The production model will incorporate more than 90% of the design concept.
You can say what you like about BMW’s new designs, but the company knows how to make a big splash whenever a new model is released. The polarizing Concept XM has been a hot topic not only because it is the first M car in over 40 years. This SUV, which is expected to become the company’s most powerful production vehicle ever, will be offered only with a PHEV configuration as an M model.
We have bad news for those who don’t like the concept’s ultra-angular appearance. Automotive News BMW has informed us that the production version of the showcar will retain over 90 percent of its design. This includes a new split headlight design with a slimmer LED strip at the top for daytime running lights, and the main cluster that combines the low and high beams mounted below behind thickly tinted glasses.
Who is BMW aiming at with the XM model? Franciscus van Meel, head of M division, says that the electrified SUV with 750 horsepower is designed to appeal to the “nonconformist” and the “extroverted.” The sporty luxobarge will also help to attract buyers who haven’t previously been tempted to buy a new BMW.
Although the US will be the main market for the XM, it will also be available in other countries once production starts late next year at Spartanburg’s South Carolina factory. M’s top brass describes the PHEV SUV in a “pinnacle” of expressive luxury. It has been tasked with “pulling up the other M editions” to make M cars feel more that a superior trim.
The XM not only introduces a new design language but also opens the door to BMW’s more luxurious interiors. Van Meel says customers desire more luxury in their cars. Therefore, the concept was designed with a comfortable lounge-like cabin. We don’t expect major changes to the interior, although it remains to be seen how much of the glamorous design will make its way into the final product.
Why use a plug-in hybrid system? BMW says that their customers still want the V8 but the German premium brand must comply with stricter emission regulations. Therefore, the company decided to combine the gasoline engine with an electric motor. The battery pack provides an estimated 30 miles of zero emissions range.
The XM is a revolutionary design that will be loved or hated by all. It also opens the door to PHEV-powered performance models. It will be interesting to see how heavy the car is, considering that something like the X6M weighs in at 5,060 lbs (2,295 kgs) without electrification.
Production will begin at the end 2022. We hope that the production version of the product will be available by next summer. What will it cost? Although it’s too early to predict, logic suggests that you should expect to pay a substantial premium over the $109,000. X6 M.