Nomenclature, Platform and other details;
The XM was internally codenamed as "Project Rockstar" by BMW. XM is the 2nd standalone product after almost 50 years (first being M1), Pure M SUV built by the M Division hence the name XM was given. However to get this name BMW had to get permission from Citroen Because the XM moniker originally belonged to Citroen for their flagship XM;
However after a constructive dialogue between the two companies it led to a GENTLEMANS AGREEMENT where BMW was allowed to use the XM moniker.
It was not one sided as Citroen too got to use the X moniker for its C5X (launched in 2021) where previously the bavarains are known for using the X with a numerical for its SUVs.
The XM is based on the updated version of the CLAR platform also known as the Cluster Architecture. This platform aids weight reduction in the chassis without compromising on structural integrity. Platform allows semi autonomous driving & other advanced tech. features. Interestingly it doesn’t get BMW’s patent carbon core technology (reserved for sedans may be).
Driving Experience;
So i have had multiple encounters with the XM, the 1st one was at the service centre where the 1st XM (show/media car) had come for PDI i was not allowed to click any pics, the 2nd time was at the Joy Town event where i got a pvt. tour (Interior & Exterior), thirdly was driving one at a dragstrip and that time i got a fair understanding of the capabilities of the XM & its drivetrain;
Now driving one in the real world scenario, my personal opinion is that the XM possesses enough power to keep you engaged in any condition, clearly there is no need for any more;
However, if you look at the specifications of this engine which is a 4.4 L V8 & having driven other BMW V8's i'd say that this engine specifications are very modest as the internal combustion engine is producing under 500 HP. V8 from the X5M also produces more than 600 HP, hence this V8 in the XM feels restricted. We need to remember that this is a hybrid and the combined HP rating is 653 HP. So a lot of the HP is coming from the Electric Motor which feels like an additional turbo boost to make 800 NM as the torque number which cannot be ignored.
Outright acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.3 secs) is outrageously quick for its weight (aprox 2.75 MT), but the yet to launch Label Red is the actual Super SUV.
The gearbox being the M steptronic (4th Gen.) transmission makes the shift performance interestingly good specially the way it manages torque delivery of the IC engine & the integrated electric motor. Throttle response is instant as this M hybrid powertrain makes the XM charge like a Rhino at any RPM. The exhaust note is also very unique with the V8 muscle sound in combination with an energy charged soundtrack pumped through the Bowers & Wilkins audio system
Handling;
We are aware this is the most powerful car made by BMW but this is also the heaviest (Armoured / Protection variants aside) car BMW has ever made.
Keeping that in mind, the handling performance is very appealing. M Adaptive Suspension does a good job in really making the suspension stiff and aiding confidence to manage weight (with 50:50 distribution) and dimensions. Also the XM is the 1st BMW to come with Active Steering, the system works by adjusting steering angle and ratio based on speed, giving drivers greater control over their vehicle's handling. The brakes are good enough & also offer 2 pedal feel settings, One is more direct execution or 2nd is the comfortable feel, this can be configured in the iDrive.
Ride;
Ride is stiff. Chassis in comfort does free up the suspension a bit and aids comfort cruising fur sure but needs good roads as it's running on a 22" Wheel setup & that's the smaller wheel as the gold rims are 23"ers. Interestingly the tyres were Yokohama (V107) tubeless, usually Michelin dominates M division tyre supply followed by Continental.
Final Thoughts;
Super SUV space is hotter than ever before as Aston Martin, Ferrari & Lamborghini have entered this category with their best foot forward. Clearly the XM is positioned to take away sales from the G63 & the Lamborghini Urus as well. So, to conclude things it would be fair to say that If you're looking for the biggest, brawniest, top of the food-chain BMW SUV out there, then the BMWM division have you covered.