The front end
 
The BMW Concept XM debuts the new, progressive front end design for BMW’s luxury-class models, a version of which will be seen for the first time in 2022 as part of the BMW model offensive in the luxury segment. The headlights have been split into two separate modules, a new design feature which creates a visually arresting appearance. The daytime driving light signature in the sharply styled, slim upper module is particularly eye-catching. The kidney grille featuring horizontal slats sits boldly between the headlights and tapers towards the outer edges, producing a near-octagonal outline that emphasizes the front end’s dynamic character. The black kidney grille elements are enclosed within an intricate surround and appear almost to be floating freely within a high-gloss black surface. M-style double bars within the grille add to the perception of width. Vibrant contour lighting sets off the grille, ensuring the striking composition of the kidneys and the daytime driving lights is immediately recognizable even in the dark. The new XM logo in the kidney grille and the large air intakes allude to the power of the V8 engine, which is teamed with the electric motor to form the M Hybrid system.
 
M-specific details
 
The greenhouse of the BMW Concept XM rises vertically, accentuating the front end’s strong, imposing feel. The color of the roof contrasts with the black finish of the A-pillars. The windscreen appears to have a steeper rake as a result, injecting a modern vitality into the front end. Slim LED lights have been incorporated into the roof above the A-pillars. The boldly sculpted hood extends the contours of the kidney grille back in the form of two power domes. A pair of air intakes in the hood mimic the appearance of the LED lights in the roof and add extra dynamic flair. Framing the statuesque body at its lower edge are the clean-cut black surfaces of the front apron. Triangular body-colored blades at the outer edges accentuate the vertical air intakes while emphasizing the sporty and robust stance of the BMW Concept XM.
 
The side view
 
The powerful and heavily contoured proportions of the BMW Concept XM highlight the vehicle’s confidently unique identity and draw the eye to the coupé-like character of the body. The visually striking front end, long hood and stretched, sloping roofline present a characterful design with a distinctive silhouette. The side glass tapers significantly as it approaches the rear, heightening the athleticism of the side view.
 
The two-tone paint finish of the BMW Concept XM further accentuates its distinctive lines: the upper section is matte gold-bronze, while the lower section is finished in Space Grey Metallic. Below the side glass, a broad, high-gloss black boundary – the “black belt” – separates the two exterior colors. The signature two-post M exterior mirrors give the car a technical, sporty edge. The charge port door aft of the front-left wheel is a reminder of the M Hybrid drive system within.
 
Throughout the side view, deliberately short character lines, which start off boldly before fading softly, accentuate the car’s agile, modern feel. The expressive rear lights extend well into the car’s flanks and create a striking transition into the rear. The black cladding above the wheels and on the side skirts – typical of BMW X models – is sharply defined and gives the body an elevated appearance. The elongated body sits on 23-inch light-alloy wheels, which bring extra power and solidity to the side view.
 
The rear
 
The design of the rear end likewise accentuates the vehicle’s powerful stature, and the BMW Concept XM cuts a low and sporty figure from this angle. The rear window is mounted almost seamlessly. The fresh interpretation of the design can also be seen in the arrangement of the two BMW roundels, which are laser-etched into the rear window below each of the two cantrails. This is a stylistic reference to the BMW M1; until now, the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M GmbH.
 
Lower down at the rear, prominently flared wheel arches draw attention to the BMW Concept XM’s powerful stance on the road. Extremely slim L-shaped rear lights extending across almost the entire width of the rear add to the effect. The lights themselves are completely black when not active, revealing a precise and uniform beam of red when switched on. Dominating the rear apron are the characteristic twin tailpipes of BMW M models. The dual-branch, twin-tailpipe exhaust system employed here reduces backpressure for the V8 engine while generating the emotionally rich M-typical soundtrack accompanying the engine’s formidable power delivery. The vertical arrangement and hexagonal shape of the tailpipes breathe new life into this classically iconic design element.
 
The interior design

 
Inside the BMW Concept XM, the driver will find a distinctive M interpretation of driver-focused cockpit design. The lines and surface design of the instrument panel, center console, door trim and seats give the ambience in the front compartment a progressive feel with their powerful geometry and high-quality materials. Brown, vintage-look leather, copper and carbon fiber create a bridge between luxury and motorsport. A bold trim element provides clear visual separation between the driver’s area and the other sections of the interior.
 
Inside the cockpit area, a decorative surface made from carbon fiber with interwoven copper thread creates a sporty and distinctive backdrop for displays, air vents and control/operating elements. The new BMW Curved Display screen positioned above it creates a balance between traditional driver focus and modern digital presentation. Red accents on the steering wheel and center console are M-specific references to the vehicle’s sporting intention. A trio of vertical elements presented in the three colors of the BMW M brand logo form the heart of the center console.
 
The M Lounge

The unwavering driver focus of the front compartment contrasts with the indulgently luxurious, lounge-like ambience in the rear of the BMW Concept XM. Special materials, visually powerful surfaces and expressive details turn the rear seating into the exclusive M Lounge. Black-tinted rear side windows underscore the abiding sense of privacy here. While warm brown leather dominates the front compartment, the rear is presented in the deep aquamarine shade Petrol. The broad rear bench with its deep recesses forms an inviting space to relax. Only the diamond-shaped area of the head restraints – which provides the support familiar from BMW M Sport seats in other models – is finished in leather. The lower sections of the seats offer enveloping comfort and an exclusive salon-like atmosphere with their luxurious velvet upholstery and diamond quilting. Deep pile carpeting in a diamond pattern adds to the sense of exclusivity.
 
BMW Curved Display

Based on the latest generation of BMW iDrive, the M-specific version of the control/operation system renders the high-performance character of the BMW Concept XM within the digital world. Displayed in the familiar three M colors, the user interface lends itself perfectly to a sporty driving experience. It presents the modes of the hybrid drive system as well as the pure-electric driving mode with captivating aesthetic appeal. The BMW Curved Display provides the perfect stage for presenting this tailored design and previews the user interface that will bring extra intensity to the driving experience in all future BMW M models.
 
— Press release courtesy of BMW