the iX sparked some strong reactions, especially from die-hard fans who love the BMW brand for their sportier models and emphasis on performance. Be it as it may, the model is very important for the brand, as it starts an entirely new branch of BMW electric SUV and crossover vehicles. In fact, in 2022, the iX3 will make a debut and after it other SUV models are expected to get their own electrically-powered equivalent. The iX will have over 500 horsepower and over 300 miles (480 km) of range on a single charge. The model could very well be marking the marque’s eventual transition to electricity.

Read our full review on the BMW iX

BMW X7 Dark Shadow Edition

Many have wondered how a full-size SUV from BMW might look like. In 2018, the brand showed us just that, with the introduction of the X7. For 2021, BMW has decided to add an element of exclusivity to the model, with the Dark Shadow edition. Based on the X7 M50i version, it stands out with a unique “frozen arctic grey” exterior color with a matt finish, as well as blacked-out trimming and 22-inch wheels unique to the Dark Shadow edition. The interior is also unique, boasting natural wood and Moreno leather upholstery.

With it, the brand wants to take on the likes of Range Rover’s Autobiography in the luxury SUV segment.

Read our full review on the BMW X7 Dark Shadow Edition

BMW 2-Series Coupe

The 2-Series is a true joy for the die-hard fans of the brand. It’s a back-to-basics compact 2+2 sporty coupe, offered with four- and six-cylinder engines. The new 2021 generation might have adopted the front end styling of the less=exciting front-wheel-drive 1-Series, but it still retains the rear-wheel-drive, longitudinal drivetrain layout. Given that its bigger brother, the 4-Series, has become larger, heavier, and more expensive and that die-hard fans are already referring to the previous M2 as the modern-day E30 M3, in time this might become the best-selling performance model of the brand.

Read our full review on the BMW 2-Series Coupe