Whereas we’d like to name the BMW XM controversial, we’re not even certain it has sufficient proponents to really be thought of that. Whereas it’s practically indisputably quick and splendid, there may be little reward for it previous that. And, even these praises should be rigorously asterisked with a “for what it’s.” Taking the child gloves off, the XM is probably the least profitable BMW M product within the final decade — possibly longer. And we expect BMW ought to take one other crack at it.
As I’ve mentioned once I reviewed the BMW XM a couple of years in the past, the actually aggravating factor concerning the SUV is that it isn’t a foul car. It’s a enjoyable automotive to drive, and whereas the design isn’t to my style, I can perceive, settle for, and transfer previous that. However for $159,600 (in the present day’s begin worth on the XM), it merely doesn’t work. It must do issues higher than the X5 M and X6 M which are $30,000 cheaper. Presently, it doesn’t. What wants to alter?
BMW Must Make the New XM Particular
In concept, it’s easy. The BMW XM suffers from a little bit of an identification disaster. It tries to be each the final word in luxurious and supreme in sporty, and as a substitute solely succeeds at being merely okay at each issues. By focusing the automotive, it might turn into higher. Let’s begin with the great. The XM has an enormous outdated V8 underneath the hood. There’s no cause that, following within the footprints of the present X5 and X6 lineup, the following XM couldn’t ditch the plug-in hybrid system solely and rip round city with the “common” mild-hybrid S68 engine. Dropping the load and complexity are each good issues.
Subsequent up is design. Right here, we expect the XM would profit from following the lead of a few of its extra established rivals within the final luxurious SUV phase: Bentley and Lamborghini. The place the Bentley Bentayga’s design leans into its luxurious roots, the Lamborghini Urus goes all-in on efficiency. Each SUVs do their manufacturers’ heritage justice. And each, extra importantly, are equally able to being each sporty and refined from the driving force’s seat. The XM may do the identical; rebadging because the X8 would even be good, though it is probably not crucial if BMW leans into its Final Driving Machine tagline arduous sufficient.
One other space the place the following XM may enhance on its predecessor is experience high quality. In reality, it’s most likely essentially the most critical and chronic grievance surrounding the car. Changing the XM’s coil-spring suspension with a precision tuned air suspension would make the automotive experience higher with out considerably compromising on the automotive’s current dynamism. Telling, maybe, that each the Urus and Bentayga come normal with air suspension.
The Subsequent XM Inside Wants Extra, Nicely, Every little thing
Inside, the present XM takes good child steps in the direction of making it really feel such as you’re driving one thing actually bespoke. The distinctive headliner and couple of upholstery choices are good. However it actually wants one thing that screams “I spent $30,000 further for this.” Extra beneficiant use of leather-based — maybe hit up ALPINA for a few of that Lavalina — and a few distinctive parts are must-haves. The little M badge caught on the sprint is laughable; verging on insulting at this worth level.
Whereas there are rumors on the market suggesting that BMW is contemplating a brand new XM, there’s nothing concrete. We don’t suppose it’s a foul thought, but when BMW is utilizing the present XM as a place to begin, it has its work lower out for it. The SUV wants quite a bit, and we’d actually think about simply calling it the X8. Do you suppose BMW could make a brand new XM work?
