All-New BMW XM Launches in Singapore

BMW Asia has officially launched the all-new BMW XM in Singapore.

Presented at the swanky One Degree 15 Marina Club yesterday, the angular XM is BMW's latest and greatest sports activity vehicle (SAV), with an eye-watering price tag of S$1,003,888 (inclusive of COE). 

It is the German carmaker's second pure-blooded M car developed from the ground up by their highly revered M division, with the only other one being the Giugiaro-designed M1 sports car from 1978.

“The BMW XM makes a strong statement from the moment you lay eyes on it. It is the epitome of luxury, extravagance, and breathtaking performance,” said Mr. Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of BMW Asia. 

“It is made for those who are unconventional, courageous, expressive, and desire the utmost in excellence and luxury. This SAV heralds a new era in terms of drive technology and driving experience to astound all BMW M fans.”

Powering the impressive-looking SAV is an S68 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with M TwinPower Turbo technology, churning out 489 horsepower. It's also equipped with an electric motor that produces 197 horses. 

With both systems running, the XM puts out a combined total of 653 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, all via a newly developed eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. 

Nought to a hundred in the XM takes just 4.3 seconds, and it's able to reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. With the optional M Driver's Package specified, the SAV eventually tops out at 270 km/h.

Running on purely electric power, it's capable of travelling up to 140 km/h and provide a maximum distance of between 82 to 88 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. 

Keeping the XM planted at all times is the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which has a rear-biased setup that BMW claims is most apparent in 4WD Sport mode. A 4WD Sand mode can also be selected, should owners want to go dune-bashing.

Torque vectoring is present on the XM, in the form of an M Sport differential. It allows for fully variable distribution of drive torque between the left and right rear wheels, aimed at minimising any performance loss whenever the XM is being pushed hard. 

The differential keeps understeer in check by diverting more power to the wheel on the outside of the corner, which in turn eliminates the need to apply the brakes.

The XM sits atop the CLAR modular platform, which is shared with the iX3 electric SUV that we tested last year. Unlike the iX3, however, it possesses very imposing dimensions. The XM measures at 5,110 mm in length (with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm), is 2,005 mm wide, and stands at 1,755 mm tall. This makes it one of BMW's largest vehicles by far, and the widest in the range.

It's also one of BMW's most daring designs in recent times, with muscular and sharp-edged proportions on every corner. Even the wheels are larger-than-life. The XM's 23-inch M light-alloy wheels are the star spoke-style 923 M Bicolour, and will be offered in either Jet Black or Night Gold. They will come as standard in Singapore.

Contrasting against the body colour are the gold-coloured kidney grille surrounds and accent bands on the sides of the SAV, the latter of which is also available in black high gloss. According to BMW, said bands are a callback to the black strip that runs along the body of the classic M1.

Another reference to the M1 are the dual BMW badges laser-etched onto the XM's rear windscreen.

Surprisingly enough, the XM will deliver a nearly perfect 50:50 weight distribution, which should translate to a very engaging yet comfortable drive.

This clever chassis tuning includes a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle, as well as adaptive M suspension Professional including electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilisation with 48V electric motors and Active Roll Control that will come as standard.

Three distinct driving modes will be made available for the driver: HYBRID, ELECTRIC, and eCONTROL. They can be selected via the M Hybrid button on the centre console, a first for the carmaker.

Driving customisation extends to the drive system, chassis, steering, braking system, M xDrive, and level of braking energy recuperation; all of which can be accessed easily through the Setup button.

An M Mode button is also available, allowing the driver to switch from the default setting (Road) to Sport. This automatically dials down the driver assistance systems and restricts them to just the essential functions required for enthusiastic driving.

The M1 and M2 steering-mounted switches are individually configured vehicle setups, which can store the driver's preferred settings. This includes the M HYBRID system’s operating mode, the engine note, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and the transmission’s shift characteristics.

It's not just the driver who will have plenty of fun. Just like the exterior, the XM's cabin is quite the place to be in, with the angular design motif in full swing. It is a rich mix of soft Nappa leather, alcantara, metal, and carbon fibre, which accurately sums up the luxurious yet unapologetically sporty nature of the SAV.

The textured and patterned alcantara headliner plays with the surrounding illumination to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, while the cushy blue leather quilted-pattern seats provide all occupants with more than sufficient levels of comfort.

According to BMW, the fibre-optic light guides containing 100 LED units are integrated into the headliner’s border to enable constant or dynamic light effects, depending on the situation and selected driving mode.

M-exclusive design elements will come with the XM, like the leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats. Providing a premium audio experience is a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround System, complete with a 1,500-watt amplifier that's standard for Singapore.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional will be included as standard, offering owners an M-specific version of the latest generation iDrive system, complete with exclusive display content. It will based on BMW Operating System 8, and comprises of a 12.3-inch BMW Curved Display, as well as a 14.9-inch control display. 

The XM will also utilise cloud-based services, such as the BMW Maps navigation system on the BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Not only that, it will feature Digital Key Plus, which allows owners to lock and unlock their XM with just their Apple iPhone devices, without even having to whip their phones out.

Other connectivity features included as standard are wireless smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging.  The BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades functionality will also allow new and improved vehicle functions to be imported into the BMW XM over the air.

The Driving Assistant Professional package, which is standard-specified, will include Active Cruise Control and Stop&Go function, and combine them with other active features. This includes Steering and Lane Control Assistant, traffic light recognition, automatic Speed Limit Assist, and Active Navigation.

The XM will be built in the carmaker's Spartanburg plant in the USA, and is now available for viewing at all authorised dealers in Singapore.

Photo Credits: Muhammad Mu'tasim (@mutasimdrives) & ACube Creative (@weareacube)

Read More: BMW Unveils i7 Flagship Luxury EV In Singapore

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