BMW's Super-SUV

[R!Yo]

BMW M's NEW FLAGSHIP

BMW M's rise to fame in the production car market can be attributed to a few key principles:

Take your Dad's stock cooking saloon...
- Drop in a more powerful (and sometimes lighter) engine.
- Get the handling dynamics in check by fiddling with suspension and chassis configs, so you can rip through the twisties at full chat.
- Throw on a beautifully designed body kit - that's also functional, to set it apart from its stock sibling.
- Insert ///M badges on every nook & cranny, so that you'll know without doubt that you're driving an ///M (this also increased Hp exponentially, who woulda thought!)
Add all of these up (minus my exaggeration, LOL) and you've got yourself a daily Sport's Saloon that would embarrass the "Supercars" of its day.

Fast forward MANY years and BMW's performance division seems to be headed in a totally different direction.
Introducing the BMW (G09) XM - BMW's first bespoke M car since the M1. Which for the most part, is neither of the above... But, is this a bad thing?
The short answer is NO.

The XM isn't based off any pre-existing BMW model and was designed solely to be an M car. However, it still utilizes a modified version of the CLAR platform - because, why mess with perfection? Debuted in 2011, the CLAR platform was modified over the years to house a possible 48v mild-hybrid config, PHEV config or fully electric drivetrain. The PHEV config was chosen for the XM, utilizing the all-new S68 4.4lt V8 Twin-Power Turbo engine, mated to an electric motor which is integrated into the 8-speed Sports Auto transmission. Making it BMW's first hybrid M car! An exciting development for the future as the XM will act as a production "test mule" for electrified M cars to come, like the 2024 M5.





From a performance perspective, the XM is undoubtedly BMW's most powerful production car, boasting 644 Hp and 800 Nm of torque. Not to be outdone though... BMW will also release a special edition: XM "Label Red", that'll push these figures out of bounds, to a whopping 738 Hp and 1000 Nm of torque! Impressive figures to say the least. But much needed, if you're going move a 2.8-ton building around...🤭





The interior is nothing short of spectacular, using some the most high-quality materials on offer, you'll never say this interior is "boring" like BMWs of old. Employing yet another first for BMW, as it separates the front and rear cabin, using different design language for each.
The Front passengers are treated to a traditional BMW cabin, with the new iDrive 8 infotainment system, comfy sport seats and a vintage leather-wrapped dash.
While the rear cabin features stylish and luxurious M "lounge" seats in Merino Leather, along with a 3D prizm-shaped hoodlining & ambient lighting to finish.




For the exterior, BMW went for a more angular design, as opposed to their other SUVs. The large kidney grills illuminate with "Iconic Glow", flanked by split headlights, like that of the X7 and 7er. BMW logos are engraved into each corner of the upper section of the rear window, and the aggressive-looking taillights wrap around the sides. Stacked quad exhaust tips and integrated diffuser give the rear bumper a race-esque look. 23" wheels are standard on the XM but an optional 22" wheel package is also available - for the first time, the option wheel is a smaller diameter😅.

Swipe through the gallery to view more of this beast! And try the XM - DESIGN YOURS configurator to see what you can come up with... just be prepared to spend upwards of R3.5m on one!😜

[SOURCE: BMW M]

 

[TurboLlew]

 

[SanM]

Looks awesome!

 

[Meep]

Best looking car in Ohio lol, but in all honesty the idea is amazing and the drivetrain is pure engineering genius, but a smart girl vs a supermodel? Think i have my answer