BMW India has launched its most powerful car in the Indian market, the XM at Rs 2.6 Crore (ex-showroom, India). Previewed as a concept in 2021, the XM is also BMW M’s second-ever bespoke model after the mid-engine M1. Deliveries for the XM SUV will begin in India in May 2023.
The BMW XM retains the same design as the concept with split headlamps flanking a prominent BMW kidney grille. The side profile too is unchanged with the receding window line and prominent squared wheel arches all carried over. The black trimming on the shoulder line is replaced by gold-finished trim on the production model. The rear also retains the twin stacked exhaust and slim tail lamps, toned down from the concept. Rounding out the design are unique 21-inch alloy wheels and an additional 23-inch option too. The cabin is finished in dual-tone brown and blue upholstery with a single-piece curved display housing the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. The AC vents and centre console are completely redesigned from the concept with a more mainstream BMW design.
With regard to the engine, it gets M Hybrid Drive with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with a gearbox-mounted electric motor. This produces a combined output of 653 bhp and 81.5 kgm of torque, making it the most powerful car from BMW. The SUV can sprint from zero to 100 kph in 4.3 seconds while the top speed is limited to 250 kph. The XM is also capable of all-electric driving with the onboard 25.7 kWh battery pack offering a claimed range of up to 88 km. It gets a double-wishbone front and 5-link rear suspension set-up with adaptive M dampers. The SUV also features 48V active roll stabilisation and is the first BMW M car to get integral active steering as standard.
