5,732. That’s how many XMs BMW sold by the end of September. Although the “G09” is currently the brand’s slowest-selling model, there is a glimmer of hope. In fact, demand for the polarizing SUV rose 4.8% in the first nine months of the year. It is one of the most popular M models in the Czech Republic. However, that sounds less impressive when you consider that only 58 units were shipped in the third quarter.
We mention the Czech Republic because of these new images taken in the Central European country. The local BMW branch organized a road tour with ten vehicles, divided into two fleets of five XMs each. The electrified SUVs were on the road for four days, visiting dealers throughout Bohemia and Moravia. An “intruder” also joined the convoy, the X7 M60i, which was seen in several photos.
As a special event for invited customers, the XM Roadshow offered a production presentation and a communal lunch. Participants covered around 160 miles (250 kilometers) on opening day, traveling from one dealership to another. Over the following three days, BMW conducted individual test drives with M instructors on board, showing participants how to maximize the performance of the plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain.
The Czech Republic is one of several markets where BMW offers two versions of its giant M SUV: the globally available Label and the lesser-known 50e, which uses a smaller inline-six engine. Yes, BMW’s ubiquitous B58 is also offered in the XM, making it one of more than 40 models equipped with the 3.0-liter single-turbo engine introduced a decade ago.
The XM may be one of the few modern BMWs to skip a life cycle impulse. There is no word yet about a facelift, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the device will be discontinued early. Production in Spartanburg is expected to run until the end of 2028, so some updates over time wouldn’t be out of the question.
As for what’s next, there have been rumors about a possible second-generation all-electric XM, but nothing has been confirmed. BMW could instead choose to indirectly replace it with the so-called Rugged project, an off-road SUV that has yet to be officially announced. Meanwhile, development of the next-generation X7 including ALPINA derivatives continues.
