The first look: XM is the most powerful BMW SUV yet

If you’re any kind of car enthusiast, you’ll know of BMW’s M division. Starting with the M1 launched way back in 1978, the Bavarian car company has been turning out performance-oriented cars regularly, each better than before. Recently BMW brought us its most powerful SUV, the XM. Featuring a 48V plug-in hybrid system, the XM’s design is as polarising as ever, and this seems intentional. Let’s get into it. (Image: BMW XM)

Statement of exclusivity | According to BMW, the design is a "statement of exclusivity, presence and performance", and that can really be seen through. Overall, the XM is a box of an SUV, but not the kind where you wonder what happened to the curves. Those are still there. The XM is sharp with bold lines on every corner and at every angle. (Image: BMW XM)

At the front, you see that typical BMW kidney grille and as big as it is, it’s still not X7 big. This is something I like. The change from sleek grilles to monstrous nostrils was quite a change and a lot became something of a controversial topic in the automotive world. What it did, however, was draw attention to itself. The XM does this, too, but instead of a large grille, we now have LED strips all around the holes and bronze strips around that as well. The bronze accents, in fact, continue further on the shoulder line of the SUV and then up and over the windows. The bronze is on the back as well but down on the diffusers, so it's a little more subtle. (Image: BMW XM)

Under the hood: Sheer power | Now, obviously, the XM isn’t all flash. They’ve already said this is the most powerful SUV they’ve built. Under the hood, what you see is a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine. This, in turn, is mated to a 48V plug-in hybrid system. The electric motors and the ICE engine together are capable of churning out 653 hp of maximum power and 800 Nm of torque. All of this is delivered to all four wheels. (Image: BMW XM)

But like we said, this is a plug-in hybrid which means it can run plainly on electricity as well. BMW says the XM can use electric mode to cruise for up to 82-88 km, according to the WLTP cycle, thanks to the 25.7 kWh battery pack. Using both the engine and the electric motor together is where the real speed figures show up. The XM is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. (Image: BMW XM)

Exclusive M lounge | On the inside, the XM is as premium as you would expect with the focus laid out mainly for the driver. M multifunction seats, knee pads and the M steering wheel, all come as standard. The BMW Curved Display is front and centre bringing the infotainment screen a little closer to the driver. The rear, too, is what BMW calls its exclusive M lounge with heated backrests and soft cushions for maximum comfort. (Image: BMW XM)

The interior trim is customisable with four options including vintage leather on the upper sections of the instrument panel and door panels. Other standard equipment includes ambient lighting, four-zone climate control, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system (Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system as optional), and the Travel and Comfort System. (Image: BMW XM)

Label Red coming | Back in September, BMW did tell us there is going to be an XM Label Red as well. This is a more powerful version of the company’s "most powerful" SUV. Unfortunately, there is only one picture and a set of preliminary specifications. This is enough to get us excited though as it says the Label Red will be capable of 750 hp of maximum power and 1000 Nm of peak torque. There are little asterisks on those figures meaning these are estimates, so there may be a few changes but whether those changes will be higher or lower, we will have to see. The Label Red also flaunts red exterior accents as compared to the bronze ones on the standard XM. It even has Red badging on the grille to properly differentiate the two SUVs. (Image: BMW XM)

What's the price tag? | As for India, BMW has said that the XM is all set to launch in India in December this year. We can expect the prices near the Rs 2.8 crore mark. The Label Red, on the other hand, should make it to India as well but at a later date. Upon launch, the BMW XM will go up against the Lamborghini Urus in India. (Image: BMW XM)