BMW SUV Towing Guide: Which BMW Can Tow What in 2026?
BMW SUV Towing Guide: Which BMW Can Tow What in 2026?
Posted on April 28, 2026
Not all BMW SUVs are built with a trailer hitch in mind — and the difference between models is significant enough to change your decision if towing is part of the picture. Whether you're hauling a ski-doo trailer up to the Laurentians, pulling a boat to a lake outside Laval, or managing a small utility trailer for weekend projects, the right BMW for the job depends on which model's rated capacity aligns with your load.
This guide covers the current BMW SUV lineup by towing capacity, from models that top the charts to those that aren't designed for trailer use at all.
BMW SUV Towing Capacities at a Glance
|
BMW Model |
Max Trailer Load |
|---|---|
|
BMW X7 |
7,508 lbs (3,405 kg) |
|
BMW X5 |
7,209 lbs (3,270 kg) |
|
BMW X6 |
7,209 lbs (3,270 kg) |
|
BMW xM |
5,952 lbs (2,700 kg) |
|
BMW iX |
5,512 lbs (2,500 kg) |
|
BMW iX3 50 xDrive (optional hitch) |
4,409 lbs (2,000 kg) |
|
BMW X3 M50 xDrive |
4,850 lbs (2,200 kg) |
|
BMW X3 30 xDrive |
4,001 lbs (1,815 kg) |
|
BMW X2 |
Not rated for towing |
|
BMW X1 |
Not rated for towing |
Trailer load depends on vehicle options. All figures are braked trailer capacity.
The X7 and X5: Built for the Heaviest Loads
The BMW X7 leads the lineup with a maximum braked trailer load of 7,508 lbs (3,405 kg) and a tongue load of 606 lbs (275 kg). If you regularly pull a larger boat, a dual-axle horse trailer, or heavy utility equipment, the X7 is the BMW to spec for the task. Its three-row seating also means you can bring the whole group along without splitting into two vehicles.
The BMW X5 and X6 are rated identically at 7,209 lbs (3,270 kg) with a 551 lbs (250 kg) tongue load. The X5 is the practical choice here — it offers 650 to 1,870 litres of cargo space and five full seats, making it as functional around Laval as it is at the campsite. The X6, with its fastback roofline and 580 to 1,530 litres of cargo volume, trades some practicality for a more distinct silhouette — but the towing rating is the same.
- X7: 7,508 lbs (3,405 kg) / 606 lbs (275 kg) tongue — top of the lineup
- X5: 7,209 lbs (3,270 kg) / 551 lbs (250 kg) tongue — five seats, 650–1,870 L cargo
- X6: 7,209 lbs (3,270 kg) / 551 lbs (250 kg) tongue — coupe SUV profile
The xM and iX: Performance and Electric Towing Capacity
The BMW xM is the M Division's high-output hybrid SUV, and it carries a 5,952 lbs (2,700 kg) towing capacity with a 551 lbs (250 kg) tongue load. This is a vehicle built primarily around driving dynamics, but its towing numbers are still far ahead of most midsize SUVs on the market.
The BMW iX brings all-electric capability into the towing conversation at 5,512 lbs (2,500 kg) — the highest towing capacity of any fully electric BMW SUV currently available. The tongue load of 220 lbs (100 kg) is lower than its combustion-powered counterparts, which is worth factoring in when loading the hitch. For Quebec drivers making the shift to electric who still need to tow on occasion, the iX holds its own in this category.
The X3: A Capable Mid-Range Tow Vehicle
The BMW X3 offers two towing capacities depending on which variant you choose. The X3 M50 xDrive's more powerful 3.0 L inline-6 engine supports a maximum of 4,850 lbs (2,200 kg) with a 441 lbs (200 kg) tongue load, while the X3 30 xDrive is rated for 4,001 lbs (1,815 kg) and a 397 lbs (180 kg) tongue load.
For drivers around Laval who need a midsize SUV that can still pull a mid-weight boat, a snowmobile trailer, or a loaded cargo trailer, the X3 M50 xDrive is the version to spec. The 850-lb (385-kg) difference in trailer capacity between the two X3 variants is meaningful for anyone operating close to the upper end of the range.
The iX3: Electric Towing With the Optional Hitch
The all-new BMW iX3 50 xDrive can be specified with an optional trailer hitch, giving it a maximum towing capacity of 4,409 lbs (2,000 kg). This makes it one of the stronger electric towing options in the midsize segment. It's worth noting that the tow hitch is not standard — it must be selected at the time of ordering.
The X1 and X2: Not Designed for Towing
The BMW X1 and X2 are not rated for trailer towing. Both are built around urban utility and driving agility rather than pulling capacity. If towing is part of your regular routine, these two models should be removed from your shortlist early.
Choosing the Right BMW for Your Towing Needs
The right match comes down to how much you tow and how often. For heavy, regular trailering — anything above 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) — the X7, X5, or X6 are the logical choices. For mid-range towing needs between 4,000 and 5,000 lbs (1,814 and 2,268 kg), the X3 M50 xDrive and the iX3 50 xDrive (with optional hitch) both deliver. For drivers who tow only occasionally and at lighter loads, the X3 30 xDrive covers the need without requiring a step up.
Electric or hybrid towing is increasingly viable in the BMW lineup — the iX and iX3 prove that range and capability aren't mutually exclusive for drivers in and around Laval.
Find Your Towing BMW at BMW Laval
Every model covered in this guide is part of the current BMW lineup at BMW Laval, serving drivers across Laval, the North Shore, and the A-15 corridor. Book a consultation with our team to match your towing requirements to the right vehicle — and to see the full range of available configurations in person.