BMW has unveiled their brand new and first ever M-badged SUV – the BMW XM.The BMW M badge commands a different respect among automobile enthusiasts due to its impeccable performance. While this performance was until now limited to saloons and coupes, BMW has decided to honour an SUV with the latest BMW XM. The XM is also the first model to bring an electrified drivetrain to the M lineup.

The Engine and Powertrain

The XM is powered primarily by a recently developed, 4.4 litre V8 engine which is equipped with the M TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine also comes with a cross-bank exhaust manifold and an optimised oil separation process.

The M HYBRID drive system in the BMW XM delivers an overall output of 480 kW/653 hp (generated by the combination of the combustion engine with up to 360 kW/489 hp and the electric drive system with up to 145 kW/197 hp). To assist this mammoth engine, it has an electric motor that can generate up to 194 hp integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The combined output of the engine and motor combine comes to 644 hp and can generate up to 800 Nm of torque. BMW claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds. The top speed of this engine is capped at 250 km/h. If opted for, the M Driver’s package increases its top speed up to 270 km/h. BMW further plans to add more power to this drivetrain by launching a 778 hp variant in the later half of 2023.

Exterior Elements of Design

The exterior elements of the XM follow the latest BMW design philosophy of placing a larger kidney grille with every model. Its headlights are split into two with a thin led strip at the top and another LED panel just below it. The final design of the XM is pretty close to the concept unveiled back in 2021. It features boomerang shaped Tail lights in the back which add a unique cue to the design. In other fronts it has a bold SUV stance with 21 inch light alloy wheels. There are options of 22 inch and 23 inch wheels as well according to the model chosen.

The Interior Experience

The BMW XM comes with a classy two-tone theme that has elements of Vintage Coffee Merino leather along with Soft Nappa leather. The headliner lighting is customized according to the driving mode being used with the help of 100 LEDS. The standard XM includes multifunction seats, knee pads, and a unique M leather steering wheel for added comfort to the passengers on board. It is also equipped on the inside with features like a Curved Display, a Heads-Up Display, Ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, and a surround sound system tuned by Harman Kardon. Customers can also opt for a surround sound system by the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond with 1,500-watt amplifier.

Availability across the World

BMW has announced that it will start the production of the XM in its Spartanburg, USA plant in December 2022. It is speculated to be available for the customers by mid-2023 in markets like the USA, China and the Middle East. It may debut in India by the end of 2023. On launch, the XM will compete with the likes of Aston Martin DBX, Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari Purosangue, Audi RSQ8, Porsche Cayenne and… you get the picture.