BMW XM: The Most Powerful Production BMW with Surprising Performance
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When it comes to ugly cars, the Pontiac Aztek has always been the go-to answer. But now, there's a new contender for the title: the BMW XM. This car claims to be the most powerful production BMW ever made, the most expensive one on sale, and the first M-only model since the legendary M1. But when I first laid eyes on it, I said I wouldn't be caught dead in it. So naturally, I took it to Death Valley, the least populous place I could think of, to see if it could change my mind.
Now, let's talk about the design. The XM is a strange mix of ugly and beautiful. Some details, like the Black Belt Line and the twin emblems at the back, pay homage to the legendary M1 and look fantastic. But then we come to the front, and it's a bit of a mess. However, I have to admit that the more I looked at it, the more it grew on me. It may not be an instant classic, but it has a certain proportionate and powerful look to it.
Inside, the XM is a bit all over the place. It's like BMW couldn't decide between old-world luxury and cutting-edge tech, so they threw everything in there. The result is a busy cabin with different materials, colors, textures, and ideas on every surface. They even decided to call the rear seats the "M Lounge," which is a bit pretentious if you ask me. But I have to give credit where credit is due, the seats are incredibly comfortable.
But let's get to the important part: how does it drive? Well, on paper, it may not be a match for the super SUVs from Lamborghini and Ferrari, but behind the wheel, it's a different story. This big car can accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 3.6 seconds, which is impressive for an SUV. It's all thanks to the hybrid powertrain, which combines a 483-horsepower V8 engine with a 194-horsepower electric motor. And despite its weight, the XM handles surprisingly well at high speeds.
In conclusion, the BMW XM may not be the most attractive car out there, and it may be the heaviest production BMW ever made, but it serves a purpose. It's necessary for BMW and M to sell a lot of these cars so they can make more M badges and special M cars. And while it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it offers versatility, comfort, and impressive performance. So, if you're willing to look past its flaws, the XM might just surprise you.
Watch First Test: 2023 BMW XM | MotorTrend on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for First Test: 2023 BMW XM | MotorTrend
- Kevin Hunter: How do they keep getting worse?
- Alex Lang: Where do they find their designers?
- Sai: Joe pulled NO PUNCHES LMAOOOOO. Go off my man!
- JeDx: They’re catering to the Chinese market.
- rushil jalnawala: 😂😂 bruh compared this to an Aztec 😂😂😂 rraahh violation but yea deserved it still way way better than that IX abomination
- Cromulent Corpse: I will say, the blue does complement it. It's slightly less ugly this way.
- 907Te: from behind......oh what a cute rav4, from the front........ew wtf is that! lol
- Clayton Yates: This thing is pretty wild and awesome. Come on all the hate is silly. It's a monster. Who cares if it's ugly, which is subjective as heck and I actually think it looks good
- Daniel Gigandet: Complain about design/look....proceed to show us a bunch of closeups. It's a package deal, how everything goes together.
- Erich Swafford: I’ve owned BMWs since the 1980s and that is the fugliest thing I have ever seen. BMW has totally lost their way. I can’t imagine what sort of posers are actually buying these.
