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 almost indisputably quick and splendid, there’s little reward for it previous that. And, even these praises must be rigorously 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 predict BMW ought to take one other crack at it.
As I’ve stated after I reviewed the BMW XM just a few years in the past, the actually aggravating factor in regards to the SUV is that it isn’t a foul car. It’s a enjoyable automobile to drive, and whereas the design isn’t to my style, I can perceive, settle for, and transfer previous that. However for $159,600 (as we speak’s begin value on the XM), it merely doesn’t work. It must do issues higher than the X5 M and X6 M which might be $30,000 cheaper. At present, 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 automobile, it will possibly turn into higher. Let’s begin with the great. The XM has an enormous outdated V8 below the hood. There’s no motive that, following within the footprints of the present X5 and X6 lineup, the following XM couldn’t ditch the plug-in hybrid system fully and rip round city with the “common” mild-hybrid S68 engine. Shedding the burden and complexity are each good issues.
Subsequent up is design. Right here, we predict the XM would profit from following the lead of a few of its extra established opponents 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 is probably not mandatory if BMW leans into its Final Driving Machine tagline laborious sufficient.
One other space the place the following XM might enhance on its predecessor is experience high quality. The truth is, it’s most likely essentially the most severe and chronic criticism surrounding the car. Changing the XM’s coil-spring suspension with a precision tuned air suspension would make the automobile experience higher with out considerably compromising on the automobile’s current dynamism. Telling, maybe, that each the Urus and Bentayga come normal with air suspension.
The Subsequent XM Inside Wants Extra, Properly, Every 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. But it surely 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 assume it’s a foul concept, but when BMW is utilizing the present XM as a place to begin, it has its work lower out for it. The SUV wants lots, and we’d actually take into account simply calling it the X8. Do you assume BMW could make a brand new XM work?
