The debut of the new M model is expected later in the year.
The prototype BMW XM was already available for us to test drive, but it is still a while before the automaker unveils the final version. BMW will continue to test the new crossover as it celebrates 50 years of BMW M division. The unveiling of the new crossover is expected later in the year. The crossover was captured at Nurburgring in a new video by Carspotter Jeroen.
The new XM The powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available with 644 horsepower (474 Kilowatts) as well as 650 pound-feet (881 Newton meters) of torque. The new S68 V8 twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter engine is paired with an electric motor in the ZF 8HP-specific XM gearbox. This is below the concept’s 750 horsepower (559 kW), and 737 lbft (1,001 Nm) figures.The high-powered model will be available in the next year.
The video shows the SUV speeding around the German track. BMW is still hiding the design behind a camouflage, but we now know that the SUV will have a split-headlight design. Domagoj Dukec, BMW’s chief designer, explained that the split headlight layout allows designers greater freedom to style the front end. Designers are limited in the style of headlights because they must meet certain legal standards.
Although the prototype that we drove last month was not a production model it was approximately 90 percent complete. BMW installed its new iDrive 8 infotainment and Live Virtual Cockpit inside, which gives passengers instant access to the latest features of the company.
Only the BMW XM is the second M brand car. Although it’s not as elegant or attractive as the M1 supercars, BMW is open about why the XM was a crossover – SUVs have become very popular. The SUV and crossover segment is growing, and the XM makes a strong statement for BMW. Others will need to find ways to stand out as more automakers cater for this segment.
When the crossover debuts, we’ll have all the details. It should be a short time. BMW has not yet provided all details. BMW has not yet revealed the full details of the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which will allow pure-electric driving. However, BMW hasn’t said how far the XM can go on electricity.