Compare the2024 BMW XMVS 2024 Ford Explorer

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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The XM’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Explorer doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the XM. But it costs extra on the Explorer.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the XM has standard Cross Traffic Warning with braking function with automatic braking, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Cross Traffic Braking costs extra on the Explorer.

Both the XM and the Explorer have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The BMW XM weighs 696 to 1749 pounds more than the Ford Explorer. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Warranty

The XM comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Explorer’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The XM’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Explorer’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the XM for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Explorer.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. With 9 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Ford.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Ford is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 13 places higher in reliability than Ford.

Engine

The XM’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid produces 344 more horsepower (644 vs. 300) and 280 lbs.-ft. more torque (590 vs. 310) than the Explorer’s standard 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder. The XM’s 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid produces 244 more horsepower (644 vs. 400) and 175 lbs.-ft. more torque (590 vs. 415) than the Explorer ST/King Ranch/Platinum’s standard 3.0 turbo V6. The XM Label Red’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid produces 338 more horsepower (738 vs. 400) and 323 lbs.-ft. more torque (738 vs. 415) than the Explorer ST/King Ranch/Platinum’s standard 3.0 turbo V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW XM (base engine) is faster than the Ford Explorer:

	XM	Explorer turbo 4 cyl.	Explorer ST/King Ranch/Platinum
Zero to 30 MPH	1.2 sec	2.2 sec	1.8 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	3.4 sec	6.2 sec	5.2 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	8.2 sec	17.8 sec	13.3 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	3.9 sec	7.2 sec	5.9 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	2.6 sec	4 sec	3.2 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	3 sec	4.7 sec	3.8 sec
Quarter Mile	11.7 sec	14.9 sec	13.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	119 MPH	93 MPH	101 MPH
Top Speed	168 MPH	125 MPH	146 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the XM running on electricity gets better mileage than the Explorer:

			MPGe
XM
	AWD	Electric Motor	46 city/46 hwy
Explorer
			MPG
	RWD	2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/28 hwy
		3.0 turbo V6	18 city/25 hwy
	AWD	2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/27 hwy
		ST/King Ranch/Platinum 3.0 turbo V6	18 city/24 hwy
		Timberline 2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/22 hwy
		ST/King Ranch/Platinum 3.0 turbo V6	17 city/24 hwy
		Timberline 2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/21 hwy

The XM can travel with zero emissions for 31 miles. The Explorer can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the XM’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Explorer doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The XM has a standard locking fuel door and a locking charge port with a power remote release convenient to the driver and which locks and unlocks with the power locks, respectively. The Explorer doesn’t offer a locking fuel filler door. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and a locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW XM higher (7 out of 10) than the Ford Explorer (5 to 6). This means the XM produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Explorer every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The XM’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Explorer doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XM’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Explorer:

	XM	Explorer	Explorer ST
Front Rotors	16.5 inches	13.6 inches	14.3 inches
Rear Rotors	15.7 inches	12.4 inches	13.8 inches

The XM’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the Explorer ST are solid, not vented.

The XM stops much shorter than the Explorer:

	XM	Explorer
70 to 0 MPH	153 feet	170 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XM has larger tires than the Explorer (F:275/35R23 & R:315/30R23 vs. 255/65R18).

The XM’s standard 275/40R22 front and 315/35R22 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Explorer’s standard 65 series tires. The XM’s optional 275/35R23 front and 315/30R23 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the Explorer’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XM has standard 22-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Explorer. The XM’s optional 23-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the Explorer.

Suspension and Handling

The XM has active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Explorer doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The rear suspension of the XM uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Explorer, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The XM offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Ford doesn’t offer an active suspension on the Explorer.

The XM has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Explorer’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XM’s wheelbase is 3.1 inches longer than on the Explorer (122.2 inches vs. 119.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XM is 1.1 inches wider in the front than on the Explorer.

The XM handles at .92 G’s, while the Explorer XLT 4WD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the XM has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Explorer King Ranch (8.7 vs. 7.9 inches), allowing the XM to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the XM is quieter than the Explorer ST 4WD:

	XM	Explorer
At idle	34 dB	41 dB
70 MPH Cruising	63 dB	67 dB

Cargo Capacity

The XM has a larger cargo volume than the Explorer with its rear seat up (18.6 vs. 18.2 cubic feet).

Towing

The XM’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Explorer’s (5952 vs. 3000 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The XM uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Explorer uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Ford. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 28% lower rating, Ford is ranked 22nd.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the Explorer (except Base/XLT/ST-Line), the XM has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The XM’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Explorer, and is not available on all models.

The XM has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning, navigation instruction and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Explorer doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The XM’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Explorer’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the XM the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Explorer can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The XM’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Explorer’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The XM’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford only offers heated mirrors on the Explorer XLT/Limited/ST-Line/Timberline/King Ranch/ST/Platinum.

When the XM is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Explorer’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The XM has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Explorer.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW XM has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Explorer and isn’t available on the Explorer Base.