Whereas we’d like to name the BMW XM controversial, we’re not even certain 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 fastidiously 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 predict BMW ought to take one other crack at it.
As I’ve mentioned once I reviewed the BMW XM a number of years in the past, the actually aggravating factor in regards to the SUV is that it isn’t a nasty automobile. 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 (at this time’s begin worth on the XM), it merely doesn’t work. It must do issues higher than the X5 M and X6 M which can be $30,000 cheaper. At present, it doesn’t. What wants to vary?
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 last word in luxurious and supreme in sporty, and as a substitute solely succeeds at being merely okay at each issues. By focusing the automobile, it could turn out to be higher. Let’s begin with the nice. The XM has a giant outdated V8 underneath the hood.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 totally 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 rivals within the final luxurious SUV section: Bentley and Lamborghini. The place the Bentley Bentayga’s design leans into its luxurious roots, the Lamborghini takes care of 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 may do the identical; rebadging because the X8 would even be good, though it will not be obligatory if BMW leans into its Final Driving Machine tagline onerous sufficient.
One other space the place the subsequent XM may enhance on its predecessor is journey high quality. In truth, it’s most likely essentially the most critical and chronic grievance surrounding the automobile. 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 current dynamism. Telling, maybe, that each the Urus and Bentayga come normal with air suspension.
The Subsequent XM Inside Wants Extra, Properly, Every part
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. 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 assume it’s a nasty thought, but when BMW is utilizing the present XM as a place to begin, it has its work minimize out for it. The SUV wants loads, and we’d actually take into account simply calling it the X8. Do you assume BMW could make a brand new XM work?
