The BMW XM is already available in Spain: start planning a few trips

Last September, BMW unveiled the new XM, a high-performance SUV that arrived as the top representative of BMW M during its 50th anniversary. It was also notable as the first standalone BMW M model since the M1 and, almost more importantly, the first electrified model from the brand’s performance division thanks to its hybrid propulsion system.

A few months after its presentation, the BMW XM is now available to order at the brand’s dealerships, including in Spain. First, let’s briefly review what this new SUV offers. Starting with its exterior design, it is imposing thanks to strongly defined lines that reference the typical BMW M design cues and aim to “disguise” the luxury this vehicle conceals.

Its front end brings to mind certain echoes of the 7 Series, partly due to the design of the split-level headlights, which accompany the new “Iconic Glow” front grille. This is a reinterpretation of BMW’s “kidney” grille, once again on a considerable scale and with illumination around its outline. On the side, 21-inch alloy wheels are standard, which can be replaced with 22- and 23-inch options. At the rear, the defiant gaze of the light clusters draws attention, set above the massive tailgate, along with the diffuser housing four exhaust outlets in a vertical position.

Inside the XM, BMW M may perhaps have fallen short on sportiness, or at least that is what we have come to expect from its models. However, on the other hand, you will find a cabin that radiates luxury and technology on every side, clearly oriented toward the driver. Let’s look at the standard equipment offered by the BMW XM:

• 21-inch M alloy wheels
• M exterior mirrors
• Nightgold exterior accents
• Adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant and LED rear lights
• Illuminated BMW “Iconic Glow” grille
• Automatic tailgate operation
• Comfort access
• Soft-close door system
• Sculptural roof with 3D prism structure in Alcantara with ambient lighting
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional with navigation
• BMW Head-Up Display
• BMW ID8 operating system specific to M with BMW Curved Display
• Multifunction M Sport seats for driver and front passenger
• Merino leather with leather-trimmed dashboard and door panels
• M interior trim in carbon fiber
• Electric seat adjustment with memory function for driver and front passenger
• Front seats with integrated heating
• M Sport leather steering wheel with M-colored stitching
• Harman/Kardon surround sound system
• 4-zone climate control
• Auxiliary climate control
• Cup holders with hot/cold function
• Interior ambient lighting
• Variable load system
• Adaptive M Professional suspension
• BMW M xDrive all-wheel-drive system
• Active roll stabilization
• Integral active steering with rear-wheel steering
• M Sport differential
• M sport exhaust system with four tailpipes
• M Sport brakes
• Driving Assistant
• Parking Assistant Plus with Active Parking Distance Control
• Reversing camera

Mechanically, as we already mentioned, the BMW XM uses a plug-in hybrid propulsion system called M Hybrid. It consists first of a 4.4-litre V8 M TwinPower Turbo petrol engine delivering 489 CV and 650 Nm of torque, combined with an electric motor producing 197 CV and 280 Nm of torque, integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox. This achieves a combined output of 653 CV, sent primarily to the rear axle, while rear-axle security is provided by the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

We should not forget that alongside this powertrain, a 25.7 kWh lithium-ion battery works in the underfloor of the BMW XM. It allows fully electric driving at speeds up to 140 km/h, with a range of 82 to 88 kilometres under the WLTP test cycle. The battery can be recharged with alternating current at up to 7.4 kW.

As I mentioned above, the new BMW XM is now a reality in Spain and can be ordered, although you will need a fairly deep pocket to get one, since its starting price in our country is set at 179,700 euros.