Whereas we’d like to name the BMW XM controversial, we’re not even positive it has sufficient proponents to actually be thought-about that. Whereas it’s practically indisputably quick and splendid, there may be 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 probably the least profitable BMW M product within the final decade — perhaps longer. And we predict 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 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 (right this moment’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 vary?
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 final 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 probably grow to be higher. Let’s begin with the nice. The XM has a giant outdated V8 below the hood. There’s no cause that, following within the footprints of the present X5 and X6 lineup, the subsequent XM couldn’t ditch the plug-in hybrid system fully and rip round city with the “common” mild-hybrid S68 engine. Shedding the load 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 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 might not be obligatory if BMW leans into its Final Driving Machine tagline arduous sufficient.
One other space the place the subsequent XM may enhance on its predecessor is journey high quality. Actually, it’s in all probability essentially the most severe and protracted grievance surrounding the car. Changing the XM’s coil-spring suspension with a precision tuned air suspension would make the automobile journey higher with out considerably compromising on the automobile’s present dynamism. Telling, maybe, that each the Urus and Bentayga come normal with air suspension.
The Subsequent XM Inside Wants Extra, Effectively, All the things
Inside, the present XM takes good child steps in 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. Nevertheless 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 elements 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 minimize out for it. The SUV wants rather a lot, and we’d actually think about simply calling it the X8. Do you assume BMW could make a brand new XM work?
