BMW XM Concept will be the most powerful M car ever
It will also be the first electrified BMW M-model
Last week, BMW released a teaser photo of an upcoming electrified concept SUV called the XM. At the time, we only saw the SUV's gigantic kidney grille and a glimpse of the front end, but it seems the SUV has a lot more in store than that. Instead, it will be a very important BMW model for several reasons.
For starters, the XM Concept will be the first BMW M car not to be based on a current production model since the M1 was discontinued in 1981. The XM will be sold only as a high-performance M model. Furthermore, it will also be the first M model to be electrified. Don't worry, it's not an EV, but it is a hybrid instead. BMW also claims the production model XM will be the most powerful series-built BMW yet.
Powering the XM Concept is a newly developed M Hybrid drive system that uses a V8 motor paired with a “high-performance electric motor”. BMW says the combined output is rated at 750 horsepower and 1,000 Nm torque. For reference, the most powerful M model today is the M5 CS with 635 horsepower and 750 Nm torque from a 4.4-liter V8. In addition, the SUV also has an all-electric driving range of 80km. Expect full technical details about the XM Concept to be revealed once the production model arrives.
The design of the XM Concept will definitely cause quite a stir. It looks radical and is unlike any other current BMW model today. It features huge illuminated kidney grilles along with a split headlight design. The slim LED daytime running lights are found up top, while the main headlight cluster is hidden behind tinted glass below.
Compared to other BMWs, the XM is very angular in shape and rides on massive 23-inch wheels. At the rear, there's a quad exhaust tip with a triangular design and slim LED taillights that extend to the rear fenders. There's certainly a lot going on with the XM's exterior styling, but we'll reserve the final judgment for you.
Inside, the concept has a polarizing cabin to match the exterior. It features the latest iDrive 8 with a massive curved display and uniquely designed seats. The highlight of the interior, though, is the headliner with unique ambient lighting capabilities and sculptural design. Interestingly, the interior looks very much production-ready.
While the XM is still a concept, expect a production model to arrive sometime next year.
