As BMWBLOG anticipated last week, the production-ready XM will break cover on September 27. A new teaser video released by BMW USA includes a link to the company’s website where it has started the countdown until the big debut. We also get to see a shadowy front fascia with the big grille featuring an illuminated contour while being flanked by split headlights.
Compared to last year’s wild Concept XM, the kidneys have actually gone down a size or two but remain fairly large to lend the plug-in hybrid SUV an imposing front fascia. Those slim LED daytime running lights placed above the low/high beams follow the same theme already applied to the 7 Series G70 and the X7 LCI. For the time being, these are the only three BMWs to have the unusual headlight arrangement since next year’s X5/X6 LCI and the new 5 Series will have a traditional layout with one-piece lights.
“The worlds of X and M collide” is the motto used by the Bavarian brand to describe the XM, which has already been subjected to criticism. BMW is a business at the end of the day and has decided to channel its efforts into a performance SUV since it has a higher chance of being a commercial success than a dedicated sports car. Lest we forget a modern-day 3.0 CSL is coming before the year’s end as the highlight of the M division’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, so purists still have a good reason to be excited.
Much like the defunct i8, the XM will be sold exclusively with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The launch version will use the new S68 engine. A twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V8 with mild-hybrid tech, the ICE will work together with an electric motor to deliver a combined 650 horsepower. The range-topping XM is due later next year with around 750 hp. There are also rumors of an inline-six PHEV setup with just under 500 hp for a future entry-level trim.
Other known facts about the 2023 XM include an xDrive- and automatic-only setup, complete with rear-wheel steering and up to 23-inch alloys. It won’t be offered with air suspension or carbon-ceramic brakes, and we know for a fact it’ll weigh around 2,700 kg (just under 6,000…
