The BMW XM debuted late last month, becoming the second M-only model ever to be launched. It’s a big departure from the 1978 BMW M1, with a new video from the rsDrive YouTube channel providing a quick guide highlighting the SUV’s bold styling features.
Like other recent BMW models, the XM adopts a split-headlight design. The BMW X7 and 7 Series feature the same stylistic elements, separating the functional headlight unit from the design-oriented daytime running light. This gives the designer more freedom in sculpting a unique-looking front fascia.
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The gold accents around the grille stand out in black, with the XM gold badge drawing attention. BMW didn’t give the SUV a protruding kidney grille, with a large lower opening occupying the bumper. Gold trim wraps around the top of the daylight opening, connected by bold gold accents that run down the sides, extending to the fenders and covering the badge.
At the rear, the video shows the SUV’s taillights protruding from the rear of the vehicle. The hatch does not have a BMW circular, instead sporting an off-center model badge. The busy diffuser, with gold accents, houses the stacked quad exhaust pipes.
There’s a glimpse of the interior, which captures the look of the dashboard operating on BMW’s iDrive8 infotainment software. BMW has softened the interior compared to the Concept XM, but is still filled with luxurious materials, the latest technology and a variety of driver assistance systems.
One thing the video can’t show us is the powertrain. The XM uses a BMW S68 engine, a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with mild hybrid technology. The total system output is 664 horsepower (488 kilowatts) and 590 pound-feet (800 Newton-meters) of torque. This can help propel the SUV to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 4.3 seconds. It can reach 166 mph (270 kph) with the M Driver Package. Otherwise, BMW limits its top speed to 155 mph (255 kph).
The BMW XM enters production later this year, and a more powerful version will start rolling off the assembly line in mid-2023. It will have over 735 hp (540 kW) and 735 lb-ft (996 Nm) of torque. XM will start at $159,995.
