BMW debuts plug-in SUV packing plenty of power

Wednesday, 1 December 2021

The second-ever standalone M model is here.

BMW has revealed its upcoming range-topping SUV in concept form, called the XM. As that second letter might indicate, this is a seriously powerful machine.

It’s actually the second standalone model from M ever, the first being the M1 supercar from the 1970s. That car made 201kW and 329Nm from its naturally aspirated 3.5-litre inline-six, which isn’t anything to sniff at.

The XM, however, nearly triples that power figure, with 551kW coming from a plug-in-hybridised V8. The torque figure is actually more than tripled – the new engine making a full 1000Nm of twist.

This is the second-ever standalone model from M. A massive SUV making massive power.

BMW isn’t getting specific about its new powertrain, but it can drive for around 50km on electric power alone. That might not be as much as some other PHEVs on paper, but the electricals have to haul around a great big SUV, rather than a hatchback or small sedan.

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Believe it or not, those wheels are 23-inchers.

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The interior is relatively tame, at least compared to the exterior.

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As for styling, the XM pulls from both electric and combustion sides of BMW. There’s a flat, stubby nose with narrow headlights and a huge kidney grille with illuminated surrounds. Apparently, it’s one of the biggest grilles BMW has ever put on a vehicle, concept or production.

Fat 23-inch wheels somehow look small with plastic cladding around the arches, and two pairs of triangular exhaust bookend the rear bumper.

The rear light looks to be limited to a sweeping LED line that stretches from the rear wheel to the boot, while the rear glass features two laser-etched BMW roundels in a nod to the badges on the M1’s flying buttresses.

Inside is relatively traditional, compared to the exterior at least. There are brown leather seats up front, extending around the centre console, combined with copper and carbon fibre accents. The latest iDrive system is included, while the dash is completely digital.

The second row is much more lounge like, the two rear passengers sitting on an aquamarine-coloured, diamond-stitched velvet bench seat, their feet resting in deep pile carpeting.

The headliner has a fully illuminated three-dimensional prism design that blends with more interior lights that glow in the three BMW M colours.

While the XM is just a concept at the moment, we’ll see the production version at some point next year. Don’t expect bargain pricing.