Recent buzz within the automotive community, particularly among BMW enthusiasts and industry watchers, suggests that BMW might be phasing out its XM model, a vehicle that has stirred quite the controversy since its introduction. The XM, positioned as BMW's first standalone M model since the M1, aimed to redefine luxury performance SUVs but instead found itself at the center of a debate over its design, pricing, and performance relative to its cost.
Posts on X and various automotive blogs indicate a mixed reception for the XM. While some praised its power and luxury features, many criticized its aesthetics, questioning whether it truly embodied the spirit of an M car. The decision to potentially phase out the XM, especially its base model with 650 horsepower, by summer 2025, as suggested by internal sources and industry rumors, might not come as a shock to those who felt the XM was a departure from BMW's traditional M ethos.
The XM's sales figures, which have seen declines despite hefty discounts, underline a market response that might have influenced BMW's strategy. The focus seems to be shifting towards the higher-performance XM Label for the U.S. market and the plug-in hybrid XM 50e for Europe, indicating BMW's attempt to refine its offering in response to consumer feedback. This move reflects broader trends in the luxury SUV market, where performance, design, and brand identity must align more closely with buyer expectations, especially at premium price points.