BMW XM is first M model to feature hybrid power

MANILA: The new BMW XM combines cutting-edge drive system technology with an amazing vehicle concept to create the first high-performance car from BMW M GmbH with an electrified drive system. A recently created plug-in hybrid powertrain with 653 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque powers the high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).

A new V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor built into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission make up the M Hybrid system in the BMW XM. The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system transfers power to the road.

With this setup, thrilling performance across the rpm range and up to 88 kilometers of pure-electric driving range are provided by the XM.

A striking outward design, a luxury interior that highlights the "M Lounge" concept, and the most recent technological and connection developments from BMW all work together to enhance the car's searing performance.

The 748hp BMW XM Label Red will join the lineup of BMW XM models in 2023 as an even more potent variation.

The newly created endurance racing vehicle from BMW M Motorsport and the BMW XM share a similar drive concept. In addition to powering BMW M Motorsport's comeback to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024, the BMW M Hybrid V8 will race in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America in 2023.

The BMW XM will go into production at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, USA, in December 2022, and the global market launch will start in the spring of 2023. In the UK, prices begin at £144,980 (P8.3 million).

A brand-new, high-rpm V8 engine with cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology is the brain of the M Hybrid propulsion system. A strengthened crankshaft drive, improved turbocharging placed near to the exhaust manifold with an electrically controlled blow-off valve, a new vane-type oil pump, and a weight-reducing plastic oil sump are all elements of the significantly revised 4.4-liter engine.

With its voracious appetite for revs and unwavering power across a broad engine speed range, the new V8 engine stands out. The combustion engine is the primary source of the overall output of 653 hp and 800 Nm of torque, producing a peak torque of 650 Nm between 1,600 to 5,000 rpm with a maximum output of 489 horsepower at 5,400 rpm. The driving system has a maximum rpm of 7,200.

Two electronically controlled flaps in the sports exhaust system manage the characteristic acoustics that accompany power delivery, and the engaging sound is also transmitted into the cabin via the audio system. Unique mounts connect the drive system with the front axle and the body, preventing vibrations from making their way into the interior.

A permanently energized synchronous motor built inside the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission supports the V8 engine in the BMW XM. The combustion engine's 650Nm and 280Nm of the electric motor combine to produce a maximum output of 653hp and 800Nm of torque, respectively. The electric motor adds up to 197hp to that output.

The electric motor is able to create propulsive power that would typically require a much larger unit thanks to a pre-gearing stage that raises its torque to 450Nm at the transmission input.

With this acceleration, the BMW XM can reach 200kph from rest in 14.3 seconds and zero to 100kph in 4.3 seconds, respectively. The top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, but can increase to 270kph with the optional M Driver's Package.

As well as providing an electric boost under acceleration, the electric motor performs a supporting role under steady loads, helping to increase the efficiency of the engine. This gives the BMW XM average fuel consumption of up to 188.3mpg in tests , combined electric power consumption of 28.9kWh per 100km and CO2 emissions as low as 33g/km.

The BMW XM’s electric motor allows it to cover a tested 88km in near-silence and with zero local emissions. The top speed in pure-electric mode is 140kph.

In the fall of 2023, BMW M will introduce the most potent series-produced vehicle in its history. The BMW XM Label Red's M Hybrid drive system boosts output to a new high of 748 horsepower and a maximum torque of 1,000Nm.

A 585hp variant of the brand-new high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology powers the BMW XM Label Red. Peak torque increases to 750Nm and is maintained between 1,800 and 5,400 rpm. At 5,800 rpm, the maximum output is produced.

The drive system in the BMW XM Label Red is impressive because it can instantly and at any time deliver sizable power reserves throughout a broad rpm range and into the higher rev range.

The interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor is controlled by the M Hybrid system’s power electronics. For example, intelligent energy management allows the battery charge level to be regulated so that the final stretch of a long journey can be covered using only electric power.

Utilizing a variety of parameters to determine the temperature at which the high-voltage battery can be charged at maximum power for the greatest amount of time, predictive heat management shortens charging periods by warming or cooling the battery.

In order to identify potential overheating early on, the charging socket on the BMW XM contains a sensor that checks the temperature at the plug contacts. It also has a helpful light so that users can quickly connect their car in the dark.

A stylish storage bag for the charging cable is made exclusively for the BMW XM and secured in the boot area using a crash-protective carabiner-belt combination.

The new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic channels not only the power generated by the combustion engine but also the drive torque from the integrated electric motor. The hybrid module additionally acts as an integrated drive-off element and allows the car to move at walking pace without the driver pressing the accelerator and bringing the combustion engine into play.

Fully automatic gear changes and manual shifting with sequential selection are both possible with the M Steptronic transmission. Gearshift paddles fitted to the steering wheel are standard. Using the Drivelogic button built into the M-specific selector lever, the transmission's characteristics can be changed in three phases.

Launch Control is a feature of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission that enables traction-optimized acceleration off the line. The slip-optimized drive torque limiter and the Launch Control's release logic are both controlled by the engine control unit.

A double-wishbone front axle with high levels of stiffness is part of the complex chassis technology found in the BMW XM, and the use of aluminum components lowers unsprung masses. The dampers are nearly entirely isolated from lateral forces thanks to a second level of control arms for wheel steering, which enhances damper response.

Due to its elastic attachment, the five-link rear axle guarantees precise wheel steering, exceptional straight-line poise, and superb ride comfort. Its links are made of sheet steel, which makes them lighter than steel.

The electromechanical roll stabilization system found on the BMW XM uses a 48V electric motor as an active connection between the two halves of the anti-roll bar at both the front and rear axle. A dedicated 48V electrical system made up of supercapacitors supplies energy to the electric motors. The system improves agility, directional accuracy and handling precision.

The active roll stabilization also increases comfort when driving in a straight line by decoupling the connection provided by a conventional anti-roll bar. This has the effect of correcting body roll when driving over surface imperfections on one side of the vehicle, lessening the associated side-to-side head movements they can cause. The Active Roll Comfort function goes further by actively suppressing rolling movements caused by bumps in the road on one side of the car, rather than just reducing them.

The BMW XM's outstanding visual effect is further highlighted by its external dimensions.

The car's body is 5,110mm long, while the wheelbase is 3,105mm in length. The BMW XM is the widest model in the BMW lineup at 2,005mm, and it is also the tallest at 1,755mm. The very strong roadholding is aided by the broad tracks (1,726mm in front and 1,690mm in back).

As for the exterior of the BMW XM, it is inspired by BMW's contemporary design language, with its broad, clearly defined surfaces and few, short, defining lines.

The BMW XM has a striking two-box look created by its long hood and expanded passenger cell. The long, rearward sloping roofline and raked windscreen highlight the coupé-like appearance. A side window graphic that tapers towards the back and is framed by a gold accent band emphasizes the car's sporty appearance. This historically significant feature gives the flanks of the car a distinctive flair.

Similar to the BMW M1's black strip running along the body, the BMW XM sports an accent band with "XM" writing that protrudes from the front wheel arches. The band twists upwards as it gets closer to the D-pillar in a creative interpretation of the Hofmeister kink.

The layout of the controls contributes to the racing atmosphere in the driver's seat, much like the M-specific visuals on the BMW Curved Display and conventional BMW Head-Up Display. The M leather steering wheel is model-specific and has M buttons, shift paddles, and red plus and minus symbols with carbon inlays.

Black Chrome trim pieces provide the multifunction buttons a classy appearance. The center console knee pads, M pedals, and M driver's footrest combine with the gear selector lever's characteristic cut-out, integrated cascade lighting, and Drivelogic buttons to produce the ideal BMW M recipe. The front and back door sill plates with the M emblem are likewise lighted and made of brushed aluminum as part of the standard equipment.

A generous feeling of space, high-quality materials and extravagant design transform the rear of the BMW XM into an exclusive M Lounge. The rear seat bench offers two outer seats with high levels of comfort and a full-size space for a third center passenger. Three-dimensional diamond quilting that extends into the door trim panels, diamond-shaped contours on the upper section of the backrest and integral head restraints give the rear seats a sporty appearance.

The sides of the backrests extend into the door trim panels, enabling passengers in the outer rear seats to face towards each other. The included seat heating for the M Lounge includes these side panels as well as the seat surfaces and backrests. Quilted Alcantara cushions in the same color as the seats with an inscribed M logo are also included.

BMW IconicSounds Electric is a standard feature of the BMW XM. An energizing acoustic tone that indicates the car is ready to drive is activated when the start/stop button is pressed. Every time you press the accelerator pedal while driving, the M-specific electric drive sound responds.

The BMW Group and Hans Zimmer, a composer of movie scores, worked together to create the music for the vehicle. For the first time, when the combustion engine is functioning, the power delivery of the motor keeps its audio accompaniment. A characteristic boost sound provides an audible representation of the performance of the electric motor when the drive system is in Sport or Sport Plus mode.

Photos from BMW

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