The BMW M division is renowned for turning the standard BMW vehicles into high-performance machines. The M3 and M5 are two such fine examples. Yet, for all of their experience, they have only ever made one vehicle – the BMW M1 – in the 1970s. The brutish vehicle you see here is the first-ever BMW XM, the M Division’s second child. The BMW XM is also the first BMW M vehicle to feature an M HYBRID drive system.
BMW XM: DESIGN
Essentially an SUV, or Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW-speak, the XM is a vehicle that will never fail to grab attention. In front, the XM features a large kidney grille with the hallmark M horizontal double louvres, furnished with illuminated kidney grille contours. Above it sits two power domes as elements of the expressively sculpted bonnet. Flanking the grilles are slender headlights that are split into two separate modules each for daytime running lights and low/high beam.
On the sides, the sloping roofline leads to the distinctly tapered rear contributes to the SUV’s dynamic profile. Enhancing the side profile is a nightgold-coloured trim strip running parallel to the window line. 23-inch M Light-Alloy Wheels Star Spoke Style 923 M Bicolour Night Gold Accent (23-inch M Light-Alloy Wheels Star Spoke Style 923 M Bicolour Black Accent for Shadow Line profile) denote its bold and sporty character, while the charger cap signifies its status as a plug-in hybrid SUV.
The XM’s rear contrasts the front’s bold design with a clean and chiselled appearance. The flared wheel arches, combines with the slimline L-shaped taillights emphasises the XM’s width. The BMW XM features two twin tailpipes, as with every BMW M Model. To distinguish its electrified status, the hexagonal tailpipes are stacked one on top of the other. The M Aerodynamics Package and M High-Gloss Shadow Line, with Extended Contents available for the Shadow Line profile completes the BMW XM’s appearance.
BMW XM: INTERIOR
An Information Display and a high-res touchscreen Control Display, together making up the BMW Curved Display, is the interior’s defining feature. But it is not all high-tech as most of the interior is wrapped in vintage leather. The doors, upper sections of the instrument panel, and the steering wears the new material. A special finishing process draws out the natural characteristics of the Walknappa leather.
Active seat ventilation and 4-zone automatic air conditioning control are included as is the massage function is also available for the driver and front passenger. On the other hand, ambient light and BMW Iconic Sounds Electric further enhance the atmosphere within the cabin, while in-car entertainment is provided by the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.
Moving on towards the rear of the cabin, the M Lounge provides a bold contrast to the cockpit. First-class seating comfort is ensured by a full-width rear seat bench that curves and encloses the passengers. Meanwhile, sophisticated upholstery lends the space an exclusive lounge feel. Finally, Alcantara headliner with its prismatic 3D structure creates a visual highlight that contributes to a unique sense of space, perfectly showcasing workmanship and comfort in the most impressive manner.
BMW XM: THE M HYBRID
The BMW XM is the first BMW M model to be powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The M Hybrid technology is based on an all-new 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8, which produces 489hp and 650Nm, is paired with an electric motor. Together, the plug-in hybrid drive delivers 653hp and 800Nm, which are delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.
The XM only needs 4.3 seconds to reach 100kph from standstill, with Launch Control activated. Top speed is capped at 250kph, or 270kph with the M Driver’s package, while the electric top speed is capped at 140kph.
Deep in the vehicle floor rests the high-voltage battery, which yields an all-electric range of up to 88km. The SUV can be charged up to 7.4kW at an AC charging station. The 25.7kWh-battery charges completely from empty to 100 per cent in about four hours and 15 minutes.
The M xDrive all-wheel drive system comes as standard with the XM. In addition to the basic 4WD setting, drivers can select the 4WD Sport mode, which is biased to the rear and makes for superb agility. When driving on loose surfaces, the 4WD Sand mode is available to optimise traction, achieved as the standard M Sport differential ensures variable distribution of drive power between the rear wheels for improved traction and driving stability.
With Adaptive M Suspension Professional as standard, the BMW XM is equipped with electronically controlled dampers and features Active Roll Stabilisation that reduces lateral body movements. Besides that, Integral Active Steering is another component of the chassis design – by turning the rear wheels in tandem with the front wheel at higher speeds, greater vehicle stability is ensured. At lower speeds, the rear wheels instead steer in the opposite direction of the front wheels, improving manoeuvrability.
Advanced control systems such as the actuator-based wheel slip limitation contributes to the XM’s dynamic handling, complementing the SUV low centre of gravity. Optimum deceleration is ensured by the standard M Sport brakes in Black High-Gloss, with 508 mm compound brake discs on the front axle.
BMW XM: TECH FEATURES
Not just dynamic power, the BMW XM is also stacked with tech. Starting with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, this system features a 12.3-imch Information Display that works in tandem with the 14.9-inch Control Display. The integrated BMW Head-Up Display offers optimal viewing in the driver’s line of sight. Together with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the M specific BMW Operating System 8 enables intuitive control of vehicle functions using natural speech.
BMW ID is also available in the XM. This feature loads personalised settings the moment the XM is unlocked. BMW Gesture Control activates certain functions with defined gestured performed at specific areas on the dashboard. Other digital features include the Connected Package Professional I, Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Connected Drive Services and Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto).
With Comfort Access, the BMW XM can recognise the vehicle’s key from a distance and unlock the doors automatically. Drivers can also use their smart devices as a contactless key with the BMW Digital Key Plus feature that enables the vehicle to automatically unlock as the driver approaches the vehicle.
As with all modern cars, the XM comes with a gamut of driver assist systems. Offered as standard is the Driving Assistant Professional, which includes features such as Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Change Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, Front/Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Emergency Stop Assistant and Evasion Assistant. In addition, Parking Assistant Plus includes Reversing Assist, Lateral Parking Aid, Active Park Distance Control, and Surround View system. Other safety features include the Attentiveness Assistant, Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians and Active Protection.
BMW XM: FINANCING
The BMW XM will cost you RM1,398,800, on-the-road without insurance, with Extended 5-Year Warranty and Service Package. In addition, owners will also enjoy the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience, which includes BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card and BMW Service Online.
Financing is available. With the Straight Line Financing Plan, offered by the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the XM is yours from RM16,698.00 monthly on a seven-year tenure, based on an 80 per cent loan.
Yet, we think that those who will eventually own one wouldn’t mind the price so much. The BMW XM, no matter what people say, will have high talkability for a very long time.
