Future BMW SUVs will turn to this XM for inspiration as BMW M looks forward to the next 50 years.
If there is one takeaway from the 2023 BMW Concept XM presentation, it is that BMW's X models will become more fascinating in the future. That's not to suggest BMW's SUVs have been dull, but if its ordinary utility vehicles—sorry, "Sports Activity Vehicles"—haven't made an impact, that's about to change.
From the Concept XM's sculptural appearance to its dramatically expanded grille and intriguing lighting choices, the Concept XM will set a high standard for the production XM. And that's before you consider the V-8 engine and plug-in hybrid system, which should be worthy of the BMW M name, at least in terms of sheer power.
Interesting Lighting Options
We don't simply mean the decreased headlamp size when we say the Concept XM has "interesting lighting choices." While the headlights are unmistakably "BMW," they are joined by a dual-module headlamp system with "spotlight" LEDs in the roof immediately above the A-pillars. They are guided by elevated humps in the roof structure, which straddle a lower centre part that slopes down even further towards the rear hatch. According to BMW, this design offers the four-door SUV a "coupe-like flair."
Additional lighting is incorporated into the shape of the massive grille apertures, and the front "XM" stripe badge lights. It will be interesting to see whether any of these lighting options make it into the final version of the XM.
The separation and inversion of the daytime running light positions and those of the headlights, as shown on the Concept XM, is a characteristic that will be featured in all future BMW vehicles. What you see in the normal headlight location — or where you'd expect to find headlights — are merely daytime running lights. What you can't see is that the headlights are disguised by dark-tinted glass, underneath the running lights. You can barely make out the "C" forms in the glass next to the sloping area of the "kidney" grilles if you look closely. These are the modules for the headlights. While BMW has not verified that this is exactly how this new design will function, this extreme separation will appear on future production BMWs.
When switched off, the tail lights are likewise obscured by entirely dark-tinted lenses. When triggered, these lights show themselves to be an L-shaped string of LEDs that hooks around the rear quarter panel. The design alludes to the Concept XM's performance-driven body. To add to the theme, the hatch glass incorporates a nod to the original M1: a pair of etched BMW roundels at the tops of the seamless-like glass where the roof pillars finish.
Muscular Highlights on a Sculpted Body
The Concept XM has a two-tone finish, with the colours divided by the beltline. The XM is done in Space Grey Metallic on the top and matte-gold bronze on the bottom. A "black belt" between the bottom piece of the side glass and the higher half of the rear quarter glass aids in keeping them and the lower body apart. The black A-, B-, and C-pillars also contribute to the greenhouse's "wrap around" look on the Concept XM.
Just above the 23-inch black wheels with machined details is the dramatic, black fender cladding that is standard on all current X-series SUVs. These elements also blend into the black front apron, rocker panels, and rear apron, however the basic design of the forward-leaning fenders suggests, of all things, Toyota's current RAV4 small SUV.
The rear bumper incorporates a diffuser, and the exhaust is divided into pairs that resemble hexagons on either side of the bumper. The standard fuel door is positioned immediately below the right-rear door and in the quarter panel, while the battery charging outlet is behind a door in the left-front fender, just in front of the driver's door and beneath the "XM" striped emblem.
A Star-Studded Interior
When we get inside the Concept XM, we are met by a distinctive interior design that BMW defines as "rockstar." That phrase isn't necessary used to describe the design because it's outrageous; rather, it's a homage to how each part is treated like concert staging. The front is referred to as the "front stage," where the band performs, and the back is referred to as the "backstage," where the band may rest and enjoy the opulent creature amenities that contemporary rock-and-roll provides.
Translation? The front section is more driver-focused, as any BMW M-model should be, so it's where the action occurs. (To be fair, the most of the action takes place in the front seat of any other human-driven automobile, but we digress.) The instrument panel is constructed of aged, tanned leather with carbon-copper weave accent and surrounds the driver. Yes, the unusual design in the centre console and main dashboard is made of carbon fibre with copper strands interwoven in an opposing lateral weave. The display, which is curled around the driver, provides the Concept XM a real, modern cockpit feel and, like the front end, offers a clue of future BMW designs. Just below the right-hand section of the curved display are three pieces with M tri-color stripes on their lower borders, serving as a reminder of the device's performance origins.
The backstage, on the other hand, is a significant departure from the driver-focused cockpit, with an almost jarringly luxury-focused environment dubbed the "M lounge." The main piece of the rear bench seat is made of black leather, while the bottom portion of the seatback and cushion are made of a velvet-like aquamarine-shade petrol fabric. Both the petrol fabric and the thick pile carpets have a "diamond stitch pattern," which appears to us to be more rhomboid than actual diamond pattern.
In any case, the deep couches and dark tinted rear windows provide the "M lounge" a genuinely pleasant and intimate atmosphere, similar to a real backstage area. It's debatable whether this is the type of experience M GmbH fans are searching for. In any case, LED accent lighting in the roof mouldings enhances the "concert experience" by giving the "diamond" headliner an organic, "coral" appearance in each of the three M stripe colours.
There Is Still Music
The Concept XM and production XM will be powered by a BMW V-8 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Not only does electrification increase the power of the gasoline engine, but it also allows for periods of near-silent, electric-only driving. While no official EPA figures have been released, BMW anticipates that the XM will be able to go up to 30 miles in EV-only mode.
More importantly for M enthusiasts, with both the V-8 and its electric aid motor are engaged, the XM is estimated to produce 750 horsepower and a maximum torque of 737 lb ft. The engine receives air through the twin holes on the back side of the hood, which are accentuated by the power domes that rise up from the grilles and are temporarily separated by a BMW roundel.
The 2023 BMW XM is slated to begin production in late 2022 at BMW's Spartanburg Plant in Spartanburg, SC. According to BMW, production will take place in the United States since it is "the most significant sales market for the new high-performance car."
The German luxury and performance manufacturer also claims that the production XM will be nearly identical to the Concept XM display vehicle seen here, right down to the inside and exterior decorations. BMW cautioned that the XM's design is "not the gospel," further muddying the waters (i.e., implying that things may change if customers aren't sold on the concept's appearance).
Given that the XM's production debut coincides with the 50th anniversary of BMW Motorsport, now known as BMW M, you can bet BMW is trying to nail this high-performance plug-in hybrid SUV as it welcomes in M's next 50 years.
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