This 740bhp hybrid concept previews how BMW’s road-ready ‘XM’ Sport Utility Vehicle will look when it eventually arrives in the second half of 2022.
The ‘XM’ is being built to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the German manufacturer’s M Division. Powered by a 4.4-litre V8 petrol, the XM Concept’s petrol engine is joined by an electric motor that draws its energy from a battery at least 20kWh in size.
In EV mode, BMW claims a range of up to 50-miles. Here we take a closer look at the key aspects that make up this daringly-styled, in-your-face vehicle that could set back interested parties at least £100,000.
XM CONCEPT: FRONT DESIGN
BMW says the Concept XM “embodies an expressive” design and is being pitched as a “a zero-compromise” M car. On top of that, The XM Concept is meant to give us the clearest idea yet as to how future luxury-class models wearing the famous propeller badge are going to look. Slim daytime DRLS and backlighting for the over-sized kidney grille are the main focal points.
XM CONCEPT: REAR PROFILE
The XM Concept is awash with intricate details, from the BMW logo that is laser-etched into the rear window where it meets the roof to the slim LED tail-lights that emerge from the rear of the back wheel arches and work their way around the flanks and finish in the tail-gate. The rakish, coupe-style stretched body sits on huge lightweight 7-spoke alloy wheels measuring 23-inches in diameter.
XM CONCEPT: INTERIOR
Brown stitched leather is joined by copper and carbon fibre to “create a bridge between luxury and motor sport”, says BMW. Red accents on the steering wheel and centre console are also nods to M Division. The expansive digital screen that dominates the space in front of the driver relays key information on the SUV’s hybrid and EV-driving modes. It also “previews the user interface” of future M models meaning fewer buttons and a greater reliance on touch inputs.
XM CONCEPT: SETTING THE TONE
“The BMW Concept XM represents a complete re-imagining of the high-performance car segment,” says Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “It underlines the ability of BMW M GmbH to break with established conventions and push boundaries in order to offer fans of the brand the ultimate driving experience. The series-production car – the first pure BMW M model since the legendary BMW M1 – also shows how we are approaching the step-by-step electrification of our brand.”
