LEAKED: Did BMW tone down the XM's looks?

Last year, BMW took the covers off the BMW XM Concept. Touted to be the brand's most powerful M car ever, the electrified concept combines a bold and daring design that is coupled with a newly-developed M Hybrid drive system.

With a V8 motor that's helped along by a powerful electric motor, BMW claims this will allow the XM Concept to crank out 750 PS along with 1,000 Nm of torque. With those kinds of figures, it may as well serve as BMW's super SUV that could take on the likes of the Aston Martin DBX and the Lamborghini Urus.

But despite its promising performance figures, there was the matter of its exterior design. While it does have a sleek and modern profile, its front fascia has left BMW enthusiasts divided. Some like its looks, while some don't like its overly-massive kidney grilles which the brand has been doing for its M models as of late.

Fortunately, the production version of the XM might have a toned-down design. This comes after patent images of the supposed production version of the BMW XM were leaked on the internet. Looking at the leaked pictures, BMW decided to give it a smaller grille that is complemented by what appear to be quad headlights inspired by the latest 7 Series.

There's also a more subdued front bumper design paired with subtler air intakes and vents, as well as redesigned air curtains. The fender flares, on the other hand, appear to be more rounded and less edgy compared to the concept's design. Also present are traditional door handles which the XM Concept initially lacked.

Around the back, BMW appeared to have carried over the stacked quad exhaust pipes, giving the XM an unmistakable look. However, the LED taillights are not as stylish since BMW appears to have replaced them with more conventional ones. The angular back window looks like it was carried over as well but the rear diffuser on the back bumper seems to have been redesigned for the production version.

Powertrain details for the production version of the XM are not yet available. We won't be surprised, however, if the hybrid V8 cranks out similar performance figures as the XM Concept. But for now, all we can do is wait for BMW to actually reveal it either later this year or maybe the next. We're keeping our fingers crossed it will not be a long wait.

Source: iXForum