Five Most Controversial BMWs Ever – Hits, Misses, and Unexpected Successes

BMW is likely one of the most profitable automotive manufacturers on the earth, with 2.2 million annual sales and model fairness value $52 billion. Little question, it faces plenty of competitors from established rivals like Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, in addition to from upstarts equivalent to Tesla and Lucid. However its standing as a frontrunner within the premium section is simple.

That mentioned, to take care of its success, the Bavarian big has usually 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 evaluation the 5 most controversial BMWs of all time and their influence on the model’s story.

BMW E65 7 Sequence

The E65 7 Sequence may be essentially the most controversial BMW ever, as a consequence 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 vital reliability points (which is why we advise against buying a used E65).

Regardless of these drawbacks, the fourth-generation 7er nonetheless offered fairly nicely, although, with roughly 344,000 deliveries. Furthermore, iDrive has developed into certainly one of BMW’s most vital unique selling propositions (USPs), particularly for the Neue Klasse (NK) autos.

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 like the E65, it achieved vital 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 best way 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. Nonetheless, the Munich-based automaker acknowledged the potential of SUVs for quantity progress, and its guess paid off: the X5 turned certainly one of its best-selling luxurious fashions, and SUVs now account for almost 65 percent of BMW’s total sales in America.

In addition to, BMW’s SUVs additionally provide spectacular efficiency. The X5 M Competitors, as an illustration, 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 Sequence Energetic Tourer

To compete with the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, BMW got here up with the 2 Series Active Tourer, a front-wheel-drive minivan. Just like the E53, it confronted criticism for not being a “pure BMW,” nevertheless it additionally achieved notable gross sales success, changing into the highest-selling premium MPV in Europe. Even then, BMW couldn’t set up the Energetic 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). Nonetheless, its over-the-top styling and excessive price ticket (beginning at round $160,500) proved to be main drawbacks. Evidently, most clients choose options such because the Porsche Cayenne and Vary Rover Sport.