BMW has published a gallery of photos showing a camouflaged prototype of the upcoming XM, while revealing some of the specifications of the performance-focused SUV flagship, including power and torque outputs of the base model. The high-performance crossover is completing the last leg of development before its imminent debut later this year.
Starting with the most important news, the
standard version of the production XM will produce a combined 644 hp of power and 800 Nm of torque from a “newly developed” V8
and an electric drive. It will be followed later on by a higher output variant,
the name of which has not been communicated yet, but which will mirror the 738
hp and 1,000 Nm of the Concept XM from last year.
Both versions will be powerful enough to provide the luxury SUV with a
sportscar-rivaling performance.
Power will be sent to all four wheels
through “the first hybrid-specific M xDrive four-wheel-drive system” with an
electronically controlled differential lock at the rear axle. The plug-in
hybrid powertrain will allow a fully electric range of around 80 km in the WLTP cycle, and about 48 km in early EPA estimates. BMW
didn’t specify the battery capacity or charging times, but confirmed other
technical specifications of the XM. The model will come standard with the
Adaptive M Professional suspension, which for the first time will include a
48-volt electromechanical roll stabilizing system and an Active Roll Comfort
function, aiming to reduce body roll while cornering and on uneven surfaces.
The Integral Active Steering will also be standard equipment, as with a
model-specific M brake system.
BMW will offer optional M light-alloy
wheels measuring up to 23-inches in diameter. Beyond the massive wheels, the
official shots of the lightly camouflaged XM pre-production prototype show the
vertically-stacked hexagonal quad exhaust pipes, split headlight design treatment at the
front, a massive grille and a sculpted body. The interior is mostly covered,
hiding the digital cockpit. However, we can still see the red leather
upholstery and a few carbon-fibre accents on the centre console.
Testing continues all around the world as in Germany, and in South Africa.
The world premiere of the BMW XM will take place this year, as part of the
celebrations for the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH. Production of the SUV will
commence in December 2022 at the Spartanburg plant in Germany.
