Whereas we’d like to name the BMW XM controversial, we’re not even positive it has sufficient proponents to really be thought of that. Whereas it’s almost indisputably quick and opulent, there may be little reward for it previous that. And, even these praises should be fastidiously asterisked with a “for what it’s.” Taking the child gloves off, the XM is maybe 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 just a few years in the past, the actually aggravating factor concerning the SUV is that it isn’t a foul automobile. 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 (at this time’s begin value 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. At the moment, it doesn’t. What wants to alter?
BMW Must Make the New XM Particular
In idea, it’s easy. The BMW XM suffers from a little bit of an id disaster. It tries to be each the last word in luxurious and supreme in sporty, and as an alternative solely succeeds at being merely okay at each issues. By focusing the automotive, it might turn out to be higher. Let’s begin with the nice. The XM has an enormous previous V8 beneath the hood. There’s no purpose that, following within the footprints of the present X5 and X6 lineup, the subsequent XM couldn’t ditch the plug-in hybrid system completely 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 section: 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 motive force’s seat. The XM might do the identical; rebadging because the X8 would even be good, though it might not be crucial if BMW leans into its Final Driving Machine tagline laborious sufficient.
One other space the place the subsequent XM might enhance on its predecessor is trip high quality. Actually, it’s most likely probably the most critical and protracted grievance surrounding the automobile. Changing the XM’s coil-spring suspension with a precision tuned air suspension would make the automotive trip higher with out considerably compromising on the automotive’s present dynamism. Telling, maybe, that each the Urus and Bentayga come commonplace with air suspension.
The Subsequent XM Inside Wants Extra, Effectively, All the things
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 additional 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 value 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 reduce out for it. The SUV wants loads, and we’d actually contemplate simply calling it the X8. Do you suppose BMW could make a brand new XM work?
