BMW is ringing in the new year with a double-dose of sticker shock for the 2026 model year. Starting January 1, 2026, most models in the lineup will receive a 1% MSRP increase, marking the second time BMW has hiked prices for the 2026 fleet in just six months.
Perhaps more frustrating for buyers is the quiet increase in the Destination & Handling charge, which is climbing across nearly the entire roster.
The MSRP Hike: A 1% Across-the-Board Bump
Following a 1.9% increase back in July 2025, this secondary adjustment adds another $400 to $1,500 to the cost of a new BMW. While one percent sounds minor, it pushes several high-performance models into a new price bracket.
The Highest Increases Performance-oriented models and heavy-duty SAVs are absorbing the largest dollar amounts:
- X6 M Competition: +$1,500
- M5 Sedan & Touring: +$1,400
- X5 M Competition: +$1,300
- X6 M60i: +$1,100
- M3 & M4 (All Variants): +$900
The Standard Bumps Core models that drive the brand's volume are seeing more modest, yet consistent, jumps:
- X7 xDrive40i: +$800
- 5 Series & 4 Series: +$600 to $800
- 3 Series: +$500 to $600
- X1, X2, & X3: +$400
Excluded Models To remain competitive in the electric sector and maintain its flagship prestige, BMW has notably excluded all EVs (i4, i5, i7, iX), the 7 Series, XM, Z4, and the limited-run M2 CS from this specific MSRP hike.
The Destination Fee Surge
The "hidden" cost of buying a BMW—the non-negotiable fee for shipping the car to the dealer—is also seeing its first major jump in years.
While the BMW USA website often still displays a standard $1,175 fee, internal build sheets for 2026 vehicles show a sharp rise. Most passenger cars are moving to a $1,350 destination charge, an increase of $175.
The hit is even harder for larger SAVs. Recent orders for the BMW X7 have surfaced with destination fees as high as $1,550. For those models, the combined MSRP and delivery hike means the total price is jumping by nearly $1,500overnight.
Why the Sudden Change?
BMW has historically adjusted prices at the turn of the year, but two increases in six months is a rare move. The manufacturer officially cites "inflation and enhancements to standard equipment," but industry analysts point to rising logistics costs and shifting trade pressures as the primary drivers.
The Bottom Line for Shoppers
If you are currently browsing dealership inventory, focus on cars delivered before January 1st. These vehicles still carry the lower MSRP and the original $1,175 destination fee. For anyone placing a custom order today, the higher pricing is already being factored into your build shee
