Venturing into the realm of high-performance SUVs often leads to polarizing opinions, and the BMW XM is no exception. Before diving into my personal experience, it’s safe to say that many have already formed strong opinions about this vehicle, be it love or disdain. Having spent time behind the wheel of the XM, I wanted to share my impressions, hoping to offer some helpful insights or perhaps spark an interesting discussion. My automotive journey prior to the XM was with a 2023 BMW X7 M60i, a vehicle I held in high regard. The X7 M60i was truly impressive, boasting a spacious and beautifully crafted interior, coupled with excellent driving dynamics. My only minor inconvenience was the captain’s chairs configuration, which limited cargo space due to their non-folding design.
The Switch to the XM: An Unexpected Turn
The transition to the XM was not initially planned. It began with a service appointment for my X7 M60i due to a faulty antenna. What was meant to be a routine repair stretched into an 11-day ordeal with a rental car in tow. Just as I was preparing to retrieve my X7, an unfortunate incident occurred at the service center, resulting in damage to my vehicle. To their credit, the dealership addressed the situation professionally, offering a fair purchase price for my damaged X7 and a significant discount on a new XM. This unexpected turn of events marked the beginning of my experience with the BMW XM.
Exterior Aesthetics: From Dislike to Distinctiveness
Initially, the BMW XM’s aesthetics were not appealing to me. The design seemed disjointed, with an array of sharp angles that gave the impression of a vehicle designed by committee, lacking a cohesive vision. It felt as though various design elements were simply mashed together without careful consideration for the overall visual harmony.
However, after taking delivery and spending some time driving the XM, my perception began to shift. The design, while still unconventional, started to grow on me. It possesses a unique quality that sets it apart, making it feel… distinctive. Perhaps this distinctiveness, in turn, fosters a sense of exclusivity. Opting for an all-black exterior, in my case, also played a role in mitigating some of the more polarizing design elements, effectively concealing some of the perceived “ugliness” in the shadows.
Suspension Dynamics: A Tale of Two Personalities
The XM’s suspension setup presents a perplexing dichotomy. For a vehicle marketed as a performance SUV, the ride quality is surprisingly firm. Road imperfections and bumps are readily transmitted into the cabin, creating a less-than-plush experience. While such firmness might be acceptable, even expected, in a dedicated sports car, it feels somewhat out of place in a vehicle of this category, especially considering its luxurious aspirations.
This firmness is further contrasted by the XM’s opulent interior. Opening the doors reveals a lavish cabin that seems to beckon you to relax and sink into comfort. The interior ambiance suggests a serene and pampering experience, yet the suspension delivers a jarring reminder that this is, after all, a performance-oriented machine. It’s as if the car is sending mixed signals, inviting you to “take a nap” one moment and then abruptly shouting “WAKE UP, WE’RE ON THE TRACK!” the next. The absence of an air suspension option from BMW is truly puzzling, as it could have offered a much-needed layer of versatility and refinement to the XM’s ride quality.
Powertrain Performance: A Blend of Power and Unease
Coming from the refined powertrain of the X7 M60i, the XM’s power delivery feels less polished. In the X7, the engine and transmission worked in perfect harmony, creating a smooth and powerful driving experience. The XM’s powertrain, however, presents a less seamless integration. Upon initial acceleration, the electric motor engages, providing instant torque. However, demanding more aggressive acceleration prompts the twin-turbo V8 engine to kick in. While this hybrid approach is theoretically sound, the execution lacks refinement. There’s a noticeable lag before the V8 fully awakens, a delay that is accentuated by the immediate responsiveness of the electric motor. Once the V8 roars to life, gear shifts from the transmission can feel abrupt, further disrupting the smoothness, especially when contrasted with the serene electric driving mode.
Personally, I found myself gravitating towards the pure EV mode for city driving. It offered a smoother and surprisingly quick experience, gliding through urban environments with only the subtle hum of the electric motor. The approximately 40 miles of electric range proved adequate for local commutes. However, venturing beyond the electric range or driving more aggressively inevitably brings the V8 into play, along with its less-than-refined transmission behavior.
Price Point: Questioning the Value Proposition
If it weren’t for the dealership’s generous discount, I would seriously question the XM’s price tag. In my opinion, the XM’s pricing strategy positions it at a premium that doesn’t fully align with its overall package. A more realistic price range, in my view, would be around $120,000, with a fully equipped model topping out at approximately $150,000.
To put this into perspective, a fully loaded 2024 BMW X6M, another high-performance SUV in BMW’s lineup, comes in at around $136,000. Positioning the larger XM, as a “bigger brother” to the X6M, in the $140,000-$150,000 range would seem more justifiable in terms of market positioning and value.
Final Verdict: Potential in Progress
Despite my criticisms, the XM is not without its merits. It undeniably possesses a unique presence and, despite its size, exhibits surprising agility. The array of features and technology incorporated into the XM undoubtedly enhances the ownership experience. Furthermore, the XM offers ample storage space, addressing a practical aspect often overlooked in performance vehicles.
However, the overarching impression is that the XM feels like a work in progress. Many of its elements show promise and potential for greatness, but in their current iteration, they feel somewhat unrefined. It’s as if early adopters are, in a sense, paying to be part of the XM’s development phase. Hopefully, BMW will actively listen to feedback and constructively address the areas that need improvement. The XM platform holds considerable potential to evolve into a truly exceptional vehicle.
On a concluding note, I believe BMW might have benefited from branding this vehicle as an X8 rather than an XM. Such a designation could have preemptively addressed some of the criticism, particularly from staunch M enthusiasts who hold specific expectations for the M badge. An X8 designation might have also afforded BMW more flexibility in offering a broader range of options, potentially including less “race-oriented” configurations, catering to a wider spectrum of luxury SUV buyers.
