PRE-BOOKING for BMW Malaysia's first luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with begins on Oct 20.
The electric drive XM features the BMW M Hybrid drive system thats coupled with a model-specific M suspension technology and flap-controlled sports exhaust system.
Its all-new 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 internal combustion engine alone delivers 489 hp and a maximum torque of 650 Nm, while its high-voltage battery with a capacity of 25.7 kWh (net) gives the SAV an all-electric range of up to 88 km.
The battery can be charged at up to 7.4 kW at an AC charging station while a complete charge from 0 to 100 per cent takes 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission the total combined powertrain delivers 653 hp and 800 Nm of torque.
It goes from 0-100kph in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed capped at 250 kph - 270 kph with the M Driver's package as standard. Electric top speed is capped at 140 kph. Launch Control is also present.
Intelligent M xDrive all-wheel drive system is a standard here focusing on driving dynamics, optimum handling and maximum traction. Drivers can also select the 4WD Sport mode in addition to the basic 4WD setting.
4WD Sand mode is available to optimise traction when driving on loose surfaces - achieved as the standard M Sport differential ensures variable distribution of drive power between the rear wheels for improved traction and driving stability.
Adaptive M Suspension Professional as standard as it is equipped with electronically controlled dampers and features Active Roll Stabilisation that reduces lateral body movements for greater agility and improved cornering behaviour.
Integral Active Steering is another component of the chassis design where the rear wheels turn in tandem with the front wheels at higher speeds for greater vehicle stability. Conversely the rear wheels instead steer in the opposite direction of the front wheels for improved manoeuvrability at lower speeds.
Dynamic handling is bolstered by the vehicle's low centre of gravity and advanced control systems such as the actuator-based wheel slip limitation.
Standard M Sport brakes in Black High-Gloss with 508 mm compound brake discs on the front axle allows the XM necessary optimum deceleration.
Electrifying design
Standard design features includes the M Aerodynamics Package, Adaptive LED headlights with High-beam Assistant, and M High-Gloss Shadow Line with extended contents available for the Shadow Line profile.
Side profile is enhanced by a nightgold-coloured trim strip running parallel to the window line, 23-inch M Star Spoke 923 M wheels in Bicolour Nightgold (23-inch M Law Star Spoke 923 M in Bicolour Black for Shadow Line profile), and the XM's PHEV charger cap. Rear highlight includes twin hexagonal tailpipes.
Cabin is complete with carbon fibre rim finishers and the BMW Curved Display which consists of an Information Display and a high-resolution touchscreen control display. The M status is further defined by the M Leather Steering Wheel, M Seat Belts and M Multifunctional Seats.
New vintage Walknappa leather in Coffee Brown has been utilised on the door panels and the upper sections of the instrument panel.
Active seat ventilation and 4-zone automatic air conditioning control are included with massage function available for the driver and front passenger. Ambient light, BMW Iconic Sounds Electric, and Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System completes the cabin atmosphere.
At rear M Lounge of the cabin is a contrast to the cockpit with a full-width rear seat bench that curves and encloses the passengers. The Alcantara headliner with its prismatic 3D structure creates a visual highlight.
In terms of size the XM measures 5,100 mm in length, 2,005 mm in width and 1,755 mm in height, while its wheelbase measures 3,105 mm. Luggage capacity is measured at 527 litres thats expandable to 1,820 litres.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional features a 12.3-inch Information Display working in tandem with the 14.9-inch control display, integrated BMW Head-Up Display, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, and the M specific BMW Operating System 8 which enables intuitive control of vehicle functions using natural speech.
Digital features and services include the BMW ID which ensures personalised settings are loaded as soon as the vehicle is unlocked, BMW Gesture Control for in-cabin system voice operation, Connected Package Professional I, Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Connected Drive Services, and Smartphone Integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Comfort Access allows keyless start up and entry from a distance which it unlocks the doors automatically. Alternatively, drivers can also use their smart device (if compatible) as a contactless key with the BMW Digital Key Plus feature which enables them to automatically unlock their vehicle door when approaching the vehicle.
Numerous assistance systems come as standard such as: Driving Assistant Professional, which includes features such as Distance Control (ACC), automatic Speed Limit Assist, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Change Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Front/Rear Crossing-traffic Warning, Rear Collision Prevention and Exit Warning when opening the doors, Emergency Stop Assistant, Evasion Assistant, Emergency Corridor Assistant and Priority Warning.
Standard Parking Assistant Plus includes Reversing Assist Camera, Lateral Parking Aid, Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control, Reversing Assistant, Parking View, Surround View system, Remote 3D View, Drive Recorder and Anti-theft Recorder. Other safety features include the Attentiveness Assistant, Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians and Active Protection.
Exterior colour offerings include: Cape York Green Metallic, Carbon Black, Marina Bay Blue, Toronto Red, Mineral White, Black Sapphire and Dravite Grey.
Interior upholstery is available in Leather Merino Deep Lagoon with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Silverstone with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Black and Leather Merino Sakhir Orange.
The estimated retail pricing (on the road, without insurance) of the XM with extended 5-year warranty and service package is RM 1,400,000 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM 820,000 for Langkawi.
It is currently in the final stages of its development with production anticipated to begin at the US BMW Group Spartanburg plant in December this year.