It’s the 50th anniversary of BMW’s M performance subdivision this year and to celebrate the milestone the German brand has revealed the all-new BMW XM- its first ever high-performance car with an electrified drive system.
A plug-in hybrid system comprising a V8 petrol engine and an exceptionally powerful electric motor endows the BMW XM with captivating dynamic prowess. The newly developed M HYBRID drive system comes together to create a fresh interpretation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept for the high-performance segment with the aim to open up that inimitable M feeling to new target groups and markets.
The highlight of the brand’s model offensive in its anniversary year, the BMW XM is also the first BMW M original since the BMW M1. Precisely crafted flourishes in the exterior design of the high-performance SAV recall the legendary mid-engined sports car. Production of the BMW XM will get underway at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA in December 2022 before it arrives at dealers in the Middle East and worldwide in spring 2023.
Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, said “Today marks a key milestone as we welcome the BMW XM – the most powerful BMW production car, ever. Developed with the Middle East in mind, the BMW XM perfectly combines the best of our X and M worlds into an all-new form of luxury and a sense of interior space. This also makes it the very first hybrid BMW M model, a defining moment for our journey towards electrified performance.”
M HYBRID drive system for stunning performance and cruising with zero local emissions.
The M HYBRID drive system in the BMW XM delivers an overall output of 480 kW/653 hp (generated by the combination of the combustion engine with up to 360 kW/489 hp and the electric drive system with up to 145 kW/197 hp). It is underpinned by a newly developed, classically high-revving V8 engine with cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 4.4-litre unit features a cross-bank exhaust manifold and an optimised oil separation process.
One engine, one electric motor, three operating modes, four driven wheels.
The intelligently managed interplay between engine and motor delivers a well-resolved performance experience worthy of the M badge in all driving situations. It is defined by an immense build-up of power that begins instantaneously and is sustained throughout the rev range. The BMW XM sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds, accompanied by an energy-charged soundtrack of rare emotional appeal for an eight-cylinder unit.
The M Hybrid button on the centre console is used to select one of three operating modes, including an ELECTRIC setting for cruising with zero local emissions at speeds of up to 140 km/h (87 mph) and over a maximum distance of 82 to 88 km in the WLTP cycle. This is thanks to the lithium-ion high-voltage battery mounted in the car’s underbody and the 25.7 kWh of usable energy it provides. The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW XM enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW.
The BMW IconicSounds Electric developed in a collaboration between the BMW Group and film score composer Hans Zimmer also create a suitable backing track for the electric motor’s power delivery. The M-specific electric drive sound provides authentic feedback to every movement of the accelerator pedal when driving in the locally emission-free operating mode. And if the Sport or Sport Plus setting is selected while the drive system is operating in HYBRID mode, a boost sound will underline the electrical assistance being provided to the combustion engine.
Distinctive design as an expression of presence and performance.
The exterior design of the BMW XM is a statement of exclusivity, presence and performance. The proportions of a modern SAV, powerful contours, a dynamically stretched silhouette, M-typical design cues, a reworked interpretation of the front-end look created for BMW’s luxury-segment models and a host of distinctive accents give the XM a singularly extrovert aura.
Interior: driver-focused cockpit, luxurious M Lounge in the rear.
The expressive style of the BMW XM’s exterior design continues inside the cabin. The cockpit and front seats are designed entirely around an active driving experience. A generous feeling of space, high-quality materials and extravagant design transform the rear of the BMW XM into an exclusive M Lounge. The sculptural headliner is quite unique with its three-dimensional prism structure, photo mount-style border and 100 LED units for illumination. Ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System and the Travel & Comfort System are all standard features too.
Matchless variety of driver assistance systems.
The BMW XM boasts the largest selection of driver assistance systems offered – either as standard or as an option – for any high-performance vehicle from BMW M GmbH. Standard specification includes the Driving Assistant, which comprises Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, the Evasion Assistant, Alertness Assistant and Speed Limit Info system. The optional Driving Assistant Professional combines Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function along with a host of other features, including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, traffic light recognition, automatic Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation.
A bespoke driving experience at the touch of a button.
The control panel on the centre console of the BMW XM features a model-specific array of buttons for personalising the driving experience in a variety of ways. For the first time, this includes the M Hybrid button, which is used to select the desired operating mode for the drive system. Drivers can choose between HYBRID, ELECTRIC and eCONTROL modes.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional and Head-Up Display as standard.
The BMW XM comes as standard with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which brings with it an M-specific version of the latest-generation multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive. Based on BMW Operating System 8, it comprises a BMW Curved Display formed by a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches.