It’s a concept as you see it here, but do not dismiss the XM as a flight of fancy. The hybrid powertrain is being previewed in likely production form, and the next time we see those aggressively chiselled looks will be on the production version, to be badged BMW XM, which is due in showrooms at the end of 2022. It will be made in BMW’s assembly plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The XM is a bespoke machine based on the similarly US-built X7 but with unique styling to make it a new pinnacle SUV for the brand and which, like its famous M1 forebear, will have no equivalent in the regular BMW range. Elements of the XM including the front-end styling with its light-up kidney grilles will however filter down to other luxury BMW models in due course.
Designed perhaps more for its main market of the United States than Europe, the XM in concept form is not for the faint-hearted. Pretty is not a word you could use here. Head on, the BMW face is clear, though with features – the geometric intakes, tiny lights and massive grille – that are clearly evolved from BMW’s latest design language. Neat touches include powerdomes on the bonnet and LED spotlights above the windscreen.
In profile the XM’s severely chiselled lines and rising waistline present a new side to BMW design, one that perhaps may take more time getting used to. Black A pillars and heavy black beltline, contrasting body colours top and bottom, falling roofline and chunky hexagonal wheelarches could all belong on a number of cars, not specially BMWs though. The rear end is equally bold.