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 opulent, there may be little reward for it previous that. And, even these praises should 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 expect BMW ought to take one other crack at it.
As I’ve stated after I reviewed the BMW XM a number of years in the past, the really aggravating factor concerning the SUV is that it isn’t a nasty 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 present’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. Presently, 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 final 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 could develop into higher. Let’s begin with the nice. The XM has a giant outdated V8 beneath the hood. There’s no cause that, following within the footprints of the present X5 and X6 lineup, the following XM couldn’t ditch the plug-in hybrid system solely 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 expect 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 essential if BMW leans into its Final Driving Machine tagline onerous sufficient.
One other space the place the following XM might enhance on its predecessor is trip high quality. In truth, it’s in all probability essentially the most critical and chronic criticism 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 current dynamism. Telling, maybe, that each the Urus and Bentayga come commonplace with air suspension.
The Subsequent XM Inside Wants Extra, Properly, All the pieces
Inside, the present XM takes good child steps in direction of making it really feel such as you’re driving one thing really 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 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 nasty thought, but when BMW is utilizing the present XM as a place to begin, it has its work lower out for it. The SUV wants rather a lot, and we’d actually contemplate simply calling it the X8. Do you assume BMW could make a brand new XM work?
