BMW XM UK-spec trims likely Red, Black & Competition

The BMW XM, expected to be a bespoke model from the Bavarian brand’s M division, could come with unique variant nomenclatures aside from a range of firsts such as the BMW V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Based on the platform of the X7, the SUV coupe should arrive next year with a base price of around GBP 150,000 in the UK, making it the most expensive BMW in the range. Let’s take a look at everything we know about BMW’s to-be flagship SUV from the near-production concept that was unveiled in December 2021:

Design

The BMW XM will have a more aggressive design than the X7 on which it is based, with the prominent difference arising from the coupe-ish roofline. Frighteningly, the massive kidney grilles seen on the concept XM would make it to production as test mules snapped on European roads indicate this. If that weren’t enough, the large kidney grilles will get LED surrounds!

BMW Concept XM rear
According to a report, the three variants of the BMW XM could feature progressively higher performance figures. Image – BMW

Over to the sides, the coupe roofline is well accentuated on the concept XM thanks to the dual-tone paint scheme. The door handles are well hidden underneath the black strip which runs along the length of the SUV. Given its ‘M’ heritage, we expect carbon fibre accessories to be aplenty, in addition to maybe even spec’ing the roof in the lightweight material.

At the back, the concept XM features distinct dual, laser-etched BMW logos on the windscreen, and BMW enthusiasts may be quick to point out that the original BMW M1 from the 1970s also saw dual BMW logos at the rear, but placed on the boot lid. The quad, trapezoidal exhaust pipes, stacked in pairs, are unmissable as well.

Overall, the concept XM gives the impression of an armoured truck, with almost every surface seeing straight sheets of metal. Designers have not spared the arches surrounding the 23-inch wheels either.

BMW XM Interior & Features

BMW Concept XM interior
According to BMW, the largest market for the BMW XM is the United States, but there should be decent demand for the vehicle in Europe as well. Image – BMW

For all the concept car looks on the outside, the concept XM actually showed us a near-production interior save for a couple of design highlights. The dashboard for example features a carbon-fibre structure with copper strands woven in and neatly houses a gear lever and a rotary iDrive control knob.

The central screen is a new BMW Curved Display (BMW did not reveal the dimensions of the screen), and the three-spoke steering wheel sees red accents to compliment the brown, vintage-look leather of the seats. Towards the back is where the concept XM looks like it will trade in parts when it enters production. BMW says it wanted to create a lounge-like experience at the rear and opted for a bench seat upholstered in a shade called ‘Petrol’.

The highlight of the BMW XM, however, is the headliner which gets a 3D prism structure and is a combination of direct and ‘in-direct’ lighting (BMW say it can be lit in the BMW M colours too) to give the occupants a distinct view.

BMW XM Variants

According to a report from BMW Blog, the BMW XM will have a production run of 5 years and will be available in three variants: BMW XM Red Label, a more powerful BMW XM Black Label and the range-topping BMW XM Competition. The market launch of the BMW XM coincides with the 50th anniversary of the BMW M1, and hence the naming of the variants and the model line even (where there is no numeral suffixed to the name) will be special.

BMW Concept XM
The XM will be the first-ever hybrid ‘M’ model, and BMW says this is a sign of things to come for the M performance brand. Image – BMW

BMW XM Powertrain and Production

The first electrified model in the BMW M range, the XM, will be available as M Hybrid only, BMW confirmed. The drive system combines a V8 engine with a high-performance electric motor to generate 750 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. The drivetrain will enable 80 km (50 miles) of electric-only range.

As for production, the XM will be made from the end of 2022 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the United States. While BMW says that the U.S. is the important sales market for the XM, the bespoke performance SUV has piqued interest of buyers in the UK and Europe too.

The Final Name

The production version will indeed be called the BMW XM, and not X8 as many speculated. Speaking to Autocar.co.uk, BMW M boss Frank van Meel said “it is XM. It is ‘X’ and it is ‘M'”. Alert Brits would instantly remember the Citroen XM from the 1990s, and you would be right in wondering how Citroen has not protested to BMW’s latest. According to CarScoops who spoke to a source in Citroen, the two companies came to a mutually beneficial agreement wherein BMW can use the name ‘XM’ and Citroen got to use the name ‘C5 X‘ for its product.

Price & Release Date

With a start of production at the the end of 2022, we expect the XM to land in Britain by early 2023, though order books should open sooner. This is expected to be BMW’s most expensive model, with prices in the range of GBP 150,000.

BMW XM FAQs

What is the release date of the BMW XM?

The BMW XM is expected to arrive in the American & European markets towards end of 2022.

Which are the core competitors to the BMW XM?

The first-ever car developed by the M division will challenge premium large SUVs Range Rover SVR & Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.

What is the expected price of the BMW XM?

Expect the BMW XM to start at around GBP 150,000 in Britain.

Featured image: BMW XM render by Supercarrenders