BMW Concept XM debuts expressive luxury face at art basel miami beach 2021

BMW concept XM – an electrified, luxurious M-exclusive car

new technologies, sculptural form and extravagant luxury meet at art basel miami beach 2021 as BMW reveals the Concept XM. celebrating the 50th anniversary of the M sub-brand, the car is the first purposed M vehicle since the legendary M1 in 1972, debuting the new image of luxury as well as the electrification of the famed M high-performance. the highly expressive, extravagant design is set to be the most powerful model to go into series production when it arrives on the road at the end of 2022.

‘BMW’s history is steeped in invention. we introduced X models as the world’s first sports activity vehicles (SAV) and follow it with coupe editions. the M sub-brand realized our most exclusive, most expensive models that could be driven on a racetrack too. these two superheroes – X and M – have been combined for the Concept XM to form a new pinnacle – the super luxury segment,’ explains domagoj dukec, head of BMW design, in an interview with designboom ahead of world debut.

all images courtesy of the BMW Group

the new face of luxury

‘we identified certain BMW hallmarks that would visually authenticate our luxury segment,’ starts the head of BMW design. ‘at the front end, our signature will always be the kidney grille. it will be illuminated in the future so that BMW cars are instantly recognizable. the headlights proved more challenging, however, as their necessary functions make them more restrictive. we decided to treat the daytime lights instead, as they are always visible. this meant our designers had more scope over the style. after all, luxury should mean every element of the car is designed and customized.’

the BMW Concept XM reveals the new face of luxury for the brand. centered at the front, the blacked-out famed kidney grille is shaped by a horizontal, near-octagonal light outline illuminating presence. it sits boldly between recognizable, aggressive headlights split into two separate modules. the daytime lights are styled sharply as if a set of slim teeth.

‘the BMW Concept XM needed to express a certain sportiness but our main aim was to evoke an iconic feel with the design. we translated this to the Concept XM by styling a very clean silhouette that looks distinctly sporty: the front bonnet is higher and wider, the chopped roof looks assertive, and the more upright greenhouse lends a larger presence despite the car actually being relatively low,’ analyzes domagoj.

the car’s side view best highlights its powerful proportions as a visually striking, long front end is paired with a rapidly sloping roofline at the rear. the boldly sculpted bonnet extends the contours of the kidney grille to form two power domes. a dynamic-looking duo of air intakes mirror the searchlights incorporated into the vertically steep, black-finished A-pillars. the result is a very imposing front end. short character lines fade away softly into the body surfaces towards the rear. the narrowing of the window graphic accentuates its coupe-like styling as well.

the two-tone paint finish of the body – matt gold-bronze on the upper and space grey metallic below – is split by the black belt signature borrowed from the M1. BMW logos are laser-etched into the rear window below each of the two cant rails, and the dominating rear apron features a twin tailpipe configuration that both, again, reference the legendary car. the rear is highly expressive as super thin, bold L-shaped taillights flow around the flanks and nearly across the whole width of the model. black cladding above the wheels and on the side skirts reinforce its low, sporty stance.

‘the graphics then dive into the expressive lifestyle of the concept more. a black belt encircles the car, referencing a very important signature for BMW as it first featured on the M1. similarly, the exhaust pipes are organized as seen on the M1 and two logos feature on the cut rear window screen are, again, reminiscent of the legendary car. these special details make the design seem as if a limited edition,’ adds head of BMW design.

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interior of contrasts

inside, the interior is split into two distinct spaces: the cockpit and lounge. at the front, the driver-focused cockpit is a very distinctive M interpretation, even subtly featuring the tricolor of M on the center console. the design of the instrument panel, center console, door trim and seats are formed by powerful geometry accentuated by high-quality materials. brown, vintage-look leather, copper and carbon fiber balances the motor sport with luxury feel. most notably, a sporty surface for displays, air vents and control elements is made from carbon fiber with interwoven copper thread.

‘the interior combines two worlds: a racecar-like cockpit at the front, and the M lounge in the rear.’ domagoj goes on to hint at the rear, ‘this backstage space was designed to be socially expressive. a sculptural roof encases the comfortable lounge area. it is a highly sensorial space that visually represents the personality of the passenger. the seats are upholstered in luxurious, special velvet and crowned with diamond-shaped headrests are reminiscent of BMW M. these contradictions accentuate the magic of this concept and experience.’

domagoj dukec, head of BMW design, inside the M lounge

the pure driver-focused environment of the front contrasts with the extravagant luxury of the rear. special materials, visually powerful surfaces and expressive details turn the rear seats into the unique M lounge, which is made further exclusive with black-tinted rear side windows. bathed in a rich petrol color shade, the large and deep-recessed rear bench is topped with diamond-shaped head restraints. luxurious velvet upholstery and diamond-shaped quilting then enhance the comfort of the lower sections of the seats. above, a three-dimensional prism-like structure undulates across the ceiling. combinations of differently-hued indirect and direct lighting illuminates this otherwordly landscape, as if an exclusive work of art.

‘BMW always played with contrast; combines elegance with sportiness, efficiency with dynamism, etc. the Concept XM finds a balance between performance and luxury. it is bold, totally new, yet familiar and comfortable,’ concludes domagoj dukec, head of BMW design, to designboom.

at the front, the driver-focused cockpit is a very distinctive M interpretation