BMW releases its first-ever XM
The XM lifts a lot of concept design elements and is the first hybrid M car ever
Sedans and not SUVs have been the predominant body shape that glorified BMW’s M division of cars. But with the launch of the XM Concept last year, the intentions of sharing those superior performance attributes with SUVs became clear. And now, the German carmaker has materialised those intentions with the release of the production-spec BMW XM.
The XM becomes only the second car, barring the M1 supercar, to be sold as an M-exclusive model in BMW’s lineage. The production-spec XM’s plug-in hybrid powertrain further makes it the first M badged model to have a hybrid setup. And the production-spec XM manages to retain the majority of the Concept’s design elements, a rare feat.
The split headlamp setup seen in the recent new crop of BMWs (read new 7 series and X7) also finds its way on the XM. These slim light units flank the huge BMW kidney grille with one of the most aggressive bumper designs to feature on a BMW SUV. A gold strip runs alongside the XM’s shoulder line, an element reminiscent of the original M1 supercar. Further nods to the past include BMW badge engravings on the flat rear window and the louvred structuring of the sculpted tail lights. 21-inch wheels are offered as standard, with a set of 23-inchers available as an option.
BMW describes the cabin as a generous feeling of space, high-quality materials and extravagant design. One could find that hard to refute upon eye-gazing across the new Vintage leather upholstery incorporated across portions of the dashboard and door panels. BMW offers four different trims for interior customisation as well. The headliner is unique, with a three-dimensional prism structure and a 100 LED setup for illumination. The front row occupants benefit from standard equipment such as M multifunction seats, knee pads and a model-specific M leather steering wheel. The driver would particularly enjoy the BMW Curved Display layout housing the instrument panel and the infotainment display units together.
Reverting to the first-ever hybrid-powered vehicle with an M badge, the BMW XM gets a 489hp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. The engine gets mated to an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission to achieve a combined power output of 653hp and 800Nm torques. Performance figures are recorded at 4.3 seconds for the 0-100kph sprint with a sports exhaust system for the petrol engine and a Hans Zimmer-composed soundtrack for EV-only mobility. The XM can operate in electric mode at speeds up to 140kph for up to 88kms. Being an M car, power gets sent to all four wheels with a rear-bias setup, and one can opt for an M Sport differential in the rear axle.
The BMW XM comes as standard with adaptive M suspension. These comprise electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilisation with 48V electric motors. It is also the first BMW M model to feature Integral Active Steering, a standard specification feature lifted off the new 7 series. Though more importantly, the XM boasts of the largest set of driver assistance systems offered on any M division car. Apart from the usual Active Cruise Control and Steering and Lane Control Assistant, the XM further includes Parking Assistant Plus and a 3D parking view as standard.
The BMW XM production-spec is slated to go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2023.
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