Should you buy one?

The BMW XM may understandably grab your attention but, once you’ve dug a little deeper, you may find it difficult to justify. 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 and, unfortunately, it’s not as good to drive as competitors such as the Porsche Cayenne. But, for some, the looks and technology of the BMW XM might be all it takes to sign on the dotted line. We, however, would recommend going elsewhere if you want a quick and upmarket SUV.

What we like

Despite the XM’s weight, the standard car is still capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds. While not as quick as some rivals, it’s still an impressive figure for such a hefty machine. The hybrid system also works quite well and it’s gratifying to have the capability to set off and drive on electric power alone, leaving the XM’s size and looks as the only thing to grab the attention of passers-by.

What we don’t like

This is supposed to be a bespoke M car which, to fans of BMW’s performance line, entails it being captivating and engaging to drive, and capable of delivering impressive handling and performance. And while it’s unquestionably quick in a straight line and around corners, it’s not as remarkable as it should be. Overall, it’s not a particularly appealing, fun or well-rounded performance SUV.