Andy Kho and I recently headed over to the Sentul Depot for BMW Malaysia’s debut of the First-Ever BMW XM, the first BMW M GmbH high-performance SAV with electrified drive, ahead of its introduction in the Malaysian market.
The First-Ever BMW XM, which is set to arrive in Malaysia in June 2023, combines the seamless BMW M HYBRID drive system with model-specific M suspension technology to deliver an outstanding, dynamic driving experience. The first-ever BMW XM began series production in December 2022 at the BMW Group Spartanburg plant in the United States.
“We are beyond thrilled to introduce the First-Ever BMW XM to Malaysia. This exclusive Sports Activity Vehicle is the first-ever BMW M GmbH high-performing car to feature an M HYBRID drive system, thus extending the realm of e-mobility within the high-performance car segment in Malaysia. It is an electrifying reinvention of automotive ideals and the extreme performance characteristics will make every drive a luxurious experience for our Malaysian customers and supporters.”
Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia
The First-Ever BMW XM heralds the start of a new era: for the first time since the renowned BMW M1 was introduced in the 1970s, BMW M GmbH is presenting an independently developed production vehicle with extraordinary specifications in every way. The remarkable status of the First-Ever BMW XM is represented in many particular characteristics, with material quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity underlining its exceptional status.
The First-Ever BMW XM combines the design language of the BMW X vehicles with bold extroversion and uncompromising elegance. This, along with the higher performance of a BMW M model, resulted in an intriguing appearance that defies conventional standards and conventions. The M Aerodynamics Package and M High-Gloss Shadow Line are standard on the First-Ever BMW XM, with Extended Contents available for the Shadow Line profile. Aside from that, adaptive LED headlights with High-beam Assistant are standard.
The First-Ever BMW XM boasts an imposing kidney grille with trademark M horizontal double louvres and lighted kidney grille contours from the front. Two power domes lie above it as components of the expressively carved bonnet. The grilles are flanked by slim, sharply defined headlights that are divided into two independent modules for daytime running lights and low/high beams.
The side profile of the BMW XM is defined by a sloping roofline, which gives it a particularly muscular and imposing aspect. The side windows, with a noticeably tapered rear, provide a dramatic accent that highlights the vehicle’s dynamic appearance. A nightgold trim strip running parallel to the window line enhances the side profile. The 23-inch M Light-Alloy Wheels Star Spoke Style 923 M Bicolour Night Gold Accent (23-inch M Light-Alloy Wheels Star Spoke Style 923 M Bicolour Black Accent for Shadow Line profile) emphasise the vehicle’s bold and dynamic personality, while the charging cap emphasises its status as a plug-in hybrid SAV.
Due in part to its notably flared wheel arches, the rear of the First-Ever BMW XM has been shaped in a way that provides a particularly powerful look. The sleek and strongly defined L-shaped taillights emphasize its width even further. The First-Ever BMW XM, like every other BMW M vehicle, has two twin tailpipes. The electrified BMW M SAV is distinguished by the fact that the hexagonal tailpipes have been arranged vertically for the first time, creating a unique interpretation of a signature M feature while emphasising the exceptional position of the most powerful BMW M model thus far within the BMW M model family.
The First-Ever BMW XM measures 5,110mm in length, 2,005mm in width and 1,755mm in height, while its wheelbase measures 3,105 mm. Luggage capacity for the SAV is measured at 527 litres, which is expandable to 1,820 litres.
The BMW XM”s interior features carbon-fiber interior trim finishers, with a cabin defined by the BMW Curved Display, which consists of an Information Display and a high-resolution touchscreen Control Display. A familiar BMW driver orientation, as well as BMW M-specific displays, ensure that the driver always has complete control over all driving functions and data. The M Leather Steering Wheel, M Seat Belts, and M Multifunctional Seats visually denote the SAV’s M status.
On the door panels and upper sections of the instrument panel, new vintage leather has been used, which has been enhanced further by a special finishing process that brings out the natural characteristics of the Walknappa leather. Active seat ventilation and 4-zone automatic air conditioning control are included for further comfort. There is also a massage feature for the driver and front passenger. Ambient lighting and BMW Iconic Sounds Electric, on the other hand, enhance the ambiance within the cabin, while the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System provides in-car entertainment.
The M Lounge provides a full-width rear seat bench that curves and encloses the passengers towards the back of the cabin. Meanwhile, sophisticated upholstery adds an exclusive lounge feel to the space. Finally, the Alcantara headliner, with its prismatic 3D structure, produces a visual highlight that contributes to a distinct sense of space, showing craftsmanship and comfort in the most remarkable way.
The BMW XM is the first BMW M vehicle to include a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The combination of an internal combustion engine – which produces 360 kw / 489 hp and a maximum torque of 650 Nm – and an electric motor enhances M performance while enhancing efficiency. The First-Ever BMW XM debuted with M HYBRID technology, which is based on an all-new 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8.
The First-Ever BMW XM’s total powertrain output is rated at a staggering 480 kW / 653 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, supplied via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox. The century sprint only takes 4.3 seconds. The addition of Launch Control ensures maximum acceleration from a standstill. Top speed for the First-Ever BMW XM is limited to 250 km/h (270 km/h with the M Driver’s package, which comes standard), while electric top speed is limited to 140 km/h.
The intelligent M xDrive all-wheel drive system is standard, and it is designed to improve driving dynamics, handling, and traction. In addition to the standard 4WD mode, drivers can select the 4WD Sport mode, which is biassed to the rear and provides excellent agility. When driving on loose surfaces, the 4WD Sand mode is available to improve traction by ensuring variable distribution of drive power between the rear wheels for improved traction and driving stability.
The First-Ever BMW XM comes standard with Adaptive M Suspension Professional, which includes electronically controlled dampers and Active Roll Stabilisation, which reduces lateral body movements. This results in increased agility and enhanced cornering behaviour. Furthermore, Integral Active Steering is a component of the chassis design that ensures greater vehicle stability by turning the rear wheels in tandem with the front wheel at higher speeds. At lower speeds, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction of the front wheels, which improves manoeuvrability.
In addition to the vehicle’s low centre of gravity, innovative control technologies such as the actuator-based wheel slip limiting contribute to the First-Ever BMW XM’s exceptional dynamic handling. The standard M Sport brakes in Black High-Gloss provide maximum deceleration, with 508 mm compound brake discs on the front axle.
Meanwhile, a high-voltage battery deep within the vehicle floor allows for an all-electric range of up to 88 kilometres. The First-Ever BMW XM may be charged at an AC charging station at up to 7.4 kW. A full charge from 0% to 100% takes 4 hours and 15 minutes with a battery capacity of 25.7 kWh (net).
The BMW XM comes with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which has a 12.3-inch Information Display that works in combination with the 14.9-inch Control Display. Furthermore, the integrated BMW Head-Up Display provides optimal viewing in the driver’s line of sight, adding to the vehicle’s ease of use. Together with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the M-specific BMW Operating System 8 enables natural-language control of vehicle functions.
Additionally, the First-Ever BMW XM is also equipped with BMW ID, which ensures personalised settings are loaded as soon as the vehicle is unlocked, as well as BMW Gesture Control, which enhances communication with the car by enabling the use of defined gestures to operate certain functions. Other features include the Connected Package Professional I, Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Connected Drive Services and Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto).
With Comfort Access, the First-Ever BMW XM can also recognise the vehicle’s key from a distance and unlock its doors automatically, offering greater convenience. Alternatively, drivers can also use their smart device (if compatible) as a contactless key with the BMW Digital Key Plus feature, enabling them to automatically unlock their vehicle door when approaching the vehicle.
Equipped as standard is the Driving Assistant Professional, which includes features such as Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Change Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, Front/Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Emergency Stop Assistant and Evasion Assistant. On the other hand, the standard Parking Assistant Plus includes Reversing Assist, Lateral Parking Aid, Active Park Distance Control, and Surround View system. Other safety features include the Attentiveness Assistant, Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians and Active Protection.
Exterior colour offerings for the First-Ever BMW XM include Cape York Green, Carbon Black, Marina Bay Blue, Toronto Red, Mineral White, Black Sapphire and Dravit Grey. IFor the interior upholstery, available offerings include Leather Merino Deep Lagoon with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Silverstone with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Black and Leather Merino Sakhir Orange.
The retail pricing (on the road, without insurance) for the First-Ever BMW XM with Extended 5-Year Warranty & Service Package is RM 1,398,800.00
For more info, head over to https://www.bmw.com.my/en/all-models/m-series/xm/2022/bmw-xm-overview.html.
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Photos courtesy of BMW Malaysia
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