Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“A car that we have to mark up as a rather uninvolving triumph of oneupmanship – perfect for China and the Middle East, but probably best ignored by M devotees in the UK.”
Author: John McIlroy
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Score: 5 / 10
“If you want proof of how hard it is to overcome the laws of physics, it’s right here. The BMW XM might have the technical numbers to live up to its M division badge, and its Marmite looks will (probably) appeal to some as much as they revolt others. But the on-road experience is a world away from anything that’s come before with M; even the likes of the X5 M offer more fun and feel than you’ll find here.”
Author: John McIlroy
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Driving the beastly XM confirms what its styling suggests: that this car lacks authenticity or at least any real purpose beyond shock and awe. If M is historically about proper driving satisfaction in a truly usable and practical package, I’m not sure where this self-professed bastion of modern M-ness, is meant to fit in.”
Author: Richard Lane
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“If you like the looks, the status and the execution, the most controversial M car to date ticks all the right boxes, albeit at a sky-high price. Dynamically though, the X5 M Competition is the more compelling choice.”
Author: Georg Kacher
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The first M-exclusive car since the M1, the XM features the same high-powered V8 as the upcoming endurance race car, but its looks are certainly divisive.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“BMW M’s new flagship is its most powerful model ever, but it’s also the weakest driving experience of the current M range.”
Author: James Taylor
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW XM is the first ever hybrid M car. It’s a technical tour de force of an SUV, combining a huge V8 engine with an electric motor and a battery big enough to provide an electric-only range of up to 55 miles. Its bold looks are proving controversial, though, and its £145k price tag will win it even fewer fans.”
Author: Andy Brady
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“While it is advanced and powerful, it’s slower than alternatives such as the BMW X5 M Competition – a car that’ll set you back a significant five-figure sum less than the XM. It’s also not as practical, not as comfortable and not as easy to live with as many a rival.”
Author: Georg Kacher
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Model reviewed:
Score: 4 / 10
“The BMW XM is not only expensive to buy and run, it’s also uncouth, not particularly good to drive and it looks like a four-wheeled sweet left on the radiator. It doesn’t feel like an M car should (deceptively fast, with nuanced power delivery, fine handling and highly unobtrusive looks) – in fact, it’s a direct opposite, it shouts: ‘Look at meeeeee!'”
Author: Andrew English
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“BMW’s Icarus moment. The XM tries to be a luxury SUV and an ultimate M car with a hybrid conscience, but fails to convince as a whole.”
Author: Ollie Kew
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s good to drive rather than great, which is disappointing given the price you’re paying. And it doesn’t compensate for this shortcoming by offering a particularly comfortable ride.”
Author: Richard Lane
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