BMW is ready to launch the XM performance SUV in SA
October 18, 2022
Firstly, allow us to give you a brief introduction to the BMW XM. It’s set to be the German brand’s first high-performance vehicle with an electrified drive system, and the firm is set on bringing it to SA.
Before its official local release, the BMW XM will an appearance at this year’s BMW M Festival, so should you be itching to catch a first glimpse of the striking performance SUV before everyone else, that will be the place to do it.
BMW XM engine specs
Since it is an electrified system, this makes the BMW XM a hybrid. It makes use of a combination of an internal combustion engine as well as an electric motor for its performance. On the combustion front is a 4.4-litre V8 as opposed to the brand’s inline six unit - exciting stuff! The eight-pot power unit churns out 360kW and 650Nm of torque. When you combine this effort with the electric motor, the BMW XM produces 480kW and 800Nm in total. According to BMW, during their testing, the ICE and electric duo produced a combined fuel consumption of between 1.5 and 1.6 l/100km. Real-world figures will probably be higher than this, but for now, we’ll go with the stated numbers.
The beauty of hybrid systems doesn’t only lie in improved fuel economy, but in vehicle performance too. Instant acceleration when pulling away is one such perk, with the electric motor producing instant torque and voiding the vehicle of any lag at the start. With this, the BMW XM will chase down the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds. Should you wish to move covertly in the XM there is an Electric mode available. In this setting, the BMW XM runs on its electric motor with no emissions at speeds of up to 140 km/h. The distance you’ll be able to cover in this setting is between 82 and 88 km, according to BMW’s Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) test results. Its battery pack, situated in the car’s underbody, provides 25.7 kWh of energy.
Design and interior
Similar to many of the brand’s recent creations, the BMW XM does not shy away from its stable’s radical design approach. Sharp lines and edgy panels seem to be the new way of doing things at the Bavarian camp, you’ll either love it or loathe it. As standard, the XM will be fitted with a set of 21-inch wheels, but shoe size can be upgraded to up to 23-inch rubbers should the 21’s not suffice.
The cabin features standard M seats as well as knee pads. From the driver's seat, you’ll be able to make use of a head-up display, while the rear of the car is what BMW refers to as an M Lounge. This section offers passengers heated backrests with specially designed cushions, allowing occupants to bask in its luxury with ambient lighting, four-zone climate control and a Harmon Kardon Surround Sound System. Audio can be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins System with a 1500-watt amplifier as an option.
Since the BMW XM is only marked for local launch in the spring of 2023, the brand hasn’t released any pricing information. We can assure you that once we know, you’ll know!
Words: Gugu Masuku
