When it comes to performance, it’s hard to beat BMW’s M division. Founded in 1972, it has been dedicated to one and only one thing since its inception: pushing the limits of automotive performance.
Today, the division offers several M versions of the models marketed within the BMW group. In each case, the performance is there, as well as the emotion. Throughout history, incredible icons have been created. Just think of the group’s first car, the M1, which made its debut in 1978.
Which brings us to the XM concept. Specifically, this model, which was presented at the end of November, has a dual mission: to rethink power and performance, but also to pay homage to the past as part of the 50th anniversary of the M Branch.
Before going any further, your BMW Ste-Agathe dealer in the Laurentians, near Saint-Jovite, Mont-Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur, invites you to find your new BMW from our inventory of new BMW vehicles, or choose us as your preferred used BMW dealer.
GREAT AMBITIONS
With this vehicle, BMW does not want to take on its traditional rivals like Mercedes-Benz and Audi, or Lexus, Volvo, Acura and Infiniti. The company is aiming higher. The XM concept, when it hits the road in production form, will take on Lamborghini and Ferrari, the Urus and Purosangue.
The XM will be a full-fledged M product. There will be no regular versions. We’re going for the full package.
UNIQUE STYLE
The most striking thing about the XM concept is those lines. To say they are spectacular would be an understatement. They are stunning, even disturbing, in a good way. You don’t just look at this vehicle, you contemplate it. And imagine, we’re only talking about the pictures right now. The effect will be even greater when a few metres away from us.
However, it’s most likely that the production model will have its lines softened in comparison to the prototype; that’s usually the case. Nevertheless, Marcus Syring, the head of design at BMW’s M division, confirmed that the version that will hit the road will have 80 to 90 percent of the styling cues of the model unveiled last fall. And interestingly, the XM concept has two BMW logos on the rear window.
Otherwise, the XM is a full-fledged BMW, displaying familiar features such as the grille with massive nostrils. However, where the model surprises is at the rear. The design is atypical, and we find ourselves staring at it for a while. Really, a great coup.
As for the format, imagine the X7: the wheelbase of the XM is the same at 122.2 inches. The wheels are huge at 23 inches. That’s part of the 10 or 20 percent that will change: we imagine more "traditional" wheels, either 20 or 21 inches with the production version.
Finally, let’s conclude with what promises to be the talk of the town when you get behind the wheel of this model: its power. And the surprising thing is that the XM concept is not an all-electric model. Instead, BMW is taking a plug-inhybrid approach with it. The combination of an electric motor and the brand’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine means that 750 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque are on tap.
Don’t look anywhere else, no other BMW vehicle designed for the road has been this powerful. As for the electric range, it will be about 50 kilometres, which will enable us to enjoy the best of both worlds.
On board, we’ll come back to this, opulence dominates. Note that we find a two-row configuration only, which will leave a lot of space and comfort to the occupants, especially those who will have to ride in the back. In fact, the rear seats are covered with quilted velvet.
The production version of the XM is expected towards the end of next year. Stop by BMW Ste-Agathe to learn more!
