What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The most beautiful BMWs span prewar roadsters, elegant coupes, competition-bred models and modern classics. This is an editorial selection, not an official BMW ranking: each car earns its place through its proportions, defining details and the way its design reflects its era.
From the BMW 328 and 507 to the 3.0 CSL and Z8, these ten show how differently BMW design can express sporting character. Beauty is subjective, so the order is a considered point of view rather than a measured result.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
BMW M: 50 Years of the Ultimate Driving Machines | $39.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
BMW Milestones | $44.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The BMW Century, 2nd Edition | $27.62 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles, 3rd Edition: Every Model Since 1923 (Complete Book Series) | $34.67 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
BMW Art Cars | $57.00 | Buy on Amazon |
How this selection was made
The cars are considered for silhouette and proportion, distinctive visual details, purposeful engineering, historical influence and how well their design represents its time. The order is editorial; BMW has not published an official ranking of its most beautiful cars.
| BMW | Design character | Why it belongs |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 328 | Open prewar roadster | Early sporting proportions and competition history |
| BMW 507 | Elegant two-seat roadster | A beauty-led design by Albrecht Graf Görtz |
| BMW 3.0 CS / E9 | Restrained grand-touring coupe | A graceful foundation for the CSL |
| BMW 3.0 CSL | Expressive, functional coupe | Visible aerodynamic details and racing legacy |
| BMW 2002 turbo | Compact performance car | Purposeful details in a small, distinctive shape |
| BMW M1 | Low mid-engine sports car | A striking and important BMW M design |
| BMW M3 E30 | Squared-off performance coupe | Competition influence in a compact form |
| BMW 8 Series E31 | Sleek grand tourer | A visually distinctive departure within the range |
| BMW Z8 | Modern-classic roadster | A contemporary roadster with lasting classic status |
| BMW M635CSi (E24) | Long, low luxury-sport coupe | A distinctive 1980s expression of BMW sportiness |
The 10 most beautiful BMWs
#10: BMW 2002 turbo
The 2002 turbo makes a strong visual case through compactness rather than grandeur. Its widened arches and wraparound trim give the small car a purposeful stance, while the mirror-written turbo lettering made its intent unmistakable. BMW M’s later 2002 Hommage concept recalled details of the original 02 series and the turbo, underscoring the model’s design legacy.
#1 Best Overall
#9: BMW M635CSi (E24)
The E24 is a long, low coupe with the presence of a grand tourer and a distinctly sporting profile. The M635CSi gives that shape a performance focus without losing the elegance of the broader 6 Series design. BMW M’s heritage timeline identifies the M635CSi as part of the marque’s history; its place here is an aesthetic judgment, not an official ranking.
#8: BMW 8 Series E31
The E31 earns a place for its sleek grand-touring silhouette and its departure from the more familiar BMW sedan and coupe forms of its era. Its design is best appreciated as a visual choice: a low, cohesive shape that gives the car a distinctive presence. The research available for this selection supports its inclusion as an editorial judgment, rather than a detailed account of its development or technical features.
#7: BMW Z8
The Z8 is a modern classic whose roadster proportions make an immediate impression. Its visual relationship to the 507 is an interpretation, but the connection is a natural one to draw when considering BMW’s open two-seat designs. BMW Group Classic notes that the Z8 quickly took on classic status, supporting its place among the marque’s memorable designs.
Rank #2
#6: BMW M3 E30
The E30 M3 brings a squared-off, competition-influenced look to the selection. Its compact shape and purposeful stance offer a different kind of beauty from the flowing roadsters and grand-touring coupes. BMW M’s heritage timeline identifies the E30 M3 as a class pioneer and an enduring benchmark; its aesthetic standing is the judgment behind this ranking.
#5: BMW M1
The M1’s low, distinctive mid-engine shape sets it apart from BMW’s road cars of the period. It is an important BMW M sports-car design, and its connection to the Procar era adds context to its purposeful appearance. BMW M documents the car’s motorsport story; its place here rests on its visual character as well as its historical significance.
#4: BMW 3.0 CS (E9)
The 3.0 CS represents the more restrained side of BMW coupe design: elegant, composed and unmistakably a grand tourer. BMW M describes the 2800 CS, introduced in 1968, as a design icon and a sporty, comfortable grand tourer. The E9’s graceful form also provides a useful contrast with the more overtly functional 3.0 CSL.
Rank #3
#3: BMW 328
The 328 brings BMW’s prewar sporting identity into the story. Its open roadster form offers a different visual language from the later coupes and sedans, while its competition record gives that shape historical weight. BMW Group Classic calls the 328 the most successful German sports car of its time and recounts its Mille Miglia history.
#2: BMW 3.0 CSL
The 3.0 CSL makes its racing purpose visible. BMW M describes functional details including air rails and spoilers intended to improve stability and traction, alongside wider wheel housings and extensive weight reduction. The name stands for “coupé sport lightweight.” BMW M reports that the CSL won six European championships through 1979, and that 167 examples of the final version were produced from 1973 to 1975.
#1: BMW 507
The 507 is the clearest beauty-led choice in this selection: a two-seat roadster with a long bonnet and balanced proportions. Albrecht Graf Görtz designed its appearance, and BMW Group Classic describes it as “one of the most beautiful cars in BMW history.” BMW Group Classic records production from December 1956 to December 1959.
Rank #4
FAQ
Is there an official ranking of the most beautiful BMWs?
No official ranking was located in the research for this article. The ten cars and their order are an editorial selection; the aesthetic judgments are subjective.
Who designed the BMW 507?
Albrecht Graf Görtz designed the BMW 507’s appearance, according to BMW Group Classic.
What does “CSL” mean on the BMW 3.0 CSL?
BMW M expands CSL as “coupé sport lightweight.” The model combined weight-reduction measures with functional aerodynamic features.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
What made the 3.0 CSL’s design functional?
BMW M describes air rails and spoilers intended to improve stability and traction, along with wider wheel housings. Those details make the car’s racing purpose visible.
Did a BMW win the 1940 Mille Miglia?
BMW Group Classic says the BMW 328 Touring Coupé won the 1940 Mille Miglia, averaging 166.7 km/h. That figure is from BMW Group Classic’s 2020 anniversary-stories account.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
