electric & hybrid BMW XM is finally here, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds

First-ever BMW XM after decades

When BMW M CEO Franciscus Van Meel spoke with designboom in 2021, he told us that BMW and its customers had always wanted to have a standalone M car that would follow the BMW M1 back in 1972. The BMW M team devised a concept design of the grand comeback that responded to their desire of achieving a high-performance M car through electrification, adding 80km of electric range to dictate its hybrid feature, and drawing from expressive luxury to design the exterior and interior of the M car.

‘people can see its high-performance characteristics from the design: the stance, upright A-pillars that create a strong cabin, the two jet engine-like air intakes on the bonnet, big wheels, and its long wheelbase,’ adds the BMW M CEO during his interview with designboom. Today, BMW XM enters the scene, materializing all the concepts that Van Meel identified plus ensuring that its engine, motor, three driving modes, and four driven wheels allow the electric vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds.

BMW XM is a high-performance hybrid car. BMW XM brings high performance. The M HYBRID drive system comprises a V8 petrol engine and powerful electric motors to deliver an overall output of 480 kW/653 hp. The system is integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission for instant changes. The M HYBRID button on the center console mans the three operating modes, including an ELECTRIC setting for cruising with zero local emissions at speeds of up to 140 km/h (87 mph) and over a maximum distance of 82 – 88 km (51 – 55 miles).

images courtesy of BMW

Large air intakes, a BMW kidney grille, and a lounge-like interior

Design-wise, the exterior of BMW XM from BMW M commands passersby to stop through its headlights that are split into two separate units, a BMW kidney grille underlined by a gold tone, continuous contour lighting, and large air intakes that adorn the front end. A nod to the past comes into sight through the BMW logos engraved into the flat rear window, the louvered structure of the sculptural rear lights, and an accent band in Gold that recalls the black strip running along the body of the BMW M1.

Inside, the cockpit and front seats are designed entirely around an active driving experience with multifunction seats, knee pads, and a model-specific M leather steering wheel, along with M-specific graphics that include shift lights for the BMW Curved Display and BMW Head-Up Display. Heated backrests extend well into the sides of the rear compartment and are specially designed to offer passengers comfort.

The headliner enjoys its 3D-prism structure, photo mount-style border, and 100 LED units for illumination. A choice is offered to employ a new vintage leather for the upper sections of the instrument panel and door panels. The generous space and luxurious design transform the rear of the BMW XM into an exclusive M Lounge.

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Driving assistant modes and systems for advanced technology

The BMW XM offers a selection of driver assistance systems including the Driving Assistant. The system warns the driver if they will crash into something or someone, and are swerving from their lanes. It also informs them of their current cruising speed to avoid going up the required limit. There is also an option to add the Driving Assistant Professional that features steering and plan control assistant, traffic light recognition, automatic speed limit assist, and active navigation that acts like maps.

The control panel on the center console is one-touch magic that activates BMW XM’s three driving modes: HYBRID, ELECTRIC, and eCONTROL. There is also the Setup button that lets the driver access the configuration settings for the drive system, chassis, steering, braking system, M xDrive, and level of braking energy recuperation.

Combining all these elements, BMW XM modernizes the historical BMW M1 with its high-performance systems and electrification, a testament to the prelude of Van Meel when he told designboom that BMW XM ‘is the first ever electrified, high-performance purposed M. this is completely new and unique, from its design through its technology and segment class. BMW M was founded to deliver sportiness in luxury, and that is still our mission today.’

top view