BMW High-Performance Exclusive Model XM, Launching Domestically Next Year

BMW XM undergoing test drive. (Photo by BMW Korea)

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] BMW's high-performance brand M's sports utility vehicle (SUV) XM will be launched domestically around the first half of next year. It is the second model dedicated to M after the M1.

BMW Korea held a 50th anniversary event for the establishment of M at the Driving Center in Yeongjongdo, Incheon on the 2nd and unveiled the new XM for the first time. Since the vehicle is still under development and has not been globally released, a prototype vehicle was brought into the country and shown to the press on a limited basis.

The new car is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicle combining a new 8-cylinder engine and an electric motor. According to the specifications currently under development, it has a maximum output of 650 horsepower and a combined maximum torque of 81.6 kg·m. It is the first to apply the hybrid-exclusive M all-wheel drive (xDrive) system.

BMW M is a motorsports-based high-performance specialized brand and is attached to high-performance models in the existing lineup. Models developed exclusively as separate high-performance vehicles like the new XM have only been the M1 before.

The vehicle is scheduled to complete development and be produced at the Spartanburg plant in the United States around December this year. A BMW Korea official said that the domestic launch is scheduled for the first half of next year.

M is a lineup reflecting the identity of the BMW brand emphasizing dynamic driving, which was first introduced in 1972 and has steadily expanded its lineup. The number of customers seeking it domestically is steadily increasing as well.

According to BMW Korea, the sales volume of the M brand in Korea has increased by an average of 35% annually over the past five years. As of this year, the 50th anniversary of the M brand launch, Korea ranks fifth worldwide and is the country with the highest sales in Asia. In the second half of this year, M models such as the M850i Coupe and Gran Coupe, M340i sedan and wagon (Touring), as well as electric SUV models, will be steadily launched domestically.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.