With a suggested retail price of 2.3 million yuan, BMW Group officially launched the BMW XM in China on December 15. The new car, the second standalone model in the M series, is also the first M model and the series’ new flagship model. The new vehicle is outfitted with the most recent plug-in hybrid technology from BMW, including a combination of 4.4T twin-turbocharged V8 engine and electric motor. This system produces a maximum output of 653 horsepower and a pure electric range of 78 kilometers.
The new vehicle’s exterior is based on the BMW M family’s most recent design concept, which features a larger front two-kidney grille and horizontally arranged interior meshes. The lower near and far light set is combined with the front surround to create an integrated shape, and the split headlight set is topped with LED daytime running lights. Additionally, the front’s complex shape is surrounded by a two-color collocation, and both sides have modest ventilation apertures, making the entire design more aggressive.
The new car has a dynamic appearance thanks to its side, slip-back coupe SUV body construction, slightly sloping roof, and elevated waist line. The broad black wheelbrows and the front and back flanks of the new automobile work together to create a wide-body framework. The sports look is more noticeable when using the large-sized wheel rims. The new vehicle’s charging port is located at the front wing panel because it is a plug-in hybrid variant. It’s also noteworthy that the new car does not employ the popular hidden door handle found on electric models. The standard door handle keeps the electric car’s original mechanical design.
The XM is the heaviest production vehicle BMW has ever produced, weighing 2,750 kilos, although it still has a 50:50 front-to-back weight distribution. The new car has a body that measures 5110, 2005, and 1755 mm in length, width, and height, with a 3105 mm wheelbase. Even though the wheelbase is the same as the X7’s, the BMW XM can only accommodate a 5-seat configuration.
The new vehicle has rear window wipers, a little spoiler trim, and high brake lights that are integrated into the bumper. The long and narrow taillight group features a three-dimensional back hook style internal light source that is very easy to identify after illumination. Additionally, the new car’s rear surround uses a two-color design with hues distinct from the body, harmonizing with the tail diffuser and bilateral exhaust architecture. The exhaust nozzle is positioned vertically up and down, emphasizing the M model’s unique features.
It should come as no surprise that the interior of the new vehicle features the new iDrive 8 engine system and BMW’s new all-in-one curved hover screen, which is merged with a 14.9-inch center touch display and a 12.3-inch digital dashboard.
A great sense of luxury is created within the new car thanks to the extensive use of leather paneling.
Additionally, the new vehicle has an electric vehicle sound simulation that was collaboratively developed by BMW Group and renowned Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer. Drivers can still enjoy the high-performance M model’s driving pleasure even using only electric power thanks to digital technology.
Considering the drivetrain, with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, the new vehicle will be equipped with the smart all-wheel drive system M xDrive and the M Steptronic hand-integrated transmission.
The fifth generation of BMW eDrive electric drive technology, which is comprised of a permanent magnet synchronous motor and a three-way lithium battery pack, is also utilized by the XM hybrid drive system. The WLTC standard allows for a pure electric range of 78 km.
By the end of 2022, the BMW XM will begin manufacturing at its Spartanburg, South Carolina, facility. The first BMW Label vehicle, known as the “XM Label Red,” will go on sale in limited quantities in mid-2023 and have a top power of over 735 hp and a top torque of 1,000 n m. The starting price is anticipated to be USD$ 185,000.