As its 50th anniversary celebrations continue, BMW M GmbH unleashes high performance in a form never experienced before. Innovative drive system technology, a unique vehicle concept, a door opened into a whole new market segment and the ambition to attract new groups of customers – the first-ever BMW XM wraps all these elements in a confidently dramatic exterior design that exudes power and emotion and an interior that is at once intensely driver-focused, boldly modern, and indulgently sybaritic. The BMW XM comes as standard with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which brings with it an M-specific version of the latest-generation of BMW iDrive. The information display’s newly designed graphic layout and the M-style content shown there support the driver with a focused, performance-led driving experience. Vehicle speed is shown on the left of the display both as a figure and as a digital scale, along with information such as fuel level and the status of the driver assistance systems. The right-hand section indicates engine speed, the gear currently engaged, the transmission’s Drivelogic setting, the charge level of the high-voltage battery and the setup selected with the M button on the steering wheel. The familiar M Shift Lights are shown in the upper section of the information display. A display bar at the lower edge of the screen provides information including the status of the driving stability systems, M xDrive and the traction control technology. The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional also includes the BMW Head-Up Display with M specific readouts.
The all-new BMW XM is fitted with a newly developed plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The M HYBRID system in the BMW XM consists of a new 483-hp V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and a 194-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. Together, they generate a maximum system output of 644 hp at 5,400 RPM and 590 ft-lbs of torque between 1,600 and 5,000 RPM. The BMW XM shares its drive concept of an eight-cylinder combustion engine supported by an electric motor with the newly developed endurance racing car from BMW M Motorsport. The BMW M Hybrid V8 will go racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America in 2023 at venues including Daytona. The following season, it will power BMW M Motorsport’s return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Power is channeled to the road via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The combination of an electric motor and eight-cylinder engine produces immense, instantaneously available power sustained throughout the rev range. The M HYBRID system also enables purely electric driving with an anticipated range of 30 miles (estimated range of up to 30 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards). The VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control now includes a switchable rocker arm on the exhaust side, which allows the engines exhaust valves to be shut entirely. This way, when the driver releases the accelerator, a higher proportion of the braking energy can be fed into the high-voltage battery by means of recuperation. The extensively updated, 4.4-liter engine utilizes the thermodynamic benefits of a cross-bank exhaust manifold.
The V8 engine in the BMW XM is supported by an electric motor which, like the plug-in hybrid system’s power electronics and high-voltage battery, is a product of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The permanently excited synchronous motor is integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and helps to provide quick throttle response. Aided by the grip of M xDrive and a sophisticated launch control system, the BMW XM accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, or 168 mph if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified. The top speed in pure electric mode is 87 mph. The electric motor contributes up to 194 hp to the maximum system output of 644 hp. The maximum system torque produced by the combination of electric motor and combustion engine is 590 lb-ft. A pre-gearing stage is used to increase the maximum torque produced by the electric motor to 332 lb-ft at the transmission input. This innovation enables the electric motor integrated into the transmission housing to generate substantial levels of power that could normally only be achieved using a far larger unit. Developed by BMW, the extra gearing stage between the electric motor’s rotor and the transmission’s input shaft gives a boost to the M HYBRID system’s torque delivery. This torque is instantly on tap when pulling away and makes a clear difference both when accelerating off the line and passing at speed on the highway.
Following the launch of the BMW XM in the first quarter of 2023, BMW M will reveal a special model in the BMW XM line-up: the BMW XM Label Red. The BMW XM Label Red will be the first in a series of BMW XM Label models, and available for a limited period of time. This special model will feature over 735 bhp and 735 lb-ft of torque, unique paint, wheel, upholstery, and trim selections, and an MSRP starting over $185,000. Production of the BMW XM Label Red is expected to begin in the Summer of 2023. Details on how to order the BMW XM Label Red will be available at a later date. The Combined Charging Unit of the M HYBRID system enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW. This means the high-voltage battery can be replenished from zero to 100 percent charge in 3.25 hours. The Combined Charging Unit also acts as a voltage transformer to supply the 12V electrical system. Predictive heat management reduces charging times by warming or cooling the battery as needed. The system uses data on the outside temperature, predicted charging power, charge stroke between the current actual value and the target value, the car’s remaining range and the distance to the destination to calculate the target temperature at which the high-voltage battery can be charged at maximum power for the longest possible time. The M HYBRID drive system in the BMW XM has a cooling system tailored to its high-performance mission. Large air apertures at the front of the BMW XM, generously sized heat exchangers, and an integrated system for controlling the temperature of the combustion engine, the transmission (including the electric motor), and the high-voltage battery ensure ideal operating temperatures for the drive system technology in everyday driving situations and under sustained high power demand. Transmission oil cooling is done by an upstream air heat exchanger. Water-carrying components have been flow-optimized to achieve maximum cooling power while keeping pumping rates low. All the heat exchangers are sealed against the surrounding structure using soft materials to enable optimal airflow.
The coordination of the combustion engine and electric motor is handled by the M HYBRID system’s power electronics. Intelligent energy management allows the battery’s charge level to be regulated so that the final stretch of a longer journey through a built-up area can be covered using only electric power, for example.
The HV battery’s low installation height allows it to be mounted in the underbody of the BMW XM. The lithium-ion battery offers high energy density at a cell and battery pack level. It provides a constant flow of power across a wide temperature range and under the heavy loads of performance driving. It has a net usable energy content of 25.7 kWh (29.5 kWh gross).The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic is also a first from BMW M. It channels not only the power generated by the combustion engine, but also the drive torque from the integrated electric motor as required to enhance either efficiency, comfort or power delivery. The hybrid module also acts as an integrated drive-off element and allows the car to creep at walking pace without the driver pressing the accelerator and firing the combustion engine. A wet multi-plate separation clutch manages the smooth engagement and disengagement of the combustion engine during a journey. Its low drag torque allows the clutch to be open when driving in pure-electric mode. Furthermore, the separation clutch can eliminate torsional vibrations generated by the combustion engine using micro-slip control. In combination with the integrated torsional vibration damper system, this helps to ensure high levels of acoustic comfort at low revs.
The interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor in the BMW XM can be adjusted by selecting specific driving modes. The driver can call up the relevant menu using the M HYBRID button on the control panel in the center console and access it on the control display. In the ELECTRIC driving mode, the BMW XM uses only the power from the electric drive system up to its 87 mph top speed. In this mode, the combustion engine is only activated under kickdown or when switching into the transmission’s manual mode – using either the gear selector or one of the shift paddles on the steering wheel. HYBRID driving mode is the default setting and gives the driver access to the full system output of combustion engine and electric motor in tandem. The amount each drive source contributes to the performance experience depends on the drive configuration selected from the M Setup menu. In the Comfort setting, the electric motor is used without engaging the combustion engine as often as possible, optimizing the efficiency of the BMW XM. If the battery is at a very low state of charge, the generator function raises the engine’s load point to feed additional power into the high-voltage battery. In the drive system’s Sport and Sport Plus modes, the combustion engine is always active.
Its double-wishbone front axle boasts high levels of longitudinal and lateral rigidity, while the use of aluminum components reduces unsprung weight. The design includes a second level of control arms for wheel guidance, which means the dampers are almost completely isolated from lateral forces, improving damper response. With its long wheelbase and wide tracks, the vehicle concept underpinning the BMW XM is well-suited to delivering a balanced blend of high performance and comfort. High degrees of wheel camber at the front and rear axle enhance the handling, as do the nearly 50/50 weight distribution and the very rigid body and chassis mountings. The positioning of the M HYBRID system’s high-voltage battery in the vehicle floor gives the BMW XM a low center of gravity, which has a positive effect on its agility and cornering dynamics. The five-link rear axle ensures precise wheel guidance and outstanding straight-line poise, together with impressive ride comfort thanks to its elastic mounting. The sheet-steel construction of its links helps to reduce weight, as do the aluminum wheel carriers and forged upper control arms. The rear-axle subframe made from aluminum offers high structural rigidity and features a large supporting base along with additional thrust arms. The camber arms with aerodynamically optimized paneling on their underside form an integral part of the completely sealed underbody, thereby helping to lower aerodynamic drag and substantially reduce rear axle lift. The BMW XM is equipped with steel springs that have been designed to meet the requirements of a high-performance model’s handling dynamics and offer high levels of roll and vertical stabilization while also minimizing weight. Linear springs are fitted at the front axle and progressive springs at the rear.
The progressive front-end design developed exclusively for the BMW luxury class has been given a unique adaptation for the BMW XM, announcing both its presence and remarkable performance equally. Smooth surfaces and sharp edges bring clarity and confidence to the front end. Alongside the fresh interpretation of the twin headlights and BMW M kidney grille, the large air intakes are a defining feature of the front end. The sensor and camera systems required for the driver assistance tech are integrated discreetly into the front apron. The two elements of the grille stand out clearly from the surrounding surfaces. Within them are the horizontal grille bars that have become a hallmark feature of the high-performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH, while the double surrounds of the kidneys emphasize their octagonal contours. The outer border of each kidney is finished in high-gloss black, while the inner surround provides contour lighting in the form of a sharply drawn, unbroken light ring. The BMW XM is equipped as standard with Adaptive LED Headlights, whose light functions are split into two separate areas. The daytime driving lights, side lights and turn indicators are integrated into the ultra-slim, crisply contoured upper elements, each consisting of two LED units. The low-beam and high-beam headlights are positioned in the lower, darkened area of the headlight units deeply embedded in the front apron. The side window shape is bordered by a high-gloss black accent band. Another black accent band emerges from the front wheel arches, and as it approaches the D-pillar the band turns upwards in a fresh imagining of the Hofmeister kink.
