Although we like to describe the BMW XM as controversial, we are not even sure whether there are enough supporters to really look at this. It is undeniable fast and luxurious, but there is little praise for it. And even these praises have to be careful with a “for what it is”, carefully in asterisks yesterday. The XM takes the Kid gloves out and maybe the least successful BMW M product in the past decade is perhaps longer. And we think BMW should make another crack about it.
As I said when I checked the BMW XM a few years ago, the really aggravating thing on the SUV is that it is not a bad vehicle. It’s a fun car to drive, and although the design is not in my taste, I can understand, accept and go beyond. But it just doesn’t work for 159,600 US dollars (today’s starting price on the XM). It has to do things better than the X5 M and X6 m, which are 30,000 US dollars cheaper. Currently not. What has to change?
BMW has to make the new XM something special
In theory, it’s easy. The BMW XM suffers from an identity crisis. It tries to be both The ultimate luxury and ultimate sporty and instead only manage to be fine with both things. By focusing the car, it can get better. Let’s start with the good. The XM has a large old V8 under the bonnet. There is no reason why the next XM could not completely hand over the plug-in hybrid system if it follows in the footprints of the current X5 and X6 line-up and could tear through the city with the “regular” mild hybrid-S68 engine. Losing weight and complexity are both good things.
Next is design. Here we believe that the XM would benefit from following some of its more established competitors in the Ultimate Luxury SUV segment: Bentley and Lamborghini. Where the design of the Bentley Bentayga leans into its luxury roots, the Lamborghini-Urus goes to performance. Both SUVs meet the legacy of their brands. And both, which is even more important, are equally able to refine both sporty and the driver’s seat. The XM could do the same; Rebading as an X8 would also be nice, although it may not be necessary if BMW is sufficient in its ultimate driving machine slogan.
Another area in which the next XM could improve its predecessor is driving quality. In fact, it is probably the most serious and persistent complaint that surrounds the vehicle. Replacing the coil suspension of the XM with a precision -controlled air suspension would make the car better without significantly affecting the existing dynamics of the car. Perhaps both the Urus and the Bentayga say standard with aerial suspension.
The next XM interior needs more, everything
Inside, the current XM takes good baby steps to take it as if they are really tailor -made. The unique headliner and a few upholstery options are good. But it really needs something that screams: “I spent $ 30,000 more on it.” The more generous use of leather-maybe for some of these lavalina hits Alpina and some unique components are must-havees. The small M badge on the dashboard is ridiculous; To insult this price.
While there are rumors that BMW is considering a new XM, there is nothing concrete. We don’t think it’s a bad idea, but when BMW uses the current XM as a starting point, it has cut out its work for it. The SUV needs a lot and we would Really Just call it the X8. Do you think BMW can get a new XM function up and running?
