BMW XM Concept Will Change the Future of Comapny’s High-End Models
BMW XM sports eye-catching exteriors that flaunt angular accents. The SUV’s LED-illuminated kidney grille dominates the front-end.
The BMW XM concept sparked controversy with its styling. Nevertheless, the German automaker claims that its upcoming offering will pave the way for newer models in terms of design and performance. The XM is set to be the first M model to get a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Thanks to a 4.4L V8 internal combustion engine, the SUV’s electrified powerplant will produce 750 horsepower.
The XM will be a major upgrade over any BMW offering we have seen so far. When it comes to design, technology, drivetrain, and hardware changes, the SUV will be truly futuristic. What particularly stands out about the BMW XM is its distinctive exterior that flaunts angular accents. The SUV’s LED-illuminated kidney grille dominates the front-end and is here to stay.
BMW XM will be added to the M brand lineup as a flagship model. This does not mean it will impose a new direction for the sub-division. The design for the BMW XM concept is supposed to highlight the use of innovative materials and solutions. The automaker’s other high-end nameplates like the M5 might also adopt BMW XM’s illuminated kidney grille.
We might soon see the illuminated grille of the XM on other BMW offerings, which will probably include nameplates like the M5.
The hybrid SUV is also a celebration model. The M division turns 50 years old next year, and the M-specific XM commemorates the successful run of BMW’s performance sub-brand, which has spanned over half a century. CEO of BMW M GmbH, Franciscus van Meel offered his thoughts on the upcoming SUV.
“The BMW Concept XM represents a complete re-imagining of the high-performance car segment,” said van Meel. He further added, “It underlines the ability of BMW M GmbH to break with established conventions and push boundaries in order to offer fans of the brand the ultimate driving experience. The series-production car – the first pure BMW M model since the legendary BMW M1 – also shows how we are approaching the step-by-step electrification of our brand.”
The electrified SUV will be developed exclusively by BMW’s hallowed M division. As a result of this, the upcoming PHEV will be the first and the only BMW model to be developed by Bavarian automaker’s performance brand since the M1, which debuted back in the late 1970s.
Photos: BMW