Spearheading BMW M’s foray into electrification is the new BMW XM. Previewed as the Concept XM in November 2021, the XM is built from the ground up without an existing BMW model to be based on. In conjunction with the M Division’s 50th anniversary, the company is taking the opportunity to transform towards electric mobility.
As a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV), the BMW XM’s powertrain consists of a twin-turbo V8 engine that makes 489 hp and 650 Nm and an electric motor that makes 197 hp and 280 Nm. Working harmoniously, the system output is 653 hp and 800 Nm. Paired with the powertrain is an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. With power sent to all four wheels via the M xDrive system, the BMW XM accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
Supplying power to the electric motor is a high-voltage 29.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. The battery can be charged at a rate of 7.4 kW and takes 4 hours and 15 minutes to charge from 0 to 100%. The BMW XM can be driven in a fully electric mode at speeds of up to 140 km/h. In ideal conditions, the pure electric range can go up to 88 km.
If the performance of the XM is not good enough for you, BMW will be adding the “BMW XM Label Red” to the model range in Autumn 2023 with a system output of 748 hp and 1,000 Nm. In the BMW XM Label Red, the engine will produce 585 hp and 750 Nm, while the electric drive system will produce 197 hp and 280 Nm.
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In terms of exterior design, it is hard to ignore the large kidney grille of the XM. It seems that the hundreds of memes have not changed the Munich carmaker’s mind on its grille size. BMW says the XM is a statement of exclusivity, presence, and performance. The headlights are split into two separate units and the kidney grille is decorated with gold-coloured surrounds and continuous contour lighting.
BMW says the design of the BMW XM gives off a “singularly extrovert aura” thanks to a host of distinctive accents. The XM also pays homage to the brand’s history with an “accent band” in Gold that is reminiscent of the black strip running along the body of the BMW M1. It also has BMW logos engraved into the flat rear window. Standard wheels for the XM are 21 inches in size with the option of further variants with wheels up to 23 inches in size.
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BMW says that the cockpit and front seats have been designed to create an active driving experience. Also contributing to the driving experience are standard interior equipment such as M multifunction seats, knee pads and a model-specific M leather steering wheel, along with M-specific graphics including shift lights for the BMW Curved Display and BMW Head-Up Display.
Besides an active driving experience, the XM also provides a generous feeling of space inside the cabin. Combined with high-quality materials and extravagant design, BMW has transformed the second row of the BMW XM into an exclusive M Lounge. Standard interior features include ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, and a Travel & Comfort System.
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Other highlights of the BMW XM are the sophisticated chassis system with a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle, integral active steering, the latest generation of iDrive, and an M Hybrid button.
Interestingly, BMW Malaysia has open Registration of Interest (ROI) for the BMW XM on their official website. Being the first electrified BMW M car and featuring a somewhat controversial design, we look forward to seeing the response toward the BMW XM.
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