BMW's high-performance flagship SUV debuts

The BMW M brand has unveiled its new high-performance flagship SUV, the BMW XM, the second standalone model in the BMW M brand and the brand's first hybrid model. The BMW XM is equipped with the BMW Group's latest plug-in hybrid technology, consisting of a 4.4L V8 twin-turbo engine, a high-performance electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack to form the most powerful hybrid system in BMW's history; its maximum power can reach 480kW and its pure electric range exceeds 80km. Production of the new vehicle will begin in December at BMW's U.S. plant and will be available in China, the U.S., and the Middle East in spring 2023.

The BMW XM has created a segment of high-performance SAVs and is the first BMW M brand model to adopt a plug-in hybrid system. The 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack purchases a plug-in hybrid system with a maximum power of 480kW (644hp) and peak torque of 800N-m. With the help of ZF's 8-speed gearbox and four-wheel drive system, the BMW XM's 0-100km/h acceleration time is only 4.3 seconds.

The BMW XM also has excellent low energy consumption. 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack is a great credit, allowing the vehicle to have a pure electric range of 82-88km and combined fuel consumption of only 1.6-1.5L per 100km. in pure electric mode, the BMW XM can still reach a top speed of 140km/h, demonstrating advanced electrification technology.

In early 2023, BMW XM will also launch the more powerful XM LABEL RED model; the combined power of its plug-in hybrid system will increase to 550kW and the combined torque will reach 1,000N-m. The starting price of the regular version of the BMW XM is US$159,000 (about RMB 1.14 million), while the starting price of the BMW XM LABEL RED is US$185,000 (about RMB 1.33 million). approximately 1.33 million RMB).

Innovative design with a stunning grille

The BMW XM uses the latest design concept of the M brand, its double kidney grille shape is wider and larger and adopts an innovative luminous design, and the visual effect after lighting up is very recognizable. The split headlight cluster is also eye-catching, with the LED daytime running lights above the front edge of the hood and the high and low beam clusters below, which are integrated with the front surround, giving a strong sense of unity. In addition, BMW XM adopts aerodynamic kits in the front bumper, exterior mirrors, and rear bumper to optimize the wind resistance coefficient of the whole car.

At the rear of the vehicle, the most conspicuous feature is the three-dimensional LED taillights, which sit on both sides of the wide tailgate and are highly recognizable while also widening the visual effect. The rear bumper under the tailgate is very sporty, with a vertical layout of bilateral four exhausts on both sides, highlighting the extreme performance of the M model.

The side profile of the car is a typical coupe SUV shape, the whole roof is a downward trend, while the waistline is upward, complementing each other, and very dynamic. There is an external power connector for the plug-in hybrid system at the front wing, but the vehicle does not have frameless doors and hidden door handles, which are common in new energy models.

Same wheelbase as X7, but a 5-seat layout

BMW officials said that the overall mass of the BMW XM reaches 2750kg, which is the final production vehicle ever built by BMW; the body size of the BMW XM is 5110mm long, 2005mm wide, and 1755mm high, with the same wheelbase of 3105mm as X7, and its internal 5-seat layout. At the same time, the BMW XM continues the BMW family tradition of a 50:50 front-to-rear weight ratio.

Strong sense of technology and luxurious material selection

BMW XM's interior front layout is similar to that of BMW's new X7 and other models, with a curved duplex screen consisting of a fully digital instrument panel and LCD center multimedia display, and a new built-in iDrive 8 human-computer interaction system. At the same time, the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is very sporty and equipped with the classic "chicken leg" gearshift lever that Bimmer is very familiar with. In addition, the BMW XM's interior materials use large areas of leather and metal trim, with a strong luxury atmosphere.

Conclusion

I have to say that BMW has created a performance flagship that is "old and new". There are no frameless doors and hidden door handles, but the innovation of its appearance is still so surprising. The V8 is still surging, and with the help of the PHEV, the fuel consumption is only 1.6L. There is also a "T-pants" steering wheel and a "chicken leg" gear lever, have the Bimmers had an orgasm?