The complete perspective
Why the name matters.
BMW's most influential achievement was making the practical sedan and coupe feel like driver's cars. Straight-six engines, rear-wheel-drive balance and clear controls became a house language that could scale from attainable models to homologation specials and super sedans.
How it evolved
The prewar 328 established sporting credibility. The Neue Klasse rescued and redefined the company, the 2002 created a compact performance template, and BMW M turned competition work into cars including the M1, E30 M3 and successive M5 generations.
Chassis balance, responsive engines, usable packaging and a rare ability to make performance part of daily transportation.
Increasing size, complexity and digital interfaces challenge the simplicity that made earlier BMWs so admired.
Landmark automobiles
The models that built the reputation
In the GOAT Canon
Read the defining cars.
Further reading
In-depth features
Model HistoryBMW M Cars: From Homologation to High-Technology Performance
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