BMW is without doubt one of the most profitable automotive manufacturers on this planet, with 2.2 million annual gross sales and model fairness price $52 billion. Little doubt, it faces plenty of competitors from established rivals like Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, in addition to from upstarts akin to Tesla and Lucid. However its standing as a frontrunner within the premium phase is plain.
That mentioned, to keep up its success, the Bavarian big has typically contradicted its personal legacy by venturing into new segments that didn’t align with its “Final Driving Machine” ethos and pioneering applied sciences that originally alienated its buyer base. To that finish, this text will assessment the 5 most controversial BMWs of all time and their affect on the model’s story.
BMW E65 7 Collection
The E65 7 Collection is perhaps essentially the most controversial BMW ever, on account of its extremely polarizing “Bangle Butt” styling and introduction of the iDrive infotainment system, which many critics discovered complicated and sophisticated to make use of. It additionally confronted important reliability points (which is why we advise in opposition to buying a used E65).
Regardless of these drawbacks, the fourth-generation 7er nonetheless bought fairly properly, although, with roughly 344,000 deliveries. Furthermore, iDrive has advanced into considered one of BMW’s most important distinctive promoting propositions (USPs), particularly for the Neue Klasse (NK) automobiles.
BMW F80 M3
The F80 M3, being the primary turbocharged M3, was at all times going to face plenty of skepticism and scrutiny. Nonetheless, very similar to the E65, it achieved important industrial success, with 35,000 deliveries. Plus, its S55 engine went on to win the 2015 Worldwide Engine of the Yr award. To not point out, the F80’s success additionally paved the way in which for the primary all-electric M3, anticipated to be launched on the NK platform in 2027.
BMW X5 E53
BMW entered the SUV market in 1999 with the E53 X5, a major gamble at a time when SUVs weren’t sometimes related to luxurious or efficiency. Nevertheless, the Munich-based automaker acknowledged the potential of SUVs for quantity progress, and its wager paid off: the X5 grew to become considered one of its best-selling luxurious fashions, and SUVs now account for practically 65 % of BMW’s complete gross sales in America.
In addition to, BMW’s SUVs additionally provide spectacular efficiency. The X5 M Competitors, for example, boasts 617 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds—figures that surpass the Porsche 911 Carrera (388 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds).
BMW 2 Collection Lively Tourer
To compete with the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, BMW got here up with the 2 Collection Lively Tourer, a front-wheel-drive minivan. Just like the E53, it confronted criticism for not being a “pure BMW,” however it additionally achieved notable gross sales success, changing into the highest-selling premium MPV in Europe. Even then, BMW couldn’t set up the Lively Tourer as efficiently as its SUVs, and the mannequin is scheduled for discontinuation in 2027.
BMW XM
The XM, being BMW’s first standalone M mannequin because the M1 and its first high-performance plug-in hybrid, arrived with excessive expectations. And when it comes to sheer efficiency, it delivered—boasting as much as 738 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of three.6 seconds (XM Label). Nevertheless, its over-the-top styling and excessive price ticket (beginning at round $160,500) proved to be main drawbacks. Evidently, most prospects choose options such because the Porsche Cayenne and Vary Rover Sport.
