This story contains independent illustrations by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes based on the actual BMW XM Concept as well as the production prototypes we’ve spied over the past few months. The renderings are not related to nor endorsed by BMW.
BMW shocked the motoring world over a month ago with its XM concept, a large plug-in hybrid super-SUV with a daringly bold yet jarring design.
Judging by our spy-shot-based illustration, the series-production car somewhat tones down the Minecraft aesthetic for a look that is a bit more palatable. It will also be the first pure BMW M model since the legendary M1 of the late ’70s – so yeah, it has some pretty big shoes to fill in.
See: BMW’s 750-HP Concept XM Revealed And It’s Even Scarier Than We Imagined
Our artist’s impression of the production BMW XM above versus the Concept XM below (Illustration credits Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes)
In Your Face
Yup, as our editors have covered before, the Concept XM is undoubtedly one of the most divisive reveals in recent memory. Personally, this writer sits a little in the middle – I admire BMW’s strive to create something bold and memorable, but by God, is it a subjective mess.
It showcases BMW’s new design direction for luxury models with elements like a massive horizontal kidney grille, twin power dome hood and a split-module headlamp arrangement with eye-catching upper DRL’s. In profile, the XM sports a steeply raked windshield, unique shoulder line detailing and a chop-top glasshouse.
Rear styling will also raise a few eyebrows with its hexagonal, vertically stacked twin exhausts and protruding L-shaped tail lamps. Thankfully, the proportions are solid, with a muscular stance and flared haunches.
Interior Extravagance
Similarly to the exterior, the XM Concept’s interior pictured above is very close to production
If the show car is anything to go by, luxury, technology and a driver-focused cockpit will be highly emphasized. The concept also exuded a futuristic aesthetic with vintage brown leather, velvet, copper and carbon fiber trim, though it’s safe to assume that the production model will opt for more conventional materials while keeping the same styling details and layout.
On the technological front, a curved instrument cluster and infotainment display is a visual delight. Layered with colorful M-orientated graphics, it sports the latest iDrive setup in tandem with wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio and OTA (over-the-air updates).
Related: Two CarScoops Editors Argue Whether BMW’s Concept XM Is Genius Or Madness
The XM will likely offer the same Level-3 autonomous driving setup as the upcoming 7-Series. Developed alongside Intel’s self-driving subsidiary Mobileye, the system will enable more prolonged hands-free driving under specific parameters than the likes of Tesla’s Autopilot.
Hybrid? This Ain’t No Prius
The BMW Concept XM
The XM’s powertrain is a mix of brutal performance with a green edge. The plug-in ‘M Hybrid drive’ system works in tandem with a V8 engine (likely a twin-turbo 4.4-litre unit) to deliver a gob-smacking 750 hp (550 kW) and maximum torque of 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm), making it the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into production.
Whilst BMW have yet to reveal battery size, the CLAR-based XM will yield an all-electric range of 50 miles (80 km), enabling near-silent propulsion. Power will be fed to all four wheels with dynamic M drive modes to tackle the tarmac as well as off-road trails.
Rivals and Reveal
A camouflaged prototype of the production BMW XM spied testing in Germany
Rivals to the Munich Picasso XM include Tesla’s Model X Plaid, Lamborghini Urus, Range Rover Sport SVR, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S, Bentley Bentayga, Audi RS Q8, and the 680hp Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. Pricing will undoubtedly match the XM’s lofty ambitions – don’t be surprised if it becomes BMW’s most expensive offering ever topping the $150,000 mark.
Read: Why BMW Is Totally Happy To Shell-Shock You With Its Designs
An official debut will occur in the coming months, with production to kick off later this year at BMW Group’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.
What do you think of the XM’s polarizing appearance, and is it worthy of being a standalone M car? Share your views in the comments below.
Illustrations: Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes
