When it comes to performance cars, we have the “Big Three” German automakers:
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Mercedes-AMG with their “one person, one engine” philosophy and the roaring sound of American muscle cars.
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Audi RS, where you only need to step on the gas and let quattro take care of the rest.
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BMW M with their high-performance straight-six engines and excellent handling in FR models.
However, with the advent of electrification, Mercedes-Benz has applied their F1 hybrid technology to their civilian vehicles, resulting in the M139 2.0T engine, which is claimed to be the most powerful four-cylinder engine in history, as well as various AMG versions of EQ models. Audi has also brought the pure electric supercar RS e-tron GT, which belongs to the same J1 platform as the Porsche Taycan. On November 2nd, it just broke the lap record of the fastest mass-produced electric car in the Zhejiang circuit.
But BMW M Power continues to bring us a V8 hybrid performance car in the era of electrification. Introducing today’s protagonist: the BMW XM.
Let’s Start with Something Everyone is Concerned About
What’s the Price?
On the day of the global debut of the BMW XM on September 28th, BMW announced its pre-sale price in China, which is 2.36 million yuan.
How do you all feel about this price range? From the current market perspective, the competitors in this price range are not many, mainly including the Bentley Bentayga PHEV and Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. However, they are more inclined towards executive business, if we only talk about the sports aspect, XM actually does not have a direct competitor in this price range.
When will it be delivered?
After inquiring with the official staff, it was learned that BMW originally planned to officially launch the XM at the Guangzhou Auto Show, but due to factors such as the epidemic, the delay of the Guangzhou Auto Show also led to the postponement of their release time, and there is currently no clear launch time.
However, since the vehicle has already been produced and has appeared domestically, it is believed that it will not take too long to meet with everyone. We can refer to BMW’s official information, XM is expected to be delivered globally starting from spring 2023.
How could a sports car not focus on power and handling
The BMW XM uses a hybrid powertrain with a 4.4L V8 twin-turbo engine + electric motor. The comprehensive peak power is 480 kW, and the torque is 800 Nm, of which the electric motor power of the XM is 145 kW, torque 280 Nm.
Equipped with M xDrive four-wheel drive system, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 4.3 seconds. The rear axle is equipped with a differential and has a 4WD sand mode.
Judging from the engine parameters, XM’s engine should be the same as the one on the X5M, with a 4.4 L V8 engine. In addition, there is a detail in the engine compartment. XM’s roof bar also uses a hollow structure design, just like the X5M.
Interestingly, both BMW XM and X5M are made in BMW’s US factory. However, the power of the X5M’s engine is 441 kW, while the single-engine output power of the XM is 360 kW, which is not as good as the X5M.
In terms of batteries, BMW XM is equipped with a 25.7 kWh ternary lithium battery, and the range under WLTP conditions can reach 80 km. The comprehensive fuel consumption is estimated to be 1.5-1.6 L/100 km.
The curb weight of the XM vehicle is 2,750 kg, but the front-to-rear weight ratio can still achieve 50:50.In terms of chassis, XM has a prominent “voice.” XM is equipped with front aluminum double-wishbone and rear five-link suspension. Interestingly, XM comes with an adaptive M sport suspension Pro that includes electronic dampers and a 48-volt active anti-roll system. At the same time, XM has four-wheel steering, which is very suitable for such a large car, reducing the turning radius.
A New Era of BMW
As a new product of the BMW M brand, XM’s design can be described in one word, “inheritance and innovation.”
From the appearance, BMW is paying tribute to the past while also exploring new design language. However, according to comments from our community, there are mixed opinions on the exterior design of XM. Many people think that this car’s design is too avant-garde to accept, while some others think that XM’s personalized appearance fits well with the car’s positioning.
Let’s start with the overall design. In terms of body size, BMW XM is similar in size to the X5L, belonging to the mid-to-large SUV category. The overall design adopts a lot of right angles, and the vehicle’s sense of power is quite strong.
Moving to the front, the most eye-catching are the iconic “narrow-eyed” angel headlights and the double kidney grille. However, in terms of details, the XM headlights use a split upper and lower design similar to the all-new BMW X7 and 7 Series/i7. This gives a more visual impact and a fierce feeling.
The large double kidney grille of XM is harmonious on the body and does not suffer from the “big nose” problem of the BMW 7 Series. The blackened grille, the wrapped LED lights, and the golden XM Logo have enhanced the appearance and texture.
The front bumper’s air duct is not only a decoration, but also a real passageway that can effectively reduce the temperature of the brake pads during intense driving.
From this angle, XM’s front face is very imposing, revealing a strong sense of sporty design with its huge radiator grille.
As for the color, XM has a total of 7 color options: York Green, Carbon Black, Sapphire Blue, Mineral White, Bay Blue, Toronto Red, and Bixi Grey. Which color do you think is the best?
#XM’s Side Profile
Arriving at the side of the car, hm~ there is still some controversy over XM’s side design. I think most people will focus on the rear of XM’s side profile at first glance.
XM did not use the sloping design that many sporty SUVs use. Instead, they made a straight downward angle which makes the lines appear especially abrupt. At the same time, the roof of the XM didn’t have any edging decoration, which makes the rear of XM’s side profile look a bit too heavy and bare, and not particularly harmonious.
Looking at the details, XM did not use hidden door handle designs, but instead opted for traditional door handles. However, the door handles use diamond cutting technology and have a good overall texture.
In addition, XM’s rearview mirror uses the classic bull horn design of M Power.
There is also an AC charging port at the front left of the car side, which supports a maximum of 7.4 kW slow charging. However, at the current stage, most plug-in hybrids generally support DC fast charging, so it’s a bit disappointing that XM is not equipped with a DC fast charging port.
The XM wheel size is 23 inches, with P Zero tires of 275/35 R23 in the front and 315/30 R23 in the back. The combination of this aspect ratio, width, and the front narrow and back wide layout, confirms that this car is a pure performance car from the side.
In terms of the rear of the car, did you notice that the logo is actually placed on the corners of the rear window? This design is actually a tribute to the M1, an iconic model of the BMW M Power brand, whose logo was also placed on both sides of the rear of the car.
Although the tail lights do not follow the popular trend of continuous tail lights nowadays, the light group lines are slender and similar to the design language of the X4/X6 tail lights.
Looking down, the exhaust pipes on both sides are arranged vertically, up and down, and their shape is very dynamic. And this four-outlet exhaust of BMW is really impressive.
The shape and volume of the rear diffuser are also quite exaggerated, which can add another point to the sportiness of XM.
Therefore, overall, if we disassemble the appearance of XM one by one, except for the tail of the car, it is still quite good. But why do everyone have so many different opinions about XM’s design?
First of all, it is the preconceived notion. After all, BMW is renewing its family design, and it will take some time for friends who are used to the previous BMW to accept a completely new design language.
But the key point is that XM’s design is a bit too complicated. Every detail is highlighting its own personality, but when put together, it is found that each part is too eye-catching, and there is no design focus.
Of course, the external design is ultimately a matter of opinion. If you have any views on the design of this car, feel free to leave a comment and chat with me.
Interior Surprise, but Insufficient
Moving onto the interior, what comes into view… Why does this interior look so similar to the BMW i4? Indeed, XM’s interior design inherits the current BMW family design. It’s just that, since XM has already reached a price point of two million, it’s regrettable that they didn’t use the same interior design as the 7 Series.
In terms of intelligent cockpit, a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch central display are equipped with the 8th generation BMW iDrive system.
The parameters on XM’s intelligent cockpit are consistent with those of the i3 that I had experienced in detail before. Regarding the iDrive 8 system, I have also interpreted it in detail in my previous video. Overall, compared to new players, this system’s logic is relatively complex, and the built-in apps are not particularly user-friendly. However, the knobs and physical buttons on the center console are very easy to use, and they can be used globally, including after connecting to CarPlay. When driving, it is quite convenient to adjust the air conditioning temperature and other operations.
However, in the instrument UI, XM is still slightly more performant than i3.
In terms of cabin acoustics, XM used the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Although the official number of speakers has not been disclosed, according to our actual shooting, XM’s speakers are equipped with a sky channel and may support Dolby panoramic sound.
In terms of workmanship and details, XM uses large areas of orange leather, suede, and carbon fiber materials, with a strong sense of sportiness. The M Power three-color seat belt is also not absent.
The classic M Power steering wheel of XM has four-way electric adjustment. Meanwhile, the thigh gear lever and the red one-key start button are not absent on XM.
However, the BMW XM surprisingly doesn’t have a panoramic sunroof?!! Indeed, the sunroof of the XM has turned into an entire painting scroll. BMW officially calls this painting scroll “suspended dome”. Moreover, the vicinity of the roof is also decorated with LED ambient lights.
There are four colors available for XM’s interior, namely black, Sakiru orange, silver stone, and deep sea blue.
All that has been said before could be considered conventional, but the performance of XM in terms of space and seat comfort is surprising.
Especially this time BMW has gone all out, directly sending a 7 Series as a reception car to take us to the venue. Although XM and the 7 Series are completely different types of cars, since we have a reference, a comparison is necessary.
First, look at the materials. The seats of the entire XM car are wrapped in Merino leather. I am 178cm tall and weigh 57kg, and the shoulder and waist support of the front seats is good. Although they use integrated headrests, the support for the head is still sufficient. In addition, on the ergonomics, BMW is still excellent as before. I personally prefer a lower, more sporty sitting posture, and when the driver’s seat height of XM is relatively low, the position of the steering wheel is appropriate and will not obscure the instrument panel. This point deserves high praise.
Both front seats have electric leg rests with a large adjustable range. There is also XM’s exclusive logo on the headrest of the front seats, which improves the overall aesthetic appeal through small details.
Open the central control cover and you’ll find a traditional USB interface, while the cup holder also supports hot and cold control. The armrest box in the front row is equipped with a Type-C interface.
Of course, the focus is on the back row. With my driving posture (low and far back), there is still room for two fists in the leg space of the rear row, and four fingers of head space.
Compared to the BMW 7 Series, the XM’s rear space is indeed not as spacious, but the filling of the XM’s rear seats is very soft, providing great support for the seat cushion height and leg support. In contrast, the 7 Series’ rear seats are harder in terms of hardness compared to XM, and the “sense of sinking” while riding is not as strong. In terms of headrests, the headrests of the 7 Series are also relatively hard compared to XM.
There is a small screen in the rear for adjusting the air conditioning temperature, and below it are a cigarette lighter interface and two Type-C interfaces.
When you open the rear armrest, there are only two cup holders, which is quite standard.
The XM’s rear seats feature a lot of stitch design, and what’s particularly special is that the seat’s wraparound material extends to both side door panels, allowing for a comfortable sitting position even when leaning against the door.
The depth and width of the XM’s trunk are also excellent, especially with its non-hatchback design, giving the XM’s trunk excellent upper space.
Overall, the XM’s interior doesn’t have too many “gimmicks”. The overall direction is to create a cockpit that is enjoyable for the driver and comfortable for passengers.
Conclusion
In 1972, BMW Motorsport GmbH was established in Munich, and the M Power brand has been around for 50 years.
BMW M Power has always adhered to the German practical idealism. Most of the M series cars incorporate racing technology into consumer cars. In their eyes, if a product is not practical, how can it be romantic?
The BMW XM is now at the crossroads of fuel and electricity, and BMW’s performance car brand – M Power – has handed in their answer sheet.
Romantic and practical Germans have given us the precious roar of the V8 engine. Even in pure electric mode, there is simulated sound produced by film master Hans Zimmer to satisfy the driving senses; practical cabin design + 653 horsepower also ensures that this car will be a car that can be driven every day and driven enthusiastically every day…
I don’t want to talk more about “electrification” because it is too practical, and too unromantic for current BMW M, and even for all performance-oriented models.
Now I just want to ignite the heart of this beast, and squeeze every drop of gasoline out of it on the racetrack. Enjoy the last carnival under the sunset of the high-displacement fuel car.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.