Most think of BMWs as luxury vehicles. While that is a significant selling point, these sedans and SUVs are more than just a pretty steel face. There are a lot of different BMW models on the market today – 85 at last count – and a fair number of them are capable of towing. If you’re thinking of adding a hitch to your BMW or simply utilizing the one that’s already there, how much can your BMW tow?

2 Series

The BMW 2 Series cars give you two body styles to choose from: a coupe, which comes with two doors and gives you the option of selecting RWD or AWD, and the Gran Coupe, which is a four-door sedan, despite the name. The latter comes in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Older models have a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 kg (3,306 lbs), though the 2021 and 2022 models can tow up to 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs).

3 Series

The BMW 3 Series offers a variety of compact sedans which debuted in 1976 and is considered BMW’s best-selling vehicle of all time. Similar to the smaller 2 Series, the 3 Series is capable of towing up to 1,700 kg (3,747 lbs), making it more than capable of handling a small trailer or pop-up camper.

4 Series

The BMW 4 Series breaks the 3 Series body styles down into their own series. You can opt for a coupe or convertible body style. In 2022, BMW also introduced a Gran Coupe model for the 4 Series. Until 2020, the BMW 4 Series could tow up to 1,700 kg (3,747 lbs), but changes in the more recent models dropped that total to 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs).

5 Series

The 5 Series is where we start seeing a lot more engine variation and power under the hood. These sedans are available in 4-, 6-, or 8-cylinder models. You can even choose a plug-in hybrid model. The exact towing capacity of your 5 Series will vary on the exact model and year, but these sedans are capable of towing between 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) and 2,100 kg (4,629 lbs).

7 Series

When we picture the ultra-luxurious 7 Series, we may not think of towing, but these plush sedans have plenty of power to spare. The Alpina B7 – the 7 Series’ version of the M5 – is the fastest sedan in the world, unless you’re in the United States, where the speed is capped at 192 mph. Models dating back to the late 1970s could tow between 1,500 kg (3,306 lbs) and 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs), but newer models can easily tow up to 2,300 kg (5,070 lbs). If you’re unsure how much your trailer or caravan will weigh, take some time to review a trailer guide to paint a clearer picture.

8 Series

The Series 8 sports cars come in coupe, Gran Coupe, and convertible body types and – yes – like everything else we’ve mentioned so far, they’re capable of handling a decent amount of weight when towing. It’s important to note that these sports cars aren’t designed for towing and can only pull 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs). Newer models may not be capable of towing at all, so make sure you check with your dealership before you attach a hitch.

X1

Now we can get into the SUVs, which is where you’ll probably want to be if you’re planning to use your SUV to tow. The X1 SUV has a small inline four-cylinder engine and comes in FWD or AWD options. The X1 can tow up to 2,000 kg (4,406 lbs).

X2

Like the X1, the X2 is another subcompact crossover SUV with a lower ground clearance than its predecessor. Older models could tow up to 2,000 kg (4,406 lbs), but 2021 and 2022 models dropped back to 1,800 kg (3,968lbs).

X3

The X3 brings us our first compact SUV, which debuted its third generation in 2018. You’ve got two four-cylinder engines, including a plug-in hybrid and an inline six-cylinder engine. If you’ve got your heart set on an X3, opt for an older model. Between 2021 and 2022, the X3’s towing capacity dropped from 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) to 2,000 kg (4,406 lbs).

X4

It looks like the X3’s sportier cousin and it only comes in AWD with an inline four-cylinder or inline six-cylinder engine. It’s got plenty of towing power, though, with models between 2019 and 2021 topping out at 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) and 2022 still pulling a respectable 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs).

X5

The X5 was BMW’s first SUV, launched back in 1999. The model launched its fourth generation in 2019 and now offers six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engine options and a plug-in six-cylinder hybrid. The X5 is where you’ll want to turn if you want a lot of power, with a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs).

X6

The X5 might have been the first, but the X6 is the fan favorite, according to a J.D. Power survey. The model debuted its third generation in 2020. It matches the X5 in towing power, hauling up to 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs).

X7

If the 7 Series was the height of luxury for sedans that can tow, then the X7 represents SUVs in the same category. Like the sedans, there’s no M7 model, but you can find an Alpina XB7, which offers a 0-60 time of less than 4 seconds and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs).

Z4

No, you can’t tow with a BMW Z4 – and why would you want to? Anything you could hook up to a hitch would make the car look like a Matchbox toy.

Electric Models: i3, iX, i4

Finally, we have the new electric models that BMW’s been releasing. You don’t typically picture electric cars when you’re planning to tow something, but those motors offer instant torque rather than having to reach a specific RPM. That feature alone makes them incredible for towing, but you do still need to adhere to the vehicle’s towing capacity. The tiny i3 isn’t equipped for towing at all. The i4 can tow up to 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) and the iX SUV can haul up to 2,500 kg (5,511 lbs).

Which Do You Drive?

Unless you’re opting for some of the smallest models – like the Z4 roadster or the electric i3 – chances are high that your BMW has a decent towing capacity. Which do you drive and which would you consider attaching a hitch to?