BMW XM: The Plug-in Hybrid SUV That Beats All

BMW XM: The Plug-in Hybrid SUV That Beats All
Cayde

The BMW XM is a crossover SUV that combines the high performance of a BMW M with the efficiency and sustainability of a plug-in hybrid. It is the second car developed entirely by BMW M, after the legendary BMW M1 in 1978. The XM was launched in India on December 10, 2022, with a starting price of ₹ 2.60 crore. Here are some of the highlights and features of this exclusive, expressive, and electrified vehicle.

Design and Exterior

  • The XM has a sharp and angular design language that reflects its sporty and dynamic character.
  • The front fascia features a large kidney grille with vertical slats, flanked by slim LED headlights.
  • The bumper has large air intakes and an M-specific diffuser.
  • The side profile showcases the 23-inch aero wheels, the black ORVMs, and the sloping roofline.
  • The rear end has a quad-exhaust setup, a spoiler, and a distinctive LED taillight signature.
  • The XM is available in seven colors, including a unique contrasting ‘gold-on-green’ finish.

Engine and Performance

  • The XM is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 489 hp and 650 Nm of torque.
  • This engine is paired with an electric motor that adds 197 hp and 150 Nm of torque, resulting in a combined output of 653 hp and 800 Nm.
  • The power is transmitted to all four wheels via an eight-speed MSteptronic automatic gearbox and the M xDrive system.
  • The XM can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 270 km/h.
  • The XM also has various driving modes, such as Sport, Comfort, and EV, that alter the performance and sound of the vehicle.

Plug-in Hybrid Technology

  • The XM has a 25.7 kWh battery pack that can be charged using a 7.4 kW AC fast charger.
  • The battery provides a driving range of 82-88 km in the EV mode, where the vehicle can run on electric power alone up to a speed of 140 km/h.
  • The XM also has a regenerative braking system that recovers energy during deceleration and braking.
  • The plug-in hybrid technology allows the XM to achieve a fuel efficiency of 61.9 km/l and a CO2 emission of 36.5 g/km, making it one of the most eco-friendly vehicles in its segment.

Interior and Features

  • The XM has a luxurious and spacious interior that can accommodate four passengers.
  • The cabin is adorned with carbon fiber elements and quilted leather upholstery.
  • The dashboard has a curved display integrating the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
  • The XM also has a 3D headliner with 100 unique LEDs, creating a starry sky effect.
  • Some of the other features include four-zone climate control, a head-up display, a 1,500 W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, wireless charging, and ambient lighting.

Safety and Assistance

  • The XM has comprehensive safety and assistance systems that ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience.
  • The XM has six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
  • The XM also has a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and collision warning.
  • The XM also has a remote-control parking feature that allows the driver to park the vehicle using a smartphone app.

Comparison with Other Hybrid SUVs

  • The XM is one of the most powerful and expensive hybrid SUVs in the market, competing with the likes of the Lamborghini Urus Performante, the Aston Martin DBX 707, and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.
  • The XM has a higher combined power output than the Urus Performante (653 hp vs 641 hp) and the DBX 707 (653 hp vs 542 hp), but lower than the Cayenne Turbo GT (653 hp vs 670 hp).
  • The XM has a longer electric driving range than the Urus Performante (82-88 km vs 50 km) and the DBX 707 (82-88 km vs 40 km), but shorter than the Cayenne Turbo GT (82-88 km vs 100 km).
  • The XM has a lower fuel efficiency than the Urus Performante (61.9 km/l vs 64.2 km/l) and the DBX 707 (61.9 km/l vs 62.8 km/l), but higher than the Cayenne Turbo GT (61.9 km/l vs 60.1 km/l).
  • The XM has a lower CO2 emission than the Urus Performante (36.5 g/km vs 37.2 g/km) and the DBX 707 (36.5 g/km vs 38.1 g/km), but higher than the Cayenne Turbo GT (36.5 g/km vs 35.8 g/km).
  • The XM has a faster acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h than the Urus Performance (4.3 s vs 4.4 s) and the DBX 707 (4.3 s vs 4.5 s), but slower than the Cayenne Turbo GT (4.3 s vs 3.9 s).
  • The XM has a higher top speed than the Urus Performante (270 km/h vs 260 km/h) and the DBX 707 (270 km/h vs 250 km/h), but lower than the Cayenne Turbo GT (270 km/h vs 300 km/h).

Conclusion

The BMW XM is a groundbreaking vehicle that offers the best of both worlds: the exhilarating performance of a BMW M and the environmental benefits of a plug-in hybrid. The XM is a rare and exclusive model that appeals to discerning and adventurous drivers who want to experience the ultimate driving machine in a new and electrified way. The XM is a statement of BMW’s vision for the future of mobility, where performance and sustainability go hand in hand.

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