We tested the BMW XM, an extravagant SUV with an impressive 653 hp
Published by The team in News the 19/06/2023 at 12:03
The BMW XM, the first SUV specific to BMW's sports division, stands out as an independent model, without derivations from the brand's conventional cars. However, it does not reflect the essence of BMW's sports division. This SUV with extravagant lines incorporates plug-in hybrid technology and delivers an impressive 653 HP. After having had a first contact with this vehicle, we will share our impressions about it.
The automotive market these days is flooded with more and more vehicles that seem meaningless and devoid of any logical justification for their existence. Yet, curiously, these cars have garnered enough attention for brands to engage in their development and marketing. And, surprisingly, they even meet with some success and achieve good sales.
The car we are talking about today, a plug-in hybrid SUV, has a power of 653 CV and a revolutionary and unique design. However, it is safe to say that nobody really needs such a vehicle. Despite this, there are a large number of people who would love to own this car and park it in their garage.
In 2022, the BMW XM was cancelled, also marking the 50th anniversary of BMW's sports division, known as BMW M. This vehicle was launched to celebrate this event, although it contradicts the values fundamental lightness, simplicity and speed that normally characterize BMW M. However, when it comes to speed, the BMW XM does not disappoint, as it is extremely fast.
Curiously, the BMW XM also pays homage to the very first model in the BMW M line, the M1. This mid-engined supercar ignited the passion for sports cars at BMW in the late 1970s, marking the start of a series of successful vehicles that won many followers around the world over the years.
Tribute to the origins, although in SUV format
How does the BMW XM pay homage to the M1? Although it might be a little tricky to figure out, the XM's distinctive rear window design bears some similarity to the M1. The XM's rear window is frameless, featuring curved glass, and features the BMW logos at the top ends of the glass, just as the M1 had two BMW logos on the side bosses of its rear.
Continuing the analysis of the design of this car, the rear of the XM, although more discreet than the front, also has some curious and special elements. For example, the taillights are integrated into the trunk lid and are much thinner and smaller compared to the other bulky parts of the car.
The tailpipes take on a very particular shape and layout. They are aligned vertically and have a trapezoidal shape. However, inside they conceal more conventional tailpipes with active throttles that open or close depending on the sound you are going to produce at any given time.
The small-sized rear window is both low and wide, which gives the car's rear design a certain distinction. In addition, all model and brand designations are painted black and outlined in gold. You may like it more or less, but there's no denying that it's a spectacular design exercise.
Continuing the journey forward, this imposing vehicle is 5.11 meters long and stands out for its inadequate proportions for a conventional SUV. Its height of only 1.75 meters, combined with a width of more than 2 meters, gives it an imposing appearance on the road.
It has a wheelbase of more than 3 meters, gigantic doors and a side design that leaves no one indifferent. The lower part of the car's profile is marked by a gloss black trim that extends from the wheel arches to the rear.
It is not easy to properly modify such a car, the BMW XM, especially its wheels. Indeed, it is equipped with 21-inch wheels that literally look ridiculous on this vehicle. As an option, 22-inch wheels seem more suitable, but for those who want to go even further, there are 23-inch wheels with a more advanced two-tone design, which elegantly complement the gigantic wheel arches.
What strikes me most about these rims, besides their huge diameter, is that they don't make up the round BMW logo in the center of the hubs. Instead, they feature the BMW lettering embossed, on a heavily stamped part in glossy black plastic.
The BMW XM leaves no detail unnoticed, attracting considerable attention. For example, the windows are accompanied by a gold exterior trim profile in some, highlighting the size of the car and clearly distinguishing the window section from the rest of the bodywork.
BMW M-specific mirrors, received from two arms (although the upper arm is purely decorative), add a distinctive touch to the car. From my perspective, when looking at the car from the side, it reminds me more of a Lamborghini Urus than any other vehicle.
A look that leaves no one indifferent
The most controversial part of the car is undoubtedly the front. Overlooking the majestic hood which features pronounced ribs running from the front to the rear, there is a very expressive front end, which stands out completely from the brand's other models.
Although the center is dominated by the two hexagonal reins of size consistent with the rest of the car, much like the two-section split headlights found in the 7 Series or now the X7, the design of the BMW XM differs of other models.
Driving it through the streets and surroundings of Madrid, we were able to observe with our own eyes how it attracts attention as it passes. It is impossible not to turn around when seeing, and it remains the focus of many photos. It is certainly a curiosity.
A matching interior is not something simple
Designing the interior of this car is a challenge due to its baroque exterior, but to be honest, I think they pulled it off. Comment ? Well, by mixing unusual shapes and surfaces with a different texture to normal with other more common elements in BMW M models, such as sports seats and screens.
Let's start by opening the door, which, by the way, has conventional handles rather than the handles recessed into the bodywork used in other models of the brand. These handles have an embossed diamond texture, matching the pattern applied on the roof, which means that every time you open the car, you feel something special.
Once inside, the driving position offers a mix between the characteristics expected of an SUV, slightly elevated, and a driver-centric environment. All controls induce the driving position are specially designed to allow the driver to stay focused on the road, without having to look away.
Thus, the screen behind the steering wheel and the head-up display show specific M graphics which include indicator lights to signal the gear change when you reach the maximum speed of the 4.4 V8 petrol engine. It is truly remarkable.
The model-specific M multifunction seats, knee pads and leather steering wheel are included as standard. The seats offer good support, especially at the shoulders, but they remain comfortable and are not radical in their design. After all, this is an SUV.
Undeniably, it is the three-dimensional prismatic coating and the 100 LED units placed on the ceiling that give the interior a unique style, capturing everyone's attention. For example, the LEDs project the three colors of the BMW M logo when the car is opened, then they transform into an infinite multitude of shades that we can select ourselves or let the car choose automatically.
In the back, BMW has created a space called M Lounge, where occupants will find spacious and comfortable seats. These seats are accompanied by cushions matching the chosen upholstery, bearing the XM logo, to make resting in this part of the car even more pleasant.
There are four upholstery options available to personalize the interior, as well as new Vintage leather upholstery for the upper parts of the dashboard and door panels.
As standard, it is equipped with four-zone automatic climate control and the Harman Kardon surround sound system. As an option, you can request the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, with a 1,500 watt amplifier and four additional speakers in the roof area.
Despite its specific body design, with a very low roof that limits the windows, the space under the roof in the rear is more than sufficient. When we're seated inside, looking to the rear, we appreciate that the space between the roof and the boot tray is very small, which limits visibility through the interior mirror.
The trunk of this car has an electric opening mechanism. Inside, it offers 527 liters of space, but it's worth noting that there's no room below the boot floor due to its nature as a plug-in hybrid car. To diffuse this, BMW M designed a sleek black suitcase with a rhomboid pattern to match that of the car's roof. This suitcase hides the charging cables and uses a space that slightly reduces the trunk capacity of 527 liters. That's the trick.
Hybrid with V8 engine, 653 HP and ZERO label
BMW has put a lot of effort into the development of this car, as evidenced by the M Hybrid system. This system combines an all-new engine, a 4.4-liter V8 designed to run at high revs, with an electric motor powered by a 7 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery, mounted under the car's chassis.
The gasoline engine offers 489 hp and the electric propulsion system with 197 hp. We're looking at a 653 HP package, with four-wheel drive, which is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds despite weighing nearly three tonnes (2,785 kilos to be exact).
On the go with the hybrid beast
During our first contact with the BMW XM, we have the opportunity to drive for an hour and a half, limited to a lap of Madrid. Therefore, we can only provide our first impressions of the car at this time, pending further testing in the future for further data.
The first thing that stands out is that the car starts in electric mode, a typical characteristic of a good hybrid. Total silence reigns, so don't expect a growl from the V8 engine that will send shivers down your spine every morning. This would only be the case if you deliberately engage Sport mode by simplifying on the corresponding button.
It is amazing to move around with such an imposing car, measured more than five meters long, two meters wide and weighing almost three tons, especially since it is completely electric, without any noise or vibrations. The BMW XM gives the impression of being extremely well insulated, where practically only the noise of the tires is perceived, which is naturally attenuated, in particular thanks to their gigantic dimensions of 23 inches, reserved for light trucks.
On the center console, there is a button called M Hybrid which allows you to choose the mode of operation of the propulsion system. You can choose between HYBRID, ELECTRIC and eCONTROL modes.
The electric motor delivers an instant torque of 280Nm, rising to 450Nm from the start of the transmission, and up to 800Nm when the two systems are working in combination. This makes it possible to drive the car with great ease and a feeling of pleasure.
When the transition from electric to hybrid mode occurs and the combustion engine starts, there is a noticeable change. The initial complete silence gives way to a distinctive roar as the 4.4 V8 engine fires up, a gorgeous growl through the vertically arranged hexagonal tailpipes.
As is often the case with these types of vehicles, it is equipped with a brake energy recovery system which affects the feel of the brakes. To stop such a powerful machine, you have to press the brake pedal really hard, which creates a somewhat strange feeling at the start of the pedal stroke when the regenerative system kicks in. It's only later, when the huge six-piston calipers in front of the axle really bite into the massive brake discs, that you feel any real braking force.
On a highway, practicing Sport mode for maximum performance, the BMW XM impresses. It is able to accelerate quickly and reach high speeds, while the interior is filled with the distinctive mechanical sound of the V8 engine combined with the specific sound of this car, created by composer Hans Zimmer. When they combine, the sonic environment created is both fascinating and unique.
We are going to take a winding road in order to test the behavior of the car in an environment which is not ideally suited to its design. Its responsiveness is remarkable, it accelerates quickly when we turn the steering wheel, and in general it conceals its considerable weight effectively.
It is important to note that the battery is established very low, close to the ground, which lowers the center of gravity. I think one of the reasons for this exceptional behavior at BMW is the priority given to the transmission of power to the rear wheels.
The car is equipped with M xDrive all-wheel drive, but by activating the 4WD Sport mode, we mainly see how the rear axle pushes more, while the front axle accompanies the movement.
As mentioned earlier in this section, it is important to take into account that we only covered about twenty kilometers in these winding road conditions. It will take a more thorough test to give those first impressions.
The BMW XM looks cheap to me
Back at the base where this BMW XM contact test began, reporters presented the price of the car. The BMW XM is sold at €179,700.
I find the price to be surprisingly affordable, but don't get me wrong. Obviously that's a price that very few people have access to, but it seems to me that this one-of-a-kind car shouldn't cost as much as a BMW X6 M Competition, for example.
This car has a unique design and was specially developed. It is a BMW M that has no equivalent at BMW and it is positioned in the super SUV segment, alongside the Lamborghini Urus or the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. For example, the Lamborghini Urus, which has 666 horsepower, costs €265,443 in its S version or €296,596 in the Performante finish. As for the Porsche, when it was sold (before the Turbo GT version of the Cayenne was withdrawn from the European market), its price was €237,734. In both cases, there was and still is a waiting list to obtain it.
So I think the BMW XM could be priced higher, making it more exclusive, while still maintaining that special car aura that it currently doesn't have at that price. However, for those who can afford it, the current price of €179,700 is a bargain, as they will no doubt be getting a car that can look all the way, in every way.
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