Always Plugin, Always V8
Up to 748 hp and 1,000 Nm: the long-awaited BMW XM does not disappoint. The new top model from BMW M may be an SUV, but according to its makers it is also a very real ‘M’.
- Two plug-in hybrid powertrains
- Always with V8
- Only if M
BMW is not blind to the success of cars like the Lamborghini Urus, Audi (RS-)Q8 and Bentley Bentayga, and is coming up with its own über SUV. To avoid confusion: an X5 M, X6 M or thick X7 is certainly not for the cat, but those cars do not reach the level or character of those competitors. In terms of size, the X7 is not inferior to it, but with its seven-seat interior it is more intended as a practical all-rounder than as a cheeky, powerful top model.
BMW XM
The XM emphatically does. The BMW XM – not to be confused with the eponymous Citroën – only comes as XM and therefore falls outside the normal BMW naming. No number here to indicate position, just the ‘X’ for SUV and the ‘M’ for BMW’s sports department. There are, however, two different versions. They basically have many similarities. For example, every BMW XM is a plug-in hybrid with a V8 and four-wheel drive. The M Hybrid-named powertrain is built around the firmly renewed, 4.4 liter V8 that can also be found, for example, in the BMW X7 M60i. In the base XM, if we can call it that, that block comes to 489 horsepower. However, it works together with a 197 hp electric motor incorporated in the eight-speed automatic transmission. The system power comes to 653 hp, the torque to 800 Nm. In this form, the XM sprints from 0 to 100 in 4.3 seconds. 200 km/h is on the clock in 14.3 seconds, the top is limited to 250 km/h according to good German practice. An even more famous German custom is that this ‘security measure’ can be extended for a fee, so that the M Drivers Package can also drive 270 km/h with this XM.
Electric driving
With all that violence you would almost forget that it is also a plug-in hybrid. The battery of the BMW XM is placed low in the car and has a net capacity of 25.7 kWh. This means that the PHEV part does not only serve to reduce CO2 emissions on paper, because the car must actually be able to get some distance on a load of current. In the best case scenario 88 km, according to BMW, with a maximum speed of 140 km/h.
Label Red
Label Red, Label Red, what does that remind us of now? Right, the version of the Bentley Arnage Red Label, the version that, unlike the Green Label, did not have a BMW engine on board. Rest assured: the BMW XM Label Red simply has the same V8 under the hood. In this case, however, it delivers even more power, 585 horsepower to be exact. Does it stop there? Of course not, because electrical power is also present here. The system power thus comes to 748 hp, with a torque of a fat, round 1,000 Nm. Now of course we all want to know how much faster he is, but unfortunately: that is not yet known. The BMW XM Label Red is not yet fully developed, so more specifications will come at a later stage.
BMW XM
design
Standard in all cases is the high-profile appearance to say the least. That is no longer a real surprise, but confrontational nonetheless. On the other hand: for subtlety you should not be in this segment anyway. We see many straight lines and sharp folds, combined with a two-layered front. That was introduced on the new 7-series and facelifted X7 and is and remains reserved for top BMWs.
From the side, the strongly pinched side window to the rear stands out. This clearly distinguishes the XM from the seven-seater X7 and also makes it immediately clear that it is not primarily about space. At the same time, at 5.11 meters in length, it is only a few centimeters shorter than an X7. The wheelbase is also exactly the same. In comparison: a BMW X5 is 4.92 meters long. The XM is therefore more spacious than an X5 and offers 527 to 1,820 liters of luggage space. Another fun size-related fact: with a width of 2,005 meters, the XM is narrowly the widest BMW ever.
M1 reference
Despite its sporty approach, the XM is not a traditional ‘SUV coupe (if it exists) like the X6. The rear window is quite upright and has a special shape, with only a small, narrow spoiler at the top. That is also necessary, because space has been made for a BMW logo on the left and right. That is a reference to the very first M model from BMW, the legendary M1. The two ‘window logos’ replace the central copy on the lid, which makes it look almost bare. The wide rear lights have sturdy bulges on both sides with what appears to be some kind of air intake. The exhausts may also be there, because we have never seen the end pieces stacked one above the other at BMW. More in a general sense, it is noticeable that a lot of parts are slightly different than with the existing BMW models. The wheels are completely new and unique. All the more striking that the handles and wing mirrors are apparently just of the old stamp. A remarkable choice, given that the aforementioned 7-series has tighter, more modern door handles that might have suited this design better.
Exact information for the Dutch market will of course follow shortly on this site, including prices.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl