BMW’s new flagship SUV, the XM, has made its first public debut in South Africa, driving on stage at this week’s BMW M Fest at Kyalami Raceway.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the M badge, the XM is set to compete in the most high-end of luxury vehicle segments.
The XM is currently expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2023, with local pricing to be revealed closer to the launch date.
High-rolling SUV
Brought about by strong customer demand, the XM is the first vehicle in 44 years to be completely designed by BMW’s high-performance M department, getting the honour of being “the first BMW M original since the BMW M1,” said the company.
It is expected to be a big seller worldwide as the demand for high-end SUVs continues to rise, and the USA, China, and the Middle East were mentioned as being the largest predicted markets.
At a preview event earlier this week, BMW said the XM is the brand’s answer to the likes of super SUVs such as the Lamborghini Urus.
Though the XM’s pricing has not been revealed, comparisons to something like the Urus give us a hint as to the price bracket and level of luxury that BMW is aiming for with its new car, and it certainly shows.
The most visually striking element of the SUV is its illuminated grille, still in the iconic kidney shape that is so closely associated with the automaker.
Adding to this optical flair are a set of enormous 23-inch alloy wheels, and various gold-coloured accents to the front, sides, and rear.
The XM is one of the larger BMWs out there, and naturally, this also translates to a generous boot and spacious interior.
When open, you immediately notice the extensive applications of ambient lighting not only to the doors, sides, and centre console – but even the ceiling, which is finished in a soft blue suede-like material with 3D diamond patterns.
Every door has a large Bower and Wilkins speaker built into it, too, and dominating the dashboard is a substantial curved dual-driver and infotainment screen that is quickly becoming the norm for many of the BMW’s vehicles.
New M, new Power
What makes the XM noteworthy, however, is not just that it offers premium levels of quality, design, and interior fittings, but that it is also the first M vehicle to have a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Under the hood is a 4.4-litre V8 engine rocking the carmaker’s TwinPower Turbo technology, and this will work in tandem with a 25.7kWh battery and electric motor to deliver an incredible 480kW and 800Nm.
Pedal to the floor, the seemingly bulky SUV will do 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds and is electronically limited to 250km/h.
As a plug-in hybrid, owners will also be able to drive for up to 88km using just the electric motor, and overall the XM is said to have a fuel consumption figure of just 1.5l/100km on a combined cycle if driven responsibly.
As an M-branded car, the fun doesn’t stop there, as the SUV will feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, an xDrive all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and even rear-wheel steering – a first for the M line-up.
BMW XM
@topautosa Revealing the BMW M4 CSL and the BMW XM at the BMW M Fest 🔥 what are your thoughts? #BMW #MFest #SouthAfrica #NewCar #TopAuto #carsoftiktok #bmwmotorsport #newbmw #carsofsouthafrica ♬ The Kingdom – TiMO ODV
Keyword: BMW XM makes public debut at South Africa’s M Fest