BMW Concept XM : Power of Luxury

“The design of the BMW Concept XM is an extravagant statement by BMW M in the heart of the luxury segment, It has a unique identity and embodies an expressive lifestyle like no other model in the BMW line-up.” 

Domagoj Dukec, Head of Design, BMW.

The BMW Concept XM symbolises the most powerful BMW M vehicle ever to enter series production. At the same time, the BMW Concept XM highlights defining features of the M brand. Electrification enables an exceptional driving experience that allows the driver to cruise along in near silence while also enjoying the time-honored delight of high performance, M-style. The BMW Concept XM is the first look at BMW’s new front-end design for its next luxury-class cars. It will also introduce its audience to a very modern and distinct take on BMW X model design, as well as an entirely new level of luxury and interior space. 

The Concept XM’s dramatic exterior style mirrors the car’s excellent performance attributes: dynamism, agility, and precision, as well as an all-electric range of up to 80 km. The BMW Concept XM’s newly designed M Hybrid drive system combines a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to produce a maximum output of 550 kW/750 hp and a peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). The first electrified vehicle from BMW M GmbH in the high-performance class hence points the way for the brand’s future. 

BMW M GmbH builds a different route in the luxury category with the BMW Concept XM. The exterior prioritizes presence and extrovert appeal. Inside, a unique take on the driver-focused cockpit for which M models are known meets an all-new rear compartment design: the M Lounge, with its high-comfort seats and lit, sculptural headliner, provides passengers with a comfortable refuge. 

Exterior 

The BMW Concept XM introduces the new, advanced front-end design for BMW’s luxury-class cars, a version of which will be shown for the first time in 2022 as part of BMW’s luxury product offensive. The headlamps have been separated into two independent modules, a new design feature that gives an eye-catching appearance. The trademark of the daytime driving light in the smartly designed, slender upper module is particularly eye-catching. The horizontal kidney grille sits boldly between the headlights and tapers towards the outer borders, creating a near-octagonal design that emphasises the dynamic character of the front end. The black kidney grille pieces are surrounded by an elaborate surround and appear to float freely over a High-gloss Black surface. The presence of M-style double bars within the grille adds to the impression of width. Eye-catching contour lighting highlights the grille to great effect, ensuring that the stunning combination of kidneys and daytime driving lights is easily identifiable in the dark as well. The new XM emblem in the kidney grille and the massive air intakes allude to the V8 engine’s power, which works in tandem with the electric motor to form the M Hybrid system. M-specific details point to a performance that is devoid of compromises. 

The glasshouse of the BMW Concept XM rises vertically, emphasising the robust, intimidating front appearance. The colour of the roof stands out against the black finish of the A-pillars. As a result, the windscreen appears to have an even heavier rake, bringing modern vitality into the front aspect. Slim LED searchlights have been installed above the A-pillars in the roof. The kidney grille’s features are extended back in the form of two power domes by the strongly sculpted bonnet. A pair of air intakes in the hood are designed to look like the LED searchlights in the roof and provide dynamic flare. The clean-cut black surfaces of the front apron frame the statuesque body at its lower border. Triangular body-colored blades on the outer edges emphasise the vertical air intakes while emphasising the BMW Concept XM’s dynamic and muscular attitude. 

The BMW Concept XM’s muscular and deeply sculpted proportions emphasise the car’s fiercely autonomous identity and bring the eye to the coupé-like character of the body. The eye-catching front end, tall bonnet, and extended, sloping roofline offer a remarkable two-box design with a distinguishing outline. As it approaches the back, the window graphic narrows substantially, adding to the dynamic of the side view. 

The BMW Concept XM’s two-tone paint treatment emphasises its striking lines even more: the upper half is matt gold-bronze, while the lower section is Space Grey metallic. A thick, High-gloss Black line – the “black belt” – divides the two exterior colours beneath the window image. The trademark M external mirrors add a clean, technological, athletic edge to the automobile. The charging flap behind the front-left wheel serves as a reminder of the M Hybrid drive system in action. 

Throughout the side view, the car’s nimble, modern vibe is emphasised by purposely short character lines that begin strongly before fading softly. The expressive rear lights reach well into the car’s flanks and form a visually appealing transition into the rear. The black cladding typical of BMW X models above the wheels and on the side skirts is very well defined and elevates the body. The extended body is supported by 23-inch light-alloy wheels, which provide power and rigidity to the side view. 

The rear end design also emphasises the car’s muscular stature, and the BMW Concept XM cuts a low and sporty figure from this aspect. The rear window blends in nearly perfectly with the rear end. The position of the BMW emblem, which is laser-etched into the window below each of the two cant rails, also reflects the new interpretation of the design. This is a stylistic nod to the BMW M1, the only standalone vehicle developed solely by BMW M GmbH to date. 

Lower down, noticeably flared wheel arches give emphasis to the car’s commanding attitude on the road. To contribute to the appearance, the rear lights are extremely narrow and brazenly L-shaped, extending virtually the whole width of the vehicle. When not in use, the lights appear dark, yet when activated, they transform into a precise and consistent shade of red. The distinctive twin tailpipes of BMW M models dominate the rear apron. The dual-branch, twin-tailpipe exhaust system used here decreases backpressure for the V8 engine while also producing the emotionally rich M-typical noise that goes with the engine’s overwhelming power delivery. The vertical placement and hexagonal interpretation of the tailpipes give a new lease on life to this classic element. 

Interior 

The inside of the BMW Concept XM features a distinct M version of driver-focused cockpit design. With their forceful geometry and high-quality materials, the lines and surface design of the instrument panel, centre console, door trim, and seats give the environment in the front compartment a progressive feel. Brown, vintage-look leather, copper, and carbon fibre bridge the gap between luxury and motorsport. A prominent trim piece creates a distinct visual difference between the driver’s area and the rest of the vehicle. 

A decorative surface constructed of carbon fibre with interwoven copper thread gives a sporty and distinctive platform for screens, air vents, and control/operating elements inside the cockpit area. The new BMW Curved Display screen grouping above it strikes a pleasing blend between conventional driver concentration and current digitality. Red highlights on the steering wheel and centre console are M-specific nods to the car’s athleticism. The heart of the centre console is a trio of vertical pieces presented in the three colours of the BMW M brand insignia. 

The continuous driver attention of the front compartment contrasts with the opulent and luxury lounge-like atmosphere of the BMW Concept XM’s rear compartment. Special materials, visually strong surfaces, and expressive details transform the rear seats into the one-of-a-kind M Lounge, with black-tinted rear side windows emphasising the unmistakable sensation of privacy. While warm brown leather dominates the cockpit, the back seat is finished in the deep colour tone Petrol. The big rear seat bench, with its deep seat recesses, creates a relaxing environment. Only the diamond-shaped section of the head restraints is leather-trimmed, which provides the supportive function recognisable from BMW M Sport seats in other models. With its rich velvet upholstery and diamond quilting, the lower parts of the seats provide great comfort and an exclusive couch character. Deep-pile carpeting with a diamond pattern adds to the opulence. 

The headliner with a three-dimensional prism structure is the cabin’s visual showpiece. A combination of indirect and direct lighting creates a relief-like structure that highlights the headliner as a one-of-a-kind work of art. It, together with the ambient lighting, emphasises the BMW Concept XM’s blend of luxury and comfort to stunning effect. The ambient lighting can be turned on in one of three BMW M colours. 

The M-specific version of the control/operation system, based on the current generation of BMW iDrive, brings the high-performance nature of the BMW Concept XM into the digital realm. The user interface, which is shown in the traditional three M colours, lends itself nicely to a dynamic driving experience. It depicts the hybrid drive system modes as well as the pure-electric driving mode in a visually appealing manner. The BMW Curved Display is the ideal platform for displaying this bespoke design and previewing the user interface that will add intensity to the driving experience in all future BMW M vehicles. 

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