BMW XM concept revealed, production model due in 2022

This is a preview of BMW M’s first standalone model since the M1 supercar of 1978 to 1981: a plug-in hybrid super SUV with over 500kW.

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BMW has revealed a near-production preview of its first standalone M Division model in four decades, rumoured to arrive in showrooms in early 2023: the BMW Concept XM.

Not to be confused with the unrelated Citroen XM of the 1980s and 1990s, the Concept XM debuts the most extraverted take on BMW’s kidney grilles yet, with the controversial ‘nostrils’ flanked by slim headlight strips that will form part of a new split headlight setup set to spread across the German brand’s largest models starting in 2022.

If you’re not a fan of the looks, we have bad news; don’t be fooled by the ‘Concept’ name, as if past BMW ‘Concept’ vehicles are any guide, the production XM will look similar to this show car when production begins in the US at the end of 2022.

Sitting below the grilles and headlights is a large black grille opening, with angular intakes on each side, and illuminated elements. There’s also a pair of lights in the roof.

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The arches are filled by supersized 23-inch alloy wheels – a feature expected to make it to production, spy photos indicate – joining a black trim strip that accentuates the vehicle’s chiselled lines and narrow windows, and separates the Space Grey metallic body and matte gold-bronze roof colours.

At the rear, highlights include L-shaped LED tail-light strips – which will be represented in production form by larger light clusters, of similar shapes to the concept – along with a BMW logo etched into the rear glass (reportedly inspired by BMW M’s first standalone model, the 1978-81 M1 supercar), and an unconventional set of vertically-stacked exhaust outlets.

Inside, there’s little that needs to be changed from concept to production, with the dashboard dominated by a large black panel incorporating a circa-12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a circa-14.9-inch central touchscreen, running BMW’s latest iDrive 8 software (with M-specific displays).

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Look beyond the colour-tinted roof and saddle brown leather upholstery and all of the switchgear looks ready to hit showroom floors, with the automatic gear selector, centre console and steering wheel all lifted from current BMW models.

The seats appear to be a sportier version of the units in the electric iX, while the metallic central air vent surrounds set the Concept XM apart from its range-mates.

BMW highlights a new rear seat layout it dubs the ‘M Lounge’, with a dark green seat colour (compared to brown up front), deep recesses in the seats, velvet and leather upholstery, deep-pile carpet floor mats, diamond seat and floor quilting, and rear privacy glass for an “

extravagant and luxurious lounge-like ambience”.

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Other materials used include vintage-look brown leather, copper and carbon-fibre, joining red stitching and a unique headliner with a “three-dimensional prism structure” and inbuilt ambient lighting.

Powering the Concept XM is a new high-performance plug-in hybrid system, badged M Hybrid, pairing an unspecified V8 engine with a “high-performance” electric motor for maximum outputs of 550kW and 1000Nm – outputs good enough to make it BMW’s most powerful model. Up to 80km of electric driving range is claimed.

The production XM is expected to follow a similar path to that of the concept, with rumours suggesting BMW’s next-generation ‘S68’ twin-turbo V8 will be paired to an electric motor for a combined output of 485kW, trailing the concept. Don’t rule out the higher-output tune arriving at a later date (or in a different BMW M car), however.

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BMW has confirmed the production XM will be a plug-in hybrid only – ruling out any more affordable models powered solely by a combustion engine – and says it will be BMW M’s most powerful model ever, confirming it will be more potent than the 467kW M5 CS sedan.

The BMW Concept XM will be displayed at the Art Basel show in Miami, Florida.

The production 2023 BMW XM will enter production at the end of 2022 at the brand’s plant in Spartanburg, North Carolina. Drive has contacted BMW Australia for more information on a local launch.

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