The Audacity of BMW’s XM

There’s a new kid on the block – and by ‘kid’, I mean a fire-breathing, head-turning, paradigm-shifting beast from the Bavarian lands. Allow us to introduce you to the BMW XM, the lovechild of old-school craftsmanship and futuristic ambition. It’s like someone gave BMW’s engineers and designers an unlimited supply of energy drinks while playing Kraftwerk on repeat and told them to go wild.

And there is a lot riding on what they produced. The XM is BMW’s first standalone M model since the iconic M1 of the 1980s. This isn’t just a nod to the past but a leap into the future. As the world shifts towards sustainability, BMW’s decision to introduce the XM as a plug-in hybrid showcases a balance between performance heritage and environmental responsibility.

First things first, let’s talk about that face. BMW’s design department seems to have undergone a radical experiment, and the XM is their pièce de résistance. Those colossal nostrils up front? Or rather, the grand grille, as some enthusiasts are calling it, is not merely a design choice. It’s a statement. The grille, reminiscent of classic BMW’s but oversized for the modern age, seems to challenge onlookers with a defiant stare. Behind this choice lies BMW’s clear intent: to evolve while paying homage to its rich history. But what about the rest of it? The sleek curves, aggressive stance, and meticulous detailing all echo BMW’s history of pushing futuristic boundaries. At a first glance, the XM looks aggressive. Actually at second glance it still looks aggressive. And with five doors and sprawling dimensions of 5110mm in length, 2005mm in width, and standing 1755mm tall, this motor is not small. And with a ground clearance of 220mm, this beast isn’t afraid to look a few potholes in the eye and say, “Is that all you got?”

Underneath that audacious exterior lies a beating heart that borrows from BMW’s racing lineage. The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid might be a little like Star Trek meets Mad Max but it makes for a wonderful balance and this hybrid powerhouse produces a brain-frying 653hp and a staggering 800Nm of torque. And BMW’s eDrive has an output of 197hp under its own steam (so to speak) which may not sound like much, especially after that V8 fiesta, but trust us – this isn’t just any electric motor. And paired with its underfloor lithium-ion battery, the XM is good for 82-88km on electric power alone.

For a car with this much grunt, the XM sips fuel like a well-mannered guest – averaging 1.6 – 1.5 l/100 km. As for CO2 emissions, it’s between 36-33 g/km. We’re not sure if this is efficiency or some sort of witchcraft, but we’re impressed.

And while there is a lot of car and powertrain to handle the Adaptive M suspension, double-wishbone front axle and Five-link axle at the back makes for a poised and balanced drive.

Dive into the XM’s interior, and it’s like stepping into a cross between a Frank Gehry dream and something out of Tron. The tech is space-age, with screens aplenty. And those seats are like being hugged by a plush leather clad teddy bear. Everything inside screams ‘luxury’, but with oodles of German efficiency. It’s opulence with a purpose, luxury with logic. Two expansive screens dominate the dashboard, providing up a wealth of information and entertainment or infotainment as the cool people are calling it these days. Yet, BMW ensures this tech infusion doesn’t overwhelm. Every button, every dial, every touchpoint is thoughtfully designed and intuitively placed.

So, the BMW XM 2023: It’s loud (when you want it to be), fast as a startled gazelle, and surprisingly green. Munich has thrown the kitchen sink, the oven, and probably a fridge into this one. It’s not just a car; it’s a Bavarian statement. And what a statement it is!

Try the BMW XM for yourself at BMW Auckland City and East Auckland BMW.

East Auckland BMW, 8 Beale Place, East Tamaki, Auckland 2013

Auckland City BMW, 7 Great South Road. Epsom, Auckland 1051