DecodedCars2026 BMW M
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 19 MPG combined, 21% below the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 BMW M is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 21% worse than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 M — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 M →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2 Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 473 |
| M2 Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 466 |
| M2 Coupe CS | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 475 |
| M4 Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 472 |
| M4 Competition Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 470 |
| M3 Sedan | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -35% | $4,350 | 472 |
| M3 Competition Sedan | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -35% | $4,350 | 470 |
| M4 Competition M xDrive Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -25% | $4,550 | 472 |
| M4 Competition M xDrive Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -25% | $4,550 | 479 |
| M3 Competition M xDrive Sedan | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -38% | $4,550 | 477 |
| M5 Sedan Plug-in Hybrid | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 19 / 14 | -55% | $5,850 | 264 |
| M5 Touring Plug-in Hybrid | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -49% | $6,300 | 304 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 BMW M.
Similar 2026 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW M (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 BMW 4 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Maserati GranTurismo | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 BMW 8 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Audi RS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Maserati Grancabrio | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 BMW M.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 BMW M is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2026 BMW M in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Other M years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →