BMW XM | The German Swiss Knife
What happens when you blend an eight-cylinder powerhouse with a plug-in hybrid system, all wrapped up in a three-tonne sports utility vehicle? You get the BMW XM, a marvel of modern engineering. The 2023 BMW XM is one of the most sophisticated automobiles ever created. This 644-horsepower plug-in hybrid SUV can glide silently through city traffic or unleash its full power on the open road with equal ease. As the first electrified vehicle from BMW's M performance division, the XM stands out not just for its impressive specs but also for its sheer versatility.
The first thing you notice about the XM is its size. It's just massive. The width of its cabin is more than the entire Mercedes S Class. Then there is the design. With its aggressive bulges, split headlights, and large front grille with illuminated rings, it is anything but subtle. If you ask me, it even makes the mighty G-Wagen look nimble.
ENGINE 4,395, V8 plug in hybrid | POWER 480 kW / 653 bhp | TORQUE 800 Nm | TRANSMISSION 8 speed automatic | 0-100kmph 4.3 seconds | TOP SPEED 250 kmph | PRICE Rs 2.6 crore (ex-showroom)
Stepping inside the BMW XM feels like entering a modern sanctuary of simplicity and sophistication. The sleek, single glass screen stretches across the dash, seamlessly integrating a 12.3-inch display for instruments and a larger 14.9-inch display for infotainment. I appreciate the minimalist approach with just one basic knob for volume and powerâeverything else is cleverly managed via the screen or voice commands.
The sport seats are a revelation. They're well-bolstered and extremely comfortable, which is a rare combination in sporty vehicles. Even the second-row seats offer ample comfort, with enough space to comfortably accommodate a six-foot tall passenger. The XM feels limousine-like in terms of space, making it perfect for those who value both luxury and performance.
Sum of all parts
One of my favourite features is the textured Alcantara headliner, illuminated by 100 dynamic LEDs. It creates a dazzling ambiance at night that's hard to beat. The variety of high-quality materials used throughout the cabin is impressive, and the build quality is impeccable. Audiophiles will love the 1500-watt Harman Kardon system, which has more than a dozen speakers embedded in the cabin, with four of them in the roof area alone.
Under the hood, at its heart lies a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering 489 bhp and 650Nm of torque on its own. Combined with an electric hybrid motor, the XM offers a staggering 653 bhp and 800Nm of torque. To give you an idea, that's 20 bhp more than the V10-powered Lamborghini Huracan. Press the pedal hard, and this 3-tonne beast will go from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
The electric-only range of 48 km is a game-changer for those who worry about fuel efficiency (read carbon footprint). Press the start button and it will come to life with a soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer. Take the XM on an open stretch of highway and it will not only impress but make your jaw drop with how effortlessly it picks up pace, yet remaining truly composed. You can tap into the XM's wild side using the two red paddle switches behind the steering wheel, marked M1 and M2, which grant access to two distinct custom driving modes. Push all settings to their limits, and the XM transforms into a growling, restless powerhouse, eager to unleash its full wrath.
The biggest and only shortcoming of the XM, in my opinion, is its ride quality. Without air springs, the ride feels quite stiff, especially for those in the rear seats. Yes, road concretisation is happening in every major city, but in India, drives are more often than not a mix of bumpy and smooth roads, no matter where you go.
In many ways, the XM stands in a league of its own. Its blend of performance and efficiency is unmatched by performance SUVs available in the market. While it may cost more than an apartment in Mumbai, the XM is truly 'the ultimate driving machine'.
Watch Live TV in English
Watch Live TV in Hindi