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’s 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 expect 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 (right now’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. 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 identification 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 could develop into higher. Let’s begin with the great. The XM has an enormous outdated V8 underneath the hood. There’s no motive that, following within the footprints of the present X5 and X6 lineup, the subsequent 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 opponents 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 motive force’s seat. The XM may do the identical; rebadging because the X8 would even be good, though it will not be needed if BMW leans into its Final Driving Machine tagline laborious sufficient.
One other space the place the subsequent XM may enhance on its predecessor is journey high quality. In actual fact, it’s in all probability probably the most critical and chronic criticism 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, 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. 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 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 reduce out for it. The SUV wants loads, and we’d actually take into account simply calling it the X8. Do you suppose BMW could make a brand new XM work?
