[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] BMW unveiled the high-performance sports utility vehicle (SUV) New XM for the first time on the 29th Korean time. The company adds an M to its high-performance lineup, and the new XM was developed as an M-exclusive model, not a derivative of an existing vehicle. This is the first time an M-exclusive model has been released since the 1978 sports coupe M1.
BMW has so far released high-performance models based on existing models such as the M3 and M5, but the new XM is not such a derivative model. The letter X is used by BMW for its SUV models. The company refers to SUVs as SAVs, Sports Activity Vehicles, emphasizing dynamism. The high-performance M lineup is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The vehicle is a hybrid equipped with an M TwinPower Turbo high-revving V8 gasoline engine and an electric motor. It delivers a maximum output of 653 horsepower and a maximum torque of 81.6 kg·m. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The high-voltage battery capacity is 25.7 kWh, allowing for an electric-only driving range of up to 88 km based on WLTP standards. The top speed in electric mode is 140 km/h.
It features IconicSound Electric, co-developed with German film music composer Hans Zimmer. This function produces dynamic and impressive sounds tailored to driving conditions. The exterior emphasizes a strong impression with distinct contours and highlights throughout. Features include separated headlights, a grille with illuminated edges, and large air intakes.
The front seats include M multifunction seats and a dedicated steering wheel, along with a curved display and an M-exclusive head-up display with special graphics. The rear seats are configured as an M-exclusive lounge, featuring a 3D prism-structured headliner and specially designed seat cushions. Interior mood lighting, 4-zone air conditioning, and a Harman Kardon surround system are standard. The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround system is available as an option.
Despite being a high-performance model, a chassis system that considers ride comfort has been applied. Driving-related settings can be directly specified through the M configuration menu. Electronically controlled Adaptive M Suspension Professional and active roll stabilization with a 48V electric motor are standard. Integral Active Steering, a rear-wheel steering function, is included as standard for the first time among M models.
M-exclusive iDrive and BMW Live Cockpit Professional are installed. A curved display integrating a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display is applied. Through broadband wireless technology, it is possible to lock or unlock the car doors simply by having an Apple iPhone without any special operation.
Personalized functions based on BMW ID and an eSIM function designed for 5G mobile technology are also available. It is scheduled to be introduced domestically around next spring.
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