Unveiled at Art Basel Miami Beach, the BMW Concept XM sets the tone for future BMW luxury-class models. The first standalone BMW M vehicle in over four decades, the BMW Concept XM celebrates the M-division’s 50th anniversary by spotlighting crucial aspects of the brand. A plug-in SUV hybrid, the BMW M Concept XM combines a V8 engine with a high-performance electric motor to deliver 750 bhp and 737 ft-lb of torque, the most in any M-division car yet.
You’ll also enjoy:
The 2022 BMW M5 CS Is The German Marque’s Most Powerful Model Yet
In This Utopian Future, All The World Is Porsche And All The Men And Women Merely Drivers In Them
The Norton Motorcycles V4 Café Racer Combines Past & Present
“The BMW Concept XM represents a complete re-imagining of the high-performance car segment,” said Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “It underlines the ability of BMW M GmbH to break with established conventions and push boundaries in order to offer fans of the brand the ultimate driving experience. The series-production car – the first pure BMW M model since the legendary BMW M1 – also shows how we are approaching the step-by-step electrification of our brand.”
While technically a concept vehicle, the BMW Concept XM represents a new era of design that will likely influence forthcoming M-division production models. Geometric in its nature, the most striking element of the Comcept XM is undeniably its front-end. The nose of the vehicle features two oversized kidney grilles, which combined with the tapered outer edges and undersized contour headlights give them an almost nostril-like appearance that takes a few viewings to get used to. Though the XM is far from boxy, it takes on an angular appearance, utilising clean, geometric lines which lend it a futuristic touch.
The front end seamlessly transitions into a vertical glasshouse, with the black finish of the A-pillars juxtaposed against the roof. Perhaps making up for the narrow headlights, the BMW Concept XM incorporates slim LED searchlights into the roof, just above the A-pillars. The dynamic side profile takes on a two-toned appearance, with matte gold bronze elements in the upper playing well with the metallic grey lower components. A high-gloss black belt separates the two sections, further contributing to the angular, geometric feel of the Concept XM.
Open the door and you’ll find the geometric design extends into the interior. A curved cockpit design centres around the driver, allowing access to the instrument panel and infotainment screen while prioritising the driving experience. A palette of brown vintage-look leather, copper, and carbon fibre bridges the gap between performance and luxury, while a metal trim distinguishes the driver’s area from the rear. In contrast with the driver’s section, the rear takes on a lounge-like feel, with a jewel-toned velvet rear bench and deep-pile carpeting with a diamond pattern.
Words by John Deckard
