The BMW Concept XM previews a new model

In what is probably a sign of the times, the first stand-alone model from BMW M GmbH since 1978’s mid-engine, two-seat M1 won’t be another sports car. Rather, it’ll be a big five-door SUV with questionable styling.

To help prepare everyone for the newcomer’s arrival, BMW has revealed the Concept XM at Art Basel’s 2021 Miami Beach show.

BMW Concept XM (2021) Front Side

According to Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, “The BMW Concept XM represents a complete re-imagining of the high-performance car segment. It underlines the ability of BMW M GmbH to break with established conventions and push boundaries in order to offer fans of the brand the ultimate driving experience.”

BMW Concept XM (2021) Dashboard

As might be expected from a contemporary BMW design, the front end is dominated by a comically massive grille. By contrast, the light modules are tiny.

From the side, the most notable element is a high waistline that’s combined with a shallow glasshouse. The roof slopes down towards the back, amplifying the effect.

BMW Concept XM (2021) Side

Inside, the front seats are covered in vintage-look brown leather, while the rear bench features diamond-quilted velvet upholstery in a fetching shade called Petrol. Deep-pile carpets further add to the lounge-like ambience.

BMW Concept XM (2021) Rear Seats

A plug-in M Hybrid powertrain comprises a V8 engine and an electric motor. Total system output is rated at 750 PS (739 bhp / 550 kW) with 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of peak torque. Acceleration figures haven’t been disclosed yet, but maximum range in electric mode is claimed to be 49 miles (80 kilometres).

BMW Concept XM (2021) Rear Side

BMW will begin manufacturing the production XM in the USA at the end of 2022.

Related posts:
BMW updates the M135i xDrive for 2022
Three new BMW X black-themed editions

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more

Alfa MiTo TwinAir arrives

Image
The Alfa Romeo MiTo supermini is now available with the innovative two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine. Although its capacity is only 875 cc, a turbocharger and the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve control system mean it produces a respectable 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) and 145 Nm (103 lb/ft) of torque. Performance might not be scintillating - the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes 12.5 seconds and maximum speed is 108 mph (173 km/h) - but the TwinAir’s trump card is efficiency. Carbon dioxide emissions are only 98 g/km, a level that brings numerous benefits for UK drivers including zero road tax, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge and qualification for the lowest company car benefit-in-kind rate. Fuel economy is also decent and, according to the official figures, a TwinAir-powered MiTo will manage 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Impressive maybe, but still some way off the 78.5 mpg (3.6 l/100km) of the existing 1.3 JTDM-2 diesel MiTo. However, any
Read more

Aston Martin Vantage GTE

Image
Aston Martin Racing has announced that it’ll be entering a V8 Vantage in the GTE Pro category of the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship. Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE. Scroll down for more images and a video. Painted in Gulf blue and orange, the car’s driver line-up has been confirmed as Adrian Fernandez, Stefan Mücke and Darren Turner. The plan is to contest all eight rounds of the WEC, which commences with the 12 Hours of Sebring on the 17th of March. For the third race - June’s Le Mans 24 Hours - a second Vantage is going to be run, but its drivers have yet to be named. In preparation for the season’s premier event the team also intends to compete in the Long Beach and Laguna Seca rounds of the American Le Mans Series. The V8 Vantage GTE is a development of the Vantage GT2. Although the engine can trace its origins back to the one used in the road-going V8 Vantage, the usual gearbox is replaced with a six-speed, semi-automatic, sequential transmission that has its own oi
Read more

2012 Civic NGTC livery

Image
Honda Racing’s all-new Civic NGTC race cars were first seen at a Brands Hatch test session last month. Then they were painted plain white, but now the colour scheme that will be worn in this year’s British Touring Car Championship has been revealed. As expected, the design is predominantly white with red and black stripes. A deal with Yuasa has also been confirmed, which will see the battery manufacturer becoming the renamed Honda Yuasa Racing Team’s title sponsor for the next three years. Commenting on the association, Andrew Taylor, Managing Director of Yuasa Battery Sales (UK) Ltd, said: “Our 2011 sponsorship of Honda Racing proved a resounding success and was extremely beneficial in raising the profile of the Yuasa brand. “Yuasa’s partnership with Honda is very strong and the new title sponsorship provides us with the perfect springboard for our ambitious UK and European automotive aftermarket plans over the next three years. “We are very pleased to add Yuasa’s name
Read more