[Quadruple VANOS]

Select quotes from Car Buzz article: https://carbuzz.com/news/bmw-m-admit...biggest-market

When asked why the XM was chosen as a halo product instead of a super sports car like the M1, Frank told us that times have changed.

"I think when we started with the M1, those were the golden ages of the sports car. Every company wanted to participate in this growing [premium] segment, and this important segment had to have a sports car 50 years ago," says van Meel. "Nowadays, the biggest segment in the car industry is the SUV segment. It's also the fastest growing one."

Van Meel refers to the ultra-luxury SUV segment as "the zeitgeist segment to enter into," telling us that the M brand was missing out on a vehicle in that classification. "A lot of people who drive a Lamborghini Urus or Mercedes G-Class say, 'I want to have something like that from BMW,' and so for us, it was the logical choice."

Resch admitted that the XM won't see a lot of existing M car buyers upgrading from lesser models. Instead, he envisions those who previously purchased a Urus, a Bentayga, and even a new Range Rover jumping ship to BMW.

Both BMW M execs were adamant that the XM is not diluting the M brand but rather expanding its reach. Those who buy M cars for their performance in the M2, M3, and M4 will continue to do so and have those sorts of products available, but for those who want something flashier - something which Resch highlights is a reason why some people buy M cars, not for their on-track prowess - the XM broadens the brand's appeal.

[yousefnjr]

I don’t think this is the secret you think it is. It’s been obvious from the start they’re trying to get into the ‘super-SUV’ segment like every other brand, and that this isn’t intended to be some sort of race car. Frankly it’s even in the name of the product, it’s called ‘XM’ and not just ‘M’ or even ‘MX’ for a reason. SUV first.

[Quadruple VANOS]

Originally Posted by yousefnjr

I don't think this is the secret you think it is. It's been obvious from the start they're trying to get into the 'super-SUV' segment like every other brand, and that this isn't intended to be some sort of race car. Frankly it's even in the name of the product, it's called 'XM' and not just 'M' or even 'MX' for a reason. SUV first.

This isn't about me and my perception of the situation. However, the article does substantiate the folks who consistently decry M as standing for Marketing.

[yousefnjr]

Sure, I thought you came up with the thread title yourself. Apologies for that.

[Quadruple VANOS]

Additional relevant quote from the article:

Throughout the day, van Meel continually referred to full M cars (not M Performance models like the M340i, etc) as being track-focused.

"If we talk about high performance [M cars], it's developed on the track for the track," he said when differentiating between the M Performance variants of the 7 Series like the M760i compared to a full M model. And yet the XM, which is considered a full M car, won't be taken to the track at all.

"You will never see it on the track because people will use it for everyday driving or just to be seen in that car," said van Meel of XM buyers.

So which is it, then, BMW M? Developed on the track for the track, or developed just to be seen in and show off with?

[kyriian]

Originally Posted by Quadruple VANOS

Additional relevant quote from the article:


So which is it, then, BMW M? Developed on the track for the track, or developed just to be seen in and show off with?

"Why not both, a M that you can be seen in and show off in, at the track." Van Meel probably

[Cortexiphan]

Originally Posted by Quadruple VANOS

This isn't about me and my perception of the situation. However, the article does substantiate the folks who consistently decry M as standing for Marketing.

Every single brand stands as marketing.
Branding is part of marketing.

And every single limited production halo car in the past was developed as a show off, not to sell a lot, just like XM.

[440i6MT]

People will buy this car... drumroll... for the tax right-off!
You can not choose this over a G-Wagon, Urus, or Porsche in any right world. If that was their intention, then what an awful attempt.

[frankchn]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

Every single brand stands as marketing.
Branding is part of marketing.

And every single limited production halo car in the past was developed as a show off, not to sell a lot, just like XM.

Precisely, it is all signaling at this level. How many people will take their G-wagons with 3 locking diffs rock crawling?

I am not the target market for the XM and that’s fine, so long as BMW also produces the M2, 3, 4, and 5.

[SteezeforMyBimmerMon]

I give them 5 years before they make a wristwatch... wait, nevermind

[G30M]

they're there to make money for BMW not to build for your driving pleasure

[IcewaterPete]

frankchn:

I am not the target market for the XM and that’s fine, so long as BMW also produces the M2, 3, 4, and 5.

+1

[RugbyBro]

In other news, grass is green

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by Quadruple VANOS

Additional relevant quote from the article:

Throughout the day, van Meel continually referred to full M cars (not M Performance models like the M340i, etc) as being track-focused.

"If we talk about high performance [M cars], it's developed on the track for the track," he said when differentiating between the M Performance variants of the 7 Series like the M760i compared to a full M model. And yet the XM, which is considered a full M car, won't be taken to the track at all.

"You will never see it on the track because people will use it for everyday driving or just to be seen in that car," said van Meel of XM buyers.

So which is it, then, BMW M? Developed on the track for the track, or developed just to be seen in and show off with?

"just to be seen in". They should rename the car the "Medusa"!

[Chappers 71]

An abomination, is what it is

[Germanauto]

BMW has been all in on ///Marketing for a very long time now. This is the ultimate super saiyan Goku manifestation of that. Not aimed at the 5% of niche BMW clientele who go canyon carving on sunday mornings. It's for families who want an SUV that's more bespoke than the usual X5 or GLE that all the neighbors have.

[Chappers 71]

I understand why BMW made it…but why make it so ugly?
Also the spastic blue doesn’t help it’s appearance