The BMW XM has certainly stirred up conversation. As someone who recently transitioned from a 2023 BMW X7 M60i, a vehicle I genuinely loved for its spaciousness, luxurious interior, and smooth driving experience, I found myself unexpectedly behind the wheel of the XM. My switch wasn’t planned; it stemmed from a service mishap with my X7 which ultimately led to a favorable trade-in offer and a deal on the XM. Having spent considerable time with this performance SUV, I’m ready to share my detailed impressions, aiming to offer valuable insights for those considering the XM, or simply curious about this polarizing model.
Design and Aesthetics: Divisive Looks or Unique Appeal?
Initially, the BMW XM’s design language was jarring to me. It appeared as a collection of disparate elements, lacking cohesive flow. The sharp angles and seemingly mismatched styling cues gave the impression of a design conceived by committee, with each member operating in isolation. Frankly, “ugly” was a word that came to mind.
However, prolonged exposure and daily driving have shifted my perspective. The XM’s aesthetics, while still unconventional, have grown on me. There’s a distinctiveness to its appearance that, dare I say, lends it a certain allure. It stands out from the crowd, and in a market saturated with similar SUV designs, this uniqueness can be perceived as special. Opting for an all-black exterior, in my case, further mitigates some of the more polarizing design choices, allowing the vehicle’s aggressive stance to take center stage. It’s a testament to how context and personal experience can reshape initial impressions.
Suspension and Ride Comfort: Plush Interior, Bumpy Ride – A Confusing Mix
The XM’s suspension setup presents a perplexing dichotomy. Marketed as a performance SUV, one anticipates a degree of firmness. However, the XM often feels excessively rigid. Road imperfections, even minor ones, transmit noticeably into the cabin, accompanied by considerable road noise. This level of feedback might be acceptable, even expected, in a track-focused sports car, but it feels out of place in a vehicle of this category and price point.
This jarring ride quality is further amplified by the XM’s opulent interior. Stepping inside is akin to entering a luxury lounge. The plush materials, meticulously crafted details, and overall ambiance scream comfort and relaxation. It’s as if the interior promises a serene, cosseting experience, while the suspension delivers a starkly contrasting message of unrelenting firmness. This inconsistency is baffling. The absence of an air suspension option, particularly given the XM’s positioning and price, is a significant oversight by BMW. Air suspension could have offered a crucial layer of adaptability, allowing for a more comfortable ride in everyday driving scenarios without completely sacrificing performance handling.
Powertrain and Performance: EV Smoothness vs. V8 Lag and Transmission Quirks
The powertrain of the BMW XM is another area where the execution falls short of the potential. My previous X7 M60i boasted a powertrain that was a paragon of refinement and power delivery. The engine and transmission worked in perfect harmony, creating a driving experience that was both exhilarating and smooth.
The XM, in contrast, presents a less polished experience. Initial acceleration is handled by the electric motor, providing instant torque and a smooth, silent launch. However, when demanding more power, the transition to the twin-turbo V8 engine is far from seamless. There’s a noticeable lag between pressing the accelerator and feeling the V8 engage and deliver its power. This delay is particularly pronounced due to the immediacy of the electric motor. Once the V8 kicks in, the power delivery can feel abrupt, further exacerbated by the transmission’s gear shifts, which can be jarring. The contrast between the smooth electric mode and the less refined V8 experience is stark and highlights the powertrain’s inconsistencies.
Ironically, I found myself gravitating towards the pure EV mode for city driving. It offered a smoother, more responsive, and ultimately more enjoyable experience for everyday commutes. Cruising in EV mode, with only the subtle hum of the electric motor, was genuinely pleasant. However, the limited electric range (around 40 miles in real-world driving) means that engaging the V8 and its associated drawbacks becomes inevitable for longer journeys or more spirited driving.
Price and Value Proposition: Is the BMW XM Overpriced?
Price is a critical factor when evaluating the BMW XM. Without the dealer incentive I received, I would seriously question the XM’s value proposition at its current MSRP. In my opinion, a more justifiable price range for the XM would be around the $120,000 to $150,000 mark, fully equipped.
To put this into perspective, a fully loaded 2024 BMW X6M, a vehicle that offers comparable performance and luxury in a slightly smaller package, tops out at around $136,000. Positioning the XM, as the “halo” performance SUV, in the $140,000 to $150,000 range would feel more aligned with its strengths and weaknesses relative to its stablemates and competitors.
Final Verdict: Potential for Greatness, But Needs Refinement
Despite my criticisms, the BMW XM is not without its merits. It undeniably possesses a unique presence and, for a vehicle of its size, exhibits surprising agility. The technology and features integrated into the XM are commendable and enhance the overall ownership experience. Furthermore, cargo space is plentiful, adding to its practicality.
However, the XM, in its current iteration, feels like a work in progress. Many aspects, while showing flashes of brilliance, require further refinement. It feels as though consumers are, to some extent, paying a premium to be part of the XM’s developmental journey. I sincerely hope BMW listens to feedback and constructively addresses the shortcomings in the suspension, powertrain, and overall driving experience. The XM platform holds significant potential, but realizing that potential requires focused improvements.
On a final note, rebranding the XM as the BMW X8 might have been a strategic move to mitigate some of the criticism, particularly from staunch BMW M enthusiasts. An X8 designation could have afforded BMW greater latitude in offering a broader spectrum of options, potentially including a more comfort-oriented suspension and a less aggressively tuned powertrain, appealing to a wider audience.
