Well if you are concerned about the price point then
Audi
Volvo
and Volkswagen are your best bets.

Anonymous wrote:I currently have a BMW 328i convertible which I love to drive. But unfortunately 2 kids later it's time to let that car go. We already have a minivan which is the kid car but I need to sometimes transport a kid in my car to drop off at preschool or take out for some 1:1 time. It's too hard to get them in the car seat with my current 2 door car. In general this car will be used to drive back and forth to work (about 5 urban miles) and as well as anytime I can go do something kid-free like run errands etc. It's unlikely to ever be used for very long drives.

We currently live in DC but are moving to Chicago soon. We will have a garage and I have garage parking at work.

I want something kind of fun to drive so that I can occasionally pretend I'm young, wild, and free as opposed to a minivan driving mom covered in spit up. I've looked at the BMW 3 series GT (4 door hatchback) but would love other ideas - all options are on the table (electric, small suv, any brand, any pricepoint that isn't crazy) - just must be able to easily get a kid in the carseat in the back and somewhat fun to drive.

I think that you need to consider how long this car will be for. BMW 3 is great car, it is going to be even greater when new model will come in the fall but it has one bump. The interior space. While it is an awesome car to drive it is great for one or two people who occasionally have a passenger.
If you have small kids you are good. The problem will start when they will start getting your height which might be somewhere around 8, 9ish.. Then you might be sorry you did not go bigger.
However if you are okay and either will get a new car by then or won't mind then get it or any car that is that size.

My top list in that size are aside from X3..
Porsche anyone that suits your fancy, all are super gorgeous
Mercedes GLC
Jaguar SUV, couple to choose from
Land Rover, there are few choices there as well.. super cool
maybe Alfa Romeo SUV
Volvo is nice and safe and stable but if you are looking for cool it does not feel as cool as other
options.
Audi is okay but not as high on my list

While you definitely would get my attention in other cars who are to me absolute head turners,
Volvo after careful consideration is okay but nothing to write home about. Audi looks nice
but cool factor not as high and that is about it at this time

My friend has the BMW 4 series gran coupe that she drives everyday on the Los Angeles highways. She refers to it as "sex on wheels."

It's a powerful and sumptuous ride.

Get a Jeep Wrangler (manual)

Mini Cooper Countryman
BMW 3 Series estate/wagon
BMW 4 series gran coupe
BMW 5 series
Volvo XC40
Audi A3
Audi A5 sportback

Tesla Model 3.

I’d get an EV— incredibly fun to drive, great for short urban trips. Probably not the BMW because the doors don’t seem conducive to car seats but maybe the e-golf or Audi.

If you are open to a small SUV, then try a GLC. If you like BMW, you can look at a X3.

You could always just get a 3-series sedan.

I currently have a BMW 328i convertible which I love to drive. But unfortunately 2 kids later it's time to let that car go. We already have a minivan which is the kid car but I need to sometimes transport a kid in my car to drop off at preschool or take out for some 1:1 time. It's too hard to get them in the car seat with my current 2 door car. In general this car will be used to drive back and forth to work (about 5 urban miles) and as well as anytime I can go do something kid-free like run errands etc. It's unlikely to ever be used for very long drives.

We currently live in DC but are moving to Chicago soon. We will have a garage and I have garage parking at work.

I want something kind of fun to drive so that I can occasionally pretend I'm young, wild, and free as opposed to a minivan driving mom covered in spit up. I've looked at the BMW 3 series GT (4 door hatchback) but would love other ideas - all options are on the table (electric, small suv, any brand, any pricepoint that isn't crazy) - just must be able to easily get a kid in the carseat in the back and somewhat fun to drive.