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· Second M exclusive model from BMW, the XM SUV is out in full flesh · Powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with plug-in hybrid system · Special Red Label model to launch at a later stage.
BMW has finally premiered the most awaited XM SUV globally. Christened as the most powerful street-legal vehicle from the German car maker, the XM also sports the title of the brand’s first M exclusive model. Interestingly, this is also the first M Sport vehicle to feature an electrified powertrain.
The BMW XM looks unmistakably identical to its leaked patent images as well as the concept form. Upfront, the illuminated classic BMW kidney grille is flanked by a split headlamps setup, in sync with the brand’s latest design direction. The vertical air intakes sit below the main headlight setup and the lower half of the bumper is occupied by the large air intake housing the radar for ADAS functions. The heavily sculpted hood along with the strong curves running across the body makes a case for itself and works well to enhance the SUV's appeal.
Towards the sides, the long swooping roofline speaks of its coupe styling along with flared wheel arches and a set of fantastic-looking 21-inch wheels. Besides this there are 22-inch and 23-inch wheels also on offer as optional. Taking inspiration from the legendary BMW M1, the BMW logos have been engraved into the rear window. Along with this, the rear profile gets a set of sleek LED tail lamps, a prominent rear diffuser finished in gloss black with 2 sets of vertically stacked exhaust pipes.
Inside the cabin, the curved dual screen setup is angled towards the driver in a typical BMW fashion. The SUV offers M-specific leather steering wheel and front seats that are M inspired. The seats further come heated, offer ventilation and massage function. Its head restraints are fitted with illuminated M-logo. The overall cabin gets a dual-tone finish using the super luxurious Alcantara and Merino leather. In terms of features, the XM SUV provides four-zone automatic climate control, 16-speakers, a 415W Harman Kardon surround sound system, ambient lighting, BMW’s Digital Key Plus, BMW Iconic Sounds Electric and more as standard.
Powering the XM SUV is a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine paired to a plug-in hybrid system. The combined power output from the powertrain is rated at 653 bhp (489 bhp – petrol engine and 197 bhp – electric motor) and 800 Nm of peak torque (650 Nm – petrol engine and 280 Nm – electric motor). In addition the motor also gets a pre-gearing stage that increases the effective torque to 450 Nm at the transmission input. Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox sending power to all the four-wheels through the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The 0-100 kmph sprint is completed in just 4.3 seconds.
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A more powerful BMW XM Red Label edition will be added to the SUV’s line-up in 2023 and it will be capable of producing 735 bhp and 1000 Nm of peak torque.
BMW will most likely launch the XM SUV in India by 2023.