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Beneath this beast of an SUV’s bonnet is a twin-turbocharged V8 engine and delivers an overall system output of 653 hp (generated by the combination of the V8 combustion engine with up to 489 hp and the electric drive system with up to 197 hp). The V8 is assisted by an electric motor, a product from fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, integrated into a newly developed eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The permanently excited synchronous motor not only provides an electric boost effect under acceleration – it also performs a supporting role in the BMW XM under steady loads, helping to significantly increase the efficiency of the combustion engine. The motor’s propulsive power is instantly on tap when pulling away, delivering unhesitating response with every push of the accelerator.
SPEEDOMETER
The BMW XM Turns Heads With its Undeniable Road Presence
30 Nov 2023
BMW launches the XM, a new class of luxury vehicle that knows how to make a statement.
The 2024 BMW XM Sports Utility Vehicle, or as BMW calls it, Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is an ambitious undertaking to simultaneously reach the heights of both luxury and performance in a single motorcar.
What you get is one engine, one electric motor, three operating modes, four driven wheels to speed you on your way. The result is a rocket car that gets to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. If you just need to run a few errands, the car can get around on just electricity alone. And for such tasks, you might choose the XM because its interior is richly appointed, comfortable, and spacious. BMW has also included its best and most desirable tech features, including a curved LCD dashboard and the latest driver assistance systems.
Although it's quick in a straight line, the XM isn't as exciting to drive as the company's vaunted M3 and M5 sports sedans and feels a little boat-like at the helm. But if cornering isn't on your chart, the XM has plenty of pep and power that would make any driver happy. Still, the XM's starting price is high, in Singapore even more so (S$1.1 million), but it's packed with luxurious features, such as a leather interior, huge 23-inch wheels, a cool curved infotainment display, and a host of driver-assist features.
- ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND PERFORMANCE
- ELECTRIC RANGE
- INTERIOR AND SOUND
- CONNECTIVITY
- SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE FEATURES
- ON THE OUTSIDE
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine isn't new to BMW's powertrain portfolio, but in the XM, it's combined with an electric motor and battery pack to produce a whopping amount of available horsepower. However, the 100 km/h in over four seconds puts the XM at a slight disadvantage, compared to other performance SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, both of which went from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds according to their literature.
The XM features coil-spring suspension supplemented by adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars. The result isn't as compliant and quiet as it would be if BMW had opted for air suspension, but in Comfort driving mode, the ride is anything but taxing and it positively irons out imperfections in the road with ease. In the Sport setting, the XM's handling is responsive and eager, which makes it good fun on challenging drives.
- ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND PERFORMANCE
- ELECTRIC RANGE
- INTERIOR AND SOUND
- CONNECTIVITY
- SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE FEATURES
- ON THE OUTSIDE
Electric Range
BMW states that the XM's integrated charger can charge the battery at up to 7.4 kW and should be 100 percent charged in just over three hours, which is about what you’d expect from a modern hybrid electric battery. The M Hybrid button on the center console is used to select one of three operating modes, including an ELECTRIC setting for cruising with zero local emissions at speeds of up to 140 km/h and over a maximum distance of 82-88 km in the WLTP cycle (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure).
(Related: A tale of two green vehicles)
- ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND PERFORMANCE
- ELECTRIC RANGE
- INTERIOR AND SOUND
- CONNECTIVITY
- SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE FEATURES
- ON THE OUTSIDE
Interior and Sound
Everything about the XM's cabin is as premium as you would expect from BMW’s flagship SUV. The XM is a pure two-box design (where space is given for the engine compartment and a space that combines passenger and cargo volumes). Instead of a large panoramic roof, the XM can be equipped with a geometric-patterned faux suede headliner that features high-impact fiber-optic lighting. Our car came with the optional audio upgrade of a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with illuminated tweeters. The sound in the cabin was concert hall-like and phenomenal.
This car is quiet, so much so that to deliver an authentic driving experience, and the most direct feedback possible for the driver, the actual drive sound is channeled into the cabin via the audio system. The BMW XM also features an ample load capacity of 527 liters in the rear, extending to a maximum of 1,820 liters.
- ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND PERFORMANCE
- ELECTRIC RANGE
- INTERIOR AND SOUND
- CONNECTIVITY
- SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE FEATURES
- ON THE OUTSIDE
Connectivity
A large, curved next generation LCD display extends over two-thirds of the dashboard. The display serves as both a digital instrument cluster and an on-board infotainment center and features the latest BMW iDrive 8.5 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system are also included.
The XM also comes with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which brings with it an M-specific version of the latest-generation multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive. The iDrive Controller and multifunction buttons on the steering wheel are additionally joined in the standard specification roster by the BMW Head-Up Display and BMW gesture control.
(Related: Towards a responsible future)
- ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND PERFORMANCE
- ELECTRIC RANGE
- INTERIOR AND SOUND
- CONNECTIVITY
- SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE FEATURES
- ON THE OUTSIDE
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Basic features like the automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning are standard for the XM and more advanced technologies such as adaptive cruise control with lane departure warning is also available. Overall, this BMW has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a high-end luxury car.
- ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND PERFORMANCE
- ELECTRIC RANGE
- INTERIOR AND SOUND
- CONNECTIVITY
- SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE FEATURES
- ON THE OUTSIDE
On the Outside
The exterior design of the BMW XM is a statement of presence and performance. The proportions of this SAV have a rejigged interpretation of the front-end look created for BMW’s luxury-segment models, and a host of distinctive accents give the XM a singularly dynamic distinction. And yes, the car has an even larger kidney shaped grill, which you’ll either love or hate.
The exterior dimensions of the BMW XM measures 5,110 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm. At a width of 2,005 mm, the BMW XM is wider than any other model in BMW’s model range, and the SAV stands at 1,755 mm tall. The unusually wide tracks (1,726 mm at the front axle and 1,690 mm at the rear) feed into the roadholding and dynamic cornering ability of this high-performance vehicle.
In conclusion, this is an expensive land yacht that broadcasts a real road presence and drives like a dream. It’s no sportscar, but it is incredible to drive. It will make heads turn and inject drivers with a dose of adrenaline. Overall, if you’re looking for a performance SUV that handles like a Rolls-Royce, then the BMW XM is well worth looking into. It looks like BMW may have met its goal on integrating both luxury and performance into one single SAV.
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