Niels van Roij about the SUV of M
The BMW XM has caused quite a few raised eyebrows. The name alone raises questions. Legal negotiations between Citroën and BMW have paved the way for the Germans to be able to use this type designation. But especially the, at least, special exterior is part of the conversation. Car designer Niels van Roij’s about the BMW XM.
A dominant appearance characterizes the BMW XM. From its massive front to uncivilized flank and grotesque rear. While the vehicle height would, according to BMW, evoke a positive connotation of stiffness. Unlike the new Range Rover, for example, the XM is indeed unsightly stiff, while the Briton is formal and at the same time extremely elegant.
XM has character but is also a slap in the face
In BMW’s view, the XM exudes pride and character. The reality is that while he has boatloads of character, he has that of a sledgehammer to the face. The XM lacks subtlety and refinement. It is precisely this refinement that has characterized the BMW character since 1916, until the departure of former chief designer Chris Bangle.
The XM was built to celebrate BMW M’s 50th anniversary. M is a legacy that symbolizes engineering prowess and design triumphs. This legacy was invariably conveyed through dynamic driver cars. With highlights such as the M535i E12, M 635 CSi E24 sharknose, the legendary M3 E30, E36 M Roadster and of course the M3 based on E46. Also the M5 and M6 with V10 and dynamic Flame Surfacing fit perfectly in this list. And later the less radical, perfectly drawn 1M Coupe on E82 chassis. And M could even stand for SUVs. below Bracelet BMW designed world-class cars, such as the second generation X5: an SUV that embodied both sportiness and agility. In the M stable there was the X5M and the athletic and radically innovative X6 M E71.
Sadly, the BMW XM doesn’t live up to this athletic heritage. Even the overpowering kidneys don’t exude typical BMW language. The once elongated, dynamic shoulder line gives way to a non-dynamic hard profile with the elegance of a Gamma plank. The whole thing is an aimless departure from BMW’s design ethos. Although those strong deviations, inconsistent and in all areas, have been commonplace at BMW in recent years.
Hofmeister and Angel Eyes disappeared
The removal of iconic features such as the Hofmeister kink and strong shoulder compromises the brand’s own identity. Instead, generic styling elements are pushed forward. The LED headlights also fail to come close to the impact BMW’s Angel Eyes once had. They were very recognizable, even from afar.
Compared to the X5 and X6 mentioned above, the XM falters. This new BMW SUV iteration lacks the innovation that characterized its predecessor. The proportions and aesthetics of the XM are so off track that despite the huge body with room for good stance, the design choices result in a top-heavy, unstable appearance. Everything but the looks of the ultimate riding machine.
The second generation X5 is a truly amazing proportional statement, featuring great surfaces and exceptional new ways to integrate the graphics. For example, the lack of dividing seams that normally run from the headlight corner to the wheel, in order to produce the fender and bumper as separate parts, is very refreshing and innovative. The mudguard is only separated from the bumper at the nose.
Why an SUV to celebrate 50 years of BMW M?
The choice of an SUV instead of a sports car to celebrate 50 years of BMW M is already very dubious, but even with an SUV as the subject of the briefing, the design should have been the most dynamic and athletic SUV in the world. The XM is a caricature of itself and doesn’t look like the ultimate driving machine, but the ultimate killing machine: a terminator. Brashly aggressive and in no way related to what has made BMW so great for years. Nothing in this plywood-looking car works.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl