Quickies: A Quartet of M

When it comes to exploring the BMW brand, one must be aware of its evolution from the “Ultimate Driving Machine” to something we observed the other day. Or, in the last several years. 

We look up to the Munich-based automaker as a leader in premium/luxury/sports vehicles. Some of us look further back when they transformed the 02 Series and their first global hit – the 2002 – to witness the trajectory towards its enthusiast following.

Today’s BMW has evolved further from the days of the 2002, the E30 3-Series, and E34 M5. It offers battery-electric versions of its current lineup, starring with the letter “I”. It also expanded its performance division, identified by the letter “M”.

At a pair of local consumer event srecently, we partook in a quartet of BMW M vehicles that we thought would continue its image of performance and enthusiast engagement. The M5 sedan and XM Sports Activity Vehicle are similar in many respects, as they share the same powertrain. In addition, we experienced the M3 sedan and the X3 M50 SAV, as well. 

Both the newest 2026 M5 and 2026 XM Label share the TwinPower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with a plug-in hybrid electric drive system with an electronic all-wheel drive system. On the 2026 XM Label, it is rated for 736 horsepower while achieving 30 miles of battery-fed driving. The 2026 M5 is rated at a lower 717 horsepower and can achieve the same gasoline-free driving range. 

That is where the similarities end. The 2026 XM Label and M3 continue on the older CLAR platform that underpins a majority of BMW vehicles, whereas the 2026 M5 and X3 M50 are on the newer CLAR II/WE architecture that is more modular and modern. Knowing this helped me understand the marked differences between the two. 

The M3 and X3 M50 also share a 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine together. Yet, they are divergent in terms of power bands, where the X3 M50 is rated at 393 horsepower, while the M3 lineup starts at 473 horsepower. 

The obvious differences go beyond a simple sedan versus SAV examination. You can see some of the 2026 XM Label’s age showing in some of its readouts and controls. The shifter is in a format that reminded me of the older M controllers, where you have to slide the shifter to get to Drive or Reverse. At least Park is on the shifter itself. For those who are nt familiar it, the complicated mechanism is a turn off. A “normal” version of this shifter is found on the M3, following other BMW models. 

Yet, the shifter on the 2026 M5 and X3 M50 is a toggle-like controller. I much prefer this one, but I truly do miss an old school shifter that BMW once used decades ago. 

If there was one common trait between the V8-powered M vehicles that did not settle well with me is how the transmission reacted when switching between drive modes in both the 2026 M5 and XM Label. If you are coming from another mode into Hybrid, the transmission wiil start to jerk through the gears. Certainly, you would have to commit to one drive mode throughout your journey in order to avoid that sudden change. 

Where the 2026 M5 and XM Label are at its happiest is in E-Control While it prioritizes the twin-turbo V8 as its primary source of performance, the battery and electric motor are there in case as it sends energy back into the battery. You can still turn up the wick, but you are preserving the plug-in hybrid system for later use. 

Although we did not see it was available in the 2026 XM Label, the Dynamic Plus mode on the 2026 M5 brings out its meanest sounds and most exhilarating drive. 

About the 2026 X3 M50, it certainly offers more practicality and ground clearance, but the driving dynamics just didn't feel as sharp as it could be. Once the road flattens out and it is provided enough time on the throttle, it will get you down the road nicely. We wished it leveled up in terms of interior quality expected in a BMW. 

Between the four performance vehicles, which one would we choose? Having driven the current 5-Series platform in hybrid, electric, and M5 Touring forms, the 2026 M5 sedan turned out to be the better of the two we sampled. It is better behaved and controlled, more comfortable, and as retained most of the essence of the M Performance tradition. Not to mention it is much lighter than the 6,000-pound 2026 XM Label 

But, there’s one that is the ultimate choice – the 2026 M3. The size of the vehicle feels good. It doesn't feel too big, yet has good poise and agility depending on what mood you are in. It is a comfortable street vehicle; though tossable for when you need to feed your hoon.  

The 2026 M3’s xDrive system puts the power down and helps to keep it planted while you can kick the tail end out in quick turns while making a quick getaway.  The vehicle  itself feels solid and well built. The seat comfort is very good, steering feels direct, and outward visibility is pretty good except out the rear but that is ok, because not many vehicles will be keeping up with you unless they have lights on top.

While we did not have enough time to drive all four BMW M vehicle. However, we found something interesting in our short time with BMW’s M vehicles.  Our image of these vehicles has changed. Not sure if twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid drivelines and SAVs will make enthusiasts want these vehicles. The M3 is still the measuring tape to go by. 

DISCLAIMER: All vehicles and event logistics provided by BMW of North America, LLC

All photos by George Torline and Randy Stern