BMW pushes the boundaries of vehicle aesthetics with the XM concept

2021-12-08 06:21:38 By : Mr. Ron Guo

You may not have heard of Dartz. This is an automobile manufacturer headquartered in Latvia, specializing in the production of heavy armored vehicles.

These cars are not made for the military, or even for the police force, but for "ultra-high-net-worth individuals." In other words, the rich.

The wealthy who want bulletproof armor also want the upholstery leather made of crocodile skin, the fanatical style of the Sylvester Stallone movie fans of the 1980s, and the optional bulletproof hoodie with crocodile leather trim. Yes really. You can even order 18-carat gold interior switches and buttons.

Why should I tell you a company that claims to be a "bullet-proof wealthy trusted by billionaires, czars, superstars, and generals"? Because BMW seems to be trying to get fit in Dartz's problematic aesthetic stamping field with the new XM concept car.

If you think that BMW's recent M3 and iX electric SUVs have pushed the "big grille" to the limit, then... be prepared to sigh.

The XM concept car has the largest nostril in BMW's history, and now this does illustrate some problems.

The grilles are so large that they downgrade the lights to operating status-the LED driving lights are slits under the edge of the hood, while the high beam unit is hidden in a "black panel" that is located in the grid. One side of the gate. To maximize the show off, that grille actually has its own mood lighting.

The sides and rear of Concept XM have a fashionable style that can only be described as cash transport, with small, shallow windows, and the rough style of metalwork usually reserved for Transformers toys.

"The design of the BMW XM concept car is the core luxury statement of BMW M in the luxury car sector," said Domagoj Dukec, head of BMW Design. "It has a unique identity and embodies an expressive lifestyle that other models in the BMW series do not have." Quite...

As the name suggests, Concept XM is still just a concept. It was designed as a gift for the 50th anniversary of BMW's legendary M high-performance brand. Anyone who cherishes previous M cars like the original M1, the 1980s M3, and the current M2 may be reaching out for a sick bag at this time.

However, the concept of XM will not last long. BMW is building it seriously, and we don't want to see many major changes between this model and the final production model. Once it enters the showroom in 2023, it will be the first customized BMW M car since the mid-engine M1 coupe in the 1970s.

Like all M-cars, it will have amazing power. XM is a plug-in hybrid car that combines an electric motor and a V8 gasoline engine to produce a claimed 750 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque.

BMW hasn't made any performance claims, but it does mention that if you charge the battery, it should be able to drive 80 kilometers on electric power. This will surely appease your local Green Party members...

Internally, XM upgrades the large, curved digital instrumentation and infotainment system from the current iX electric SUV, but adds items such as carbon fiber panel woven with copper wires and the cabin divided between the front and rear.

"The BMW XM concept car represents a complete reimagining of the high-performance automotive segment," said Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M Division.

"It emphasizes the BMW M's ability to break established conventions and push boundaries to provide the brand's fans with the ultimate driving experience. This production car-the first pure BMW M model since the legendary BMW M1-also showcases us How to gradually realize the electrification of our brand."

If this is the 50th birthday of the BMW M badge, frankly, we prefer gift cards...

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