BMW’s Most Missed Marks: Four Models That Missed the Mark in the Last Decade

Even the best automakers swing and miss sometimes. BMW has delivered plenty of winners over the last ten years, the sharp-looking 3 Series, the refined G05 X5, and the stunning i8 all come to mind. But for every hit, there’s a model that left buyers scratching their heads. Whether it was awkward proportions, confused market positioning, or a price tag that didn’t match the experience, these four BMWs stand out as the brand’s least appealing efforts from the past decade.

Take the F39 X2. BMW aimed this crossover at younger shoppers looking for something sportier than the X1. The sloped roofline and unique styling were supposed to set it apart. Instead, buyers got a less practical, more expensive version of the X1, with front-wheel-drive underpinnings that disappointed anyone expecting rear-wheel-drive handling.

Then there’s the 6 Series Gran Turismo, a hatchback that straddled the line between sedan and SUV. S. buyers, and it disappeared from showrooms after just two years.

The BMW XM arrived with genuine M credentials, a monstrous V8, massive brakes, and track-ready hardware. But at over 6,000 pounds and $150,000, it struggled to win fans. Its polarizing design and limited electric range (around 30 miles) didn’t help. Meanwhile, the 2 Series Active and Gran Tourer, minivans sold overseas, combined awkward proportions with uninspired engines like a three-cylinder gas unit.

, and for good reason. BMW has since dropped the three-row version, and the whole line may not see a third generation. None of these cars were terrible. Several were practical, quick, or comfortable. Their real flaw was that each compromised something BMW buyers expect: attractive proportions, engaging dynamics, sensible pricing, or a clear reason to exist.

Strange BMWs have a way of aging into curiosities, especially after depreciation softens the sting. But for now, these four remain the ones enthusiasts are happiest to skip.