BMW plans to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the M1 mid engine sports car but will do so with a crossover SUV.
The BMW Concept XM, a plug in hybrid engine and striking design was revealed Monday at Art Basel 2021 Miami Beach. The preview shows the BMW Concept XM production model, due to be released in 2022. BMW claims it will be the first standalone M-model since the M1. BMW is quick to highlight that the XM will be the M’s most powerful car ever to enter series production.
Concept XM, which will serve as BMW’s M Division’s flagship, is powered by a twin turbine V-8 engine (possibly displacing 4.4 liters but BMW has not given specifics), mated to an electrical motor to produce a total output of 750 hp. An executive at BMW M said that the BMW Concept XM was intended to be the BMW M’s flagship. Motor AuthorityAlthough it is not yet officially rated, the “over-20-kwh” battery powering the electric motor should be able to provide an electric-only range of 30 miles according to the U.S. EPA cycle.
Concept XM is a sleek exterior that doesn’t mind a hard line or hexagonal form. If you look really closely, there is a lot of M1 parts reimagined to be modern-day crossover SUVs.
Large, almost oval-shaped kidney grilles dominate front end. They are illuminated by LED lighting. Daytime running lights are located at the hoodline, separated from the headlights behind tinted glasses. BMW representatives acknowledged that the license plate recess was hidden beneath the tinted window in the middle of the lower bumper. MAThis element cannot legally be produced as a license plate is not allowed to be concealed behind tinted glasses. These LED lights, which look very off-road like and sit on top of the A-pillars that have been blacked out by BMW representatives won’t comment on whether they will see production.
BMW Concept XM
Rear is the most direct link to M1 thanks to its raked roof that peaks on both sides, and the roundel prominently embedded into the corner of the tailgate. From the gate, the LED taillights are slim and wrap around the flared rear tires like a racetrack. The lighting element turns red when the lights are turned on, but it is dark when the light source is not being used. M’s iconic quad-exhaust system has been redesigned with a vertical stacked arrangement. The exhaust tips don’t look like finishers. They are actually real, metal exhaust tips. A spokesperson for BMW M stated that this new arrangement made it possible to place the diffuser lower.
These alloy wheels are used to fill the wheel wells. BMW spokeswoman said MAConcept XM can be shared on a platform with the X5, X6, X7. BMW has not provided any specifics on the concept. However, in person, and while standing right next to it the XM looks to be between the X5 & X7 despite having just two rows. This extra width and length is a huge benefit to rear-seat occupants.
BMW Concept XM
BMW Concept XM
BMW Concept XM
BMW Concept XM
The dashboard contains a mixture of future and current BMW technology and design. An array of screens adorns the top of the dashboard. They are apparently from the electric crossover SUV, the iX. BMW has retained its current gear selector, as well some of the hard buttons that control the climate control system. Although the Concept XM’s cockpit seats four, the feel in the front and back is very different. To create a relaxing atmosphere, the dashboard, sport seats, and dashboard are covered in soft and supple brown leather. The rear seats, flooring, and carpeting are covered with deep-pile and diamond-quilted Velvet. A three-dimensional prism-like structure is featured on the roof’s headliner. It can be LED backlit to provide ambient lighting. You can find business at the front, and a party atmosphere in the back.
BMW Spartanburg, South Carolina will manufacture the production XM alongside the X5, X6, and X7 crossover SUVs.
