Home / News / New BMW XM launched in South Africa – A R3.4-million M original

New BMW XM launched in South Africa – A R3.4-million M original

The new BMW XM has officially gone on sale in South Africa at a starting price of R3.4 million, making it the second-most expensive BMW in the country behind the M8.

The XM made its local debut last year at BMW’s M Fest held at Kyalami Raceway in Midrand, Gauteng, where it grabbed people’s attention with its unique powertrain, visuals, and price tag.

The SUV is the brand’s first M original car in 45 years, offering a blend of high-end luxury and performance befitting its sporty credentials.

M Performance

The XM is not only the brand’s first M original in decades, but it is also the first M vehicle to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 4.4-litre, TwinPower turbo V8 engine working in tandem with a 25.7kWh battery and motor.

By itself, the V8 will generate an already substantial 360kW and 650Nm, but thanks to the electric motor, the SUV has an absurd combined output of 480kW and 800Nm.

This power is then sent to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and the result is that the 2.7-tonne SUV can sprint to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds before capping out at an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.

It also features adaptive suspension, active roll control, and rear-wheel steering – another first for an M original.

Additionally, the BMW’s semi-electric nature means it can travel for up to 88km at a max speed of 140km/h before needing to be recharged.

X Luxury

BMW has stated that the XM is its response to the popularity of super SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus, which becomes evident when you open the doors.

In here, you are met with luxurious materials moulded in hexagonal shapes, such as the svelte rooflining, to lend the passenger cell both a classy and sporty atmosphere, and finding a panel covered in plain plastic proves more difficult than in most of its competitors.

The performance car also has four-zone climate control, a heads-up display, a Harman/Kardon surround sound system, M-branded leather Sports seats with heating and ventilation, a model-exclusive leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, and a curved screen on the dash comprised of a 12.3-inch driver’s display and a 14.9-inch infotainment centre with smartphone pairing.

Moreover, it comes with assistance functions such as front and rear parking sensors, a 3D-view camera, cruise control, front-collision warning, lane-departure warning, evasion assist, driver alertness assist, a speed limiter, and blind-spot monitors.

Outside, you can expect to see 21-inch alloy wheels, and an exterior that is laced with gold-effect decals including the large kidney grille with its LED-illuminated rim.

If all this isn’t enough, buyers can upgrade to vintage leather upholstery, active cruise control, and a Bowers and Wilkins audio system for an additional cost.

Each purchase includes a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan, as well as an 8-year/100,000km warranty on the hybrid battery.


BMW XM


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