BMW will preview its first dedicated M model in four decades later this month, with a new concept SUV expected to debut a V8 hybrid system.
UPDATE, 30 November 2021: Leaked images of the new BMW Concept XM have surfaced – via Cochespias – ahead of its official reveal later today.
Stay tuned to Drive for full details of the BMW XM concept as soon as they surface.
18 November 2021: The upcoming BMW Concept XM has been teased, ahead of its full reveal on November 29.
As its name hints, the production XM will become the first dedicated BMW M model since the M1 supercar of 1978-81 – though rather than a mid-engined super coupe, it’ll be an upper large SUV slotting above the standard X7 with bold styling and flagship-worthy performance.
Teased in a shadowy front-end image on social media, the XM concept will wear a pair of supersized, illuminated kidney grilles – likely some of the largest in BMW’s range – flanked by a new split headlight design that will soon proliferate across the brand’s flagship cars and SUVs, with slim daytime-running lights at the top, and the main headlight beams below.
Although the November 29 show car will officially be known as a concept, BMW show cars badged as ‘Concept’ models (rather than ‘Vision’ cars) are typically close to their production equivalent – with the Concept X7 iPerformance, Concept iX3 and Concept X2 serving as good examples.
While no images of the side and rear have been provided thus far, spy photos show a tapered roofline cutting seat capacity from seven to five, joined by large LED tail-lights and unconventional vertically-stacked hexagonal tailpipes.
Details of the Concept XM’s mechanicals are yet to be confirmed, though BMW says it will be “electrified” – likely a plug-in hybrid system, as a fully-electric powertrain would be signified by an ‘i’ preceding the model name.
Trusted BMW insider ynguldyn (via BimmerPost) reports the production XM will launch in 12 months’ time with a sole choice of variant, a plug-in hybrid pairing a twin-turbocharged petrol V8 (rather than an inline-six) with one or more electric motors for a combined output of 485kW – exceeding the 460kW of today’s X5 M Competition flagship.
The V8 won’t be the same engine powering M version of BMW’s current large models; instead, it’ll be an all-new powerplant (codenamed S68), expected to spread to the next-generation M5 super sedan, among other future M cars.
Previous rumours have suggested the S68 would be mated to a 150kW electric motor for up to 560kW, namely in the next M5 – though there’s nothing stopping this higher-output engine tune being introduced at a later date, or in certain models only.
ynguldyn also reports that non-hybrid petrol-engined options are also on the way for the XM.Set to enter production in November 2022 – suggesting an Australian launch in early 2023 – the insider says standard equipment will include a limited-slip rear differential, performance brakes (with dark blue, red or black calipers), M seats and seatbelts, carbon-fibre trim, and alloy wheel between 21 and 23 inches in diameter.
The XM will reportedly be upgraded in mid-2023 with BMW’s latest Level 3 semi-autonomous driving technology, set to make its debut in the next-generation 7 Series limousine in mid-2022.
The BMW Concept XM will be revealed in full on November 29, with the German manufacturer suggesting a public debut at the Art Basel show in Miami, USA is likely. Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest.
The post BMW XM concept teased and leaked – UPDATE appeared first on Drive.
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