Octagonal nostrils rimmed in gold and illuminated, a golden band surrounding the side windows, the length of a limousine, the width and height of a van, oversized 21-inch wheels, an electrically boosted GT engine, a passenger compartment of incredible luxury and an illuminated Alcantara roof lining with a 3D effect, more in its element in a nightclub than in a car: let's be honest, the XM is not the model we were expecting to celebrate the anniversary of BMW Motorsport.
Adrian Cortesi
Certainly, there was a splendid GT reinterpreting the shapes of the 3.0 CSL from 1972, but it was limited to 50 units.
Like the famous M1 Berlinette from 1978, the XM SUV is a pure Motorsport product which will have no descendants in the standard range.
The performance will not go unnoticed
After an impressive posture, this vessel poses the postulate of a new family of vehicles developed to attract motorists who have not yet converted to electric and adapt to increasingly restrictive standards.
The performance will not go unnoticed: the coupled power (thermal + electric) allows this 2.7 ton SUV to equal an M2 in acceleration and to move like a cat in town thanks to its 25.7 kWh battery which allows almost 80 km on electric power.
Then, the driver can taste the nobility of a V8 which distills a comfortable torque of 650 Nm and which can recharge the 197 hp electric machine while driving.
Sporty, the XM would almost be so with its technological arsenal including four-wheel steering, controlled suspension and active anti-roll.
The interior of the BMW XM.
Adrian Cortesi
Inside, BMW has not skimped on the quality of finish and materials.
The dashboard is draped in marbled effect leather upholstery which looks great.
If, despite its autonomous parking system, its size scares you, know that the plug-in hybrid engine will soon power the next M5 sedan.
Technical sheet
Engines: V8 biturbo, 4,395 cc, 489 hp, 650 Nm + 1 electric motor 197 hp (cumulative power: 653 hp)
Transmission: Integral, auto.
8 reports
Dimensions: L. 5.11, l.
2.0, h.
1.75m
Consumption: 1.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 37 g/km
Speed: 250 km/h
Price: €178,000
Adrian Cortesi