BMW has done it again and taken it all a step further with the all-new XM – a perfect combination of BMW M high performance and the innovation of a plug-in hybrid, making it the first ever electrified M high performance drive model.
Visually, there are many questions abound but to us it looks stunning. It looks like a muscular family SUV on steroids whose sleek headlights are overshadowed by the dominant kidney grilles.
Above it, sits two power domes as elements of what BMW calls an expressively sculpted bonnet.
The side view is what BMW calls a ‘coupe style with powerful proportions and styling highlights.’ According to BMW, both the 23′ light alloy wheels and the accent band make the shaping of the XM unique which creates an exclusive effect especially with the Night Gold colour accent.
For the rear design, BMW states that the vertical, hexagonal M twin tailpipes and the rear with gold-coloured diffuser accents gives the XM a unique presence.
For the dimensions, it measures 5,110 mm in length, 2,005 mm (2,235 inclusive of side mirrors) in width and 1,755 mm in height, while its wheelbase measures 3,105 mm. Luggage capacity measures in at 527 litres, which is expandable to 1,820 litres.
But unlike other M cars, the XM will not be based on a standard BMW model, similar to the legendary M-specific model, the M1 back in the 70’s. Making it only the second BMW M model to be given such a treatment.
The two BMW logos on either side of the rear window of the XM make the reference to the last “M only” model – the M1.
Don’t be fooled by it’s looks though because in typical M fashion, the XM offers a behemoth of an engine up front – a 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 engine putting out a combined 653hp, 800Nm of torque and does the 0-100kmh charge in 4.3 seconds!
Of that total power output, 194hp and 280Nm is made by the electric motor alone while the engine produces 489hp and 650Nm of torque. If you are wondering why the total horsepower and torque figure does not add up, the amount of torque delivered is limited when both the ICE and electric motor combine.
Top speed is capped at 250 km/h (270 km/h with the M Driver’s package, which is included as standard), while electric top speed is capped at 140 km/h.
The XM also comes equipped with Driving Assistant Professional, which includes features such as Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Parking Assistant Plus, Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, Front/Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Emergency Stop Assistant and Evasion Assistant, Surround View system, Mode 2 (three-pin wall plug) and Mode 3 (Type 2 connector) charging cables as well as BMW IconicSounds Electric.
The vehicle’s low centre of gravity, advanced control systems such as the actuator-based wheel slip limitation also contribute to the supremely dynamic handling of the XM. Optimum deceleration is ensured by the standard M Sport brakes in Black High-Gloss, with 508 mm compound brake discs on the front axle.
For the comfort access, the XM can also recognise the vehicle’s key from a distance and unlock its doors automatically, offering greater convenience. Besides that, drivers can also use their smart device (if compatible) as a contactless key with the BMW Digital Key Plus feature, enabling them to automatically unlock their vehicle door when approaching the vehicle.
As for the charging aspects of this vehicle, the high-voltage battery located deep in the floor enables an all-electric range of up to 88 kilometres.
The XM can be charged at up to 7.4 kW at an AC charging station. With a battery capacity of 25.7 kWh (net), a complete charge from 0% to 100% takes 4 hours and 15 minutes.
The interior gives out a posh feeling as this is the very first time BMW is exclusively using vintage leather for the accents in the door trims and instrument panel.
The steering wheel is a sport-focused M steering wheel that has M leather with accents in black chrome and carbon.
The front of the XM is equipped with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch Information Display, which works in tandem with the 14.9-inch Control Display to ensure uncluttered functionality.
In addition to that, the integrated BMW Head-Up Display offers optimal viewing in the driver’s line of sight, further increasing the vehicle’s ease of use.
The rear seats or as BMW calls it the “M Lounge”, offers a unique sensation of spaciousness and would make anyone feel like a VIP just by sitting there.
The new design and Alcantara cushions makes it look even more exclusive with details such as the diamond shaped structures in the headrests and stitching patterns.
Even the headliners make you feel like you were in a luxurious spaceship with its illuminated feature and a three-dimensional prism structure enhanced further by a special finishing process that brings out the natural characteristics of the Walknappa leather to perfection.
The cherry on top is of course the ambient lighting which provides a unique presentation of the various lighting designs such as the welcome scenario and the colour selection can be adapted to match different driving modes.
Scheduled to reach Malaysian shores this June 2023, the XM comes with two different variants – the Shadow Line and the Night Gold Line.
The retail price for both variants are RM1,316,450.00. The price goes up to RM1,398,800 should you add the five-year extended warranty and service package.
Colour offerings for the XM include Cape York Green, Carbon Black, Marina Bay Blue, Toronto Red, Mineral White, Black Sapphire and Dravit Grey. As for interior upholstery, available offerings include Leather Merino Deep Lagoon with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Silverstone with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Black and Leather Merino Sakhir Orange.
The differences of the two available variants are on the exterior, with the Night Gold Line having Night Gold accents on its 23-inch M light-alloy star spoke style 923 M bicolour wheels and the Shadow Line has the same wheel design, but it features Black accents instead.
