BMW has released a teaser video for a new high-performance SUV concept, called the Concept XM. The short video was revealed on the brand’s Instagram page, and hints at the car making its debut at the Art Basel fair, with images that show a sporty profile, flared rear wheel arches and BMW’s now-trademark oversized grille.
The German firm has not yet revealed any more details on the car’s intended powertrain, but as an M-branded model it could use the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six from the M3 and M4. However, the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the brand’s M5 is a more likely option.
As the image above shows, there’s also what appears to be a charging door on the car’s front wing, hinting that the Concept XM could be a plug-in hybrid.
It’s likely that it won’t be a full EV, because our spy photographers have already captured a BMW prototype testing at the Nurburgring that shares its proportions with what we can see of the Concept XM so far.
This car wore ‘Hybrid test vehicle’ writing as part of its camouflage wrap, while from our spy shots we can see an unusual rear exhaust arrangement, hinting at some element of combustion power.
It’s therefore likely that the Concept XM previews an eventual production model of a flagship SUV from BMW, which could be called X8.
Designed as a sportier, even more luxurious range-topper for the BMW SUV line-up, the new car is set to go on sale in the UK in 2022. It’ll rival other full-size 4x4s, such as the Mercedes GLS and Range Rover, and potentially more expensive SUVs from other luxury brands.
Originally, it was thought that the BMW X8 would be an enlarged version of the X4 or X6, blending coupe lines with an SUV – but our spy shots suggest that won’t be the case. Our exclusive images give a clearer indication of how BMW’s designers have stuck to a more traditional SUV silhouette.
The X8 features pronounced wheel arches and sporty bumpers, while up front the styling is likely to feature an evolution of the X7’s polarising front face that is dominated by a pair of super-sized kidney grilles; we now know these will likely feature a squarer graphic, as per the Concept XM’s styling.
Instead of the 335bhp twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder mild-hybrid diesel that powers the X7 in the UK, BMW is rumoured to be readying a revised version of the plug-in hybrid 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol that powers the X5 xDrive45e limo.
If the eventual production model is indeed a plug-in hybrid, it’s likely BMW could use elements of the powertrain from its large X5 xDrive45e PHEV SUV, which features a 24kWh battery for a range of around 50 miles on pure-electric power alone. Versions with much bigger batteries could also be offered that could raise the zero-emission range to in excess of 60 miles.
Inside, the flagship X8 will be available with either four or five seats. The four-seat version is likely to be the more luxurious, with airline style reclining rear seating. Ahead of the driver, we also expect to find dual 12.3-inch displays that will be powered by the BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system.
BMW also recently registered a trademark for the ‘X8 M’ badge, suggesting there’ll be a performance-focused model at the top of the SUV’s line-up; next year is the M division’s 50th anniversary, and this new model could be a birthday present to itself.
In the brand’s X5 M BMW V8 develops 616bhp, which is enough to propel the SUV from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. Similar power and performance would see the X8 M compete with models such as the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo.
Set for a 2022 debut, the X8 will sit at the very top of the BMW SUV tree, with prices rumoured to begin at around £130,000.
Does BMW need another SUV in its line-up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section…
Keyword: New BMW Concept XM performance SUV teased