Thursday 12th June

BMW to launch revised XM at Le Mans

A slimmed-down lineup for BMW M's XXL SUV, with just one 748hp V8 option going forward

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BMW is dropping an XM variant, with two models to be offered from now on instead of three. Typically the demise of a V8 M car would be a cause for some disappointment, but it’s hard to imagine that sentiment being strongly expressed by anyone reading this. The announcement suggests it hasn’t been a smash hit commercially. Can't think why.  

At any rate, it’s the standard 653hp/590lb ft model that’s being discontinued, leaving the XM range as the 476hp/516lb ft, straight-six 50e and the flagship XM Label. Which, in case you’d forgotten, ‘combines stupendous power and an advanced drive concept.’ Even with the M5 having arrived since the Label’s debut, it remains the most powerful roadgoing M car in history, thanks to 748hp. Like the saloon, it combines the 4.4-litre, twin-turbo, 585hp V8 with a 197hp electric motor. Peak torque is 738lb ft, for 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and an optional 180mph top speed; even with a few years having passed, and no shortage of silly SUVs, the XM Label remains just as mad as ever. Oh yeah, and it can AC charge at up to 11kW, so that might be handy.

Marking out a new Label over an original (assuming one is ever seen) are standard 22-inch wheels, where previously the factory-fit rims were a mere 21-inch in diameter. One of a few new options is a set of 23-inch 1096 Ms in black, because of course. Also on the extras list from now on are Frozen Tanzanite Blue, Individual Night Blue Merino Leather and Vintage Coffee Brown interior surfaces; the infamous cushions are now included when buyers plump for the merino leather. This XM is even more XM than before, basically. 

Normally this is where the soundbite from a BMW M bod would be inserted, but such a quote was noticeable by its absence in the latest press release. Instead there’s a video from Carl Cox, who’s made a track using XM sounds. Yes, really. Expect the revised model to be on sale soon after the Le Mans debut. Might be a good time to pounce (no, really) on an original, then - especially with early V8s not far from half-price already.

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• 2023 BMW XM | PH Review
  
• 2025 BMW M5 Touring (G99) | UK Review

[napoleondynamite]

Wonder how these stunners are doing sales wise. People seeing much about? Don't see many up in the Peak District

[Water Fairy]

It's somewhat challenging isn't it?

[Dynion Araf Uchaf]

very very few people buy these new. They mainly get foisted onto dealers as a demo to hit a registration number, then sold on after hemmoraghing 50% of its value in 6 months.

As a lease option it'll be funded by the OEM to some significant amount to bring the payments down to £1500 over 36, with a 5k limit.

[pycraft]

One of these overtook me on the commute yesterday morning. First time I've seen one outside a dealership, so they've definitely sold at least one.

[leakymanifold]

I think the lack of success with this shows that just because the mad house tuners do what they do, this doesn't mean there is a market for OEMs to do it. Unique and challenging is a niche business. Now kill it off BMW

[DrDaveWatford]

Nope, still looks utterly wretched.

[BuddyLove25]

napoleondynamite said:

Wonder how these stunners are doing sales wise. People seeing much about? Don't see many up in the Peak District

Howmanyleft.co.uk would suggest that there were only 172 of these beauties on the UK roads as of 2024 - think I have seen one out in the wild and I live in central London.

[josh00mac]

Above the X5 BMW are drunk and bonfiring cash. X7 - rarely seen. This - too wild and not as cool as the G class. The fully electric one with the beaver grill - seems slightly popular in London but not enough to make it worth doing. This set will be worth pennies in years to come and getting parts will be a non-starter.

[Gruntled]

One model discontinued, two left to go.

[scrapped]

Can anyone explain what's 'infamous' about cushions, please?

Not content with ruining everything else, it seems BMW designers have now decided to wreck the simple and distinctive 'propeller' wheel centres as well. What's wrong with them?

[The Pistonsdead]

pycraft said:

One of these overtook me on the commute yesterday morning. First time I've seen one outside a dealership, so they've definitely sold at least one.

[andy43]

Nope. Photographing it in semi darkness doesn’t help.

[GreatScott2016]

I like to think that I always try to see the positive side of things, but sadly, I can t see any redeeming features in this I know that modern BMW design is challenging, but this takes things to another level. I ve no doubt that it will be effortless to drive, if only they could deliver a pleasing exterior and interior design, then they d have my attention once more.

[LuS1fer]

At least Lego can make a faithful model of it with far less bricks.

[annodomini2]

So are they going to beat it with the ugly stick some more?

[PorkerHam]

Obviously the exterior looks like a hideously agressive, tasteless and nasty pile of dog turd - that goes without saying. But I think the most disturbing bit of design is that view of the dash - why is everything sloping in different directions? It's so disturbing. In the past, the only redeeming feature of ugly cars is that you don't have to look at them when you are driving, but I actually think that in this case the view from the inside is worse than the view from the outside. Given the outside, that's not good.

[SDK]

I'm glad this exists.
The interior is awesome, the exterior looks are not for everyone and for sure a £130k 750bhp SUV isn't for everyone.

I've seen a few of these around on the roads

Edited by SDK on Thursday 12th June 11:17

[Rat_Fink_67]

If blunt force trauma were a car!

At least from the inside you don't have to look at it. I'm sure it's an absolute titan for long distance journeys though.

[V12GT]

There are a couple round here, “dominating” the road. Horrible things.

[ChevronB19]

Would genuinely prefer a Citroen XM.