A week ago, I glanced in the mirror as I was driving along Borrowdale Road. Looking for an opening to go past my Pajero, I saw this intimidating and daring vehicle that filled my rearview mirror. In the blink of an eye, it roared past me and vanished before my own eyes. It appeared intimidating and beautiful, but I couldn't identify the make or model of the automobile.

As I pursued it, a red traffic light allowed me to catch up. It was the most recent model year of the BMW XM, which is notoriously unattractive but grows on the eyes with its massive presence. Its probably the only one in the country for now. Only petrol heads would understand the chase I embarked on.

Change

Life is always evolving. Do or die. This product clearly shows that BMW has chosen to take the initiative rather than just react.

The fact that most people dislike change is common knowledge. We take it seriously when our favourite manufacturers make changes to our products, and we experience anger when items we adore become unavailable.

The same holds true for car aficionados; therefore, there is a lack of enthusiasm for AMG's four-cylinder C63. Additionally, no one appears to be particularly excited about Alfa's possible decision to abandon its all-electric future. However, we will adapt to these new changes. Seeing this monster on Borrowdale Road had an impact on me, even though I generally dislike the direction BMW's M division is heading with cars like the XM.

While I can see how the current M2 and M4 retain much of this essence, it pains me to think that this brute of an SUV is the first genuinely customised offering from M GmbH since the illustrious M1.

The 2024 BMW XM xDrive

Large, audacious, intimidating, and over 2.8 tonnes heavy, the BMW XM is an impressive ride. The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine and electric motor work together to generate 480 kW and 800 Nm of torque, respectively, making it very powerful.

Claims based on WLTP testing data indicate that you can go around 80 km on electric power alone, thanks to the plug-in hybrid design. If you plug it in every day, you may end up saving a couple of seagulls. Or not.

The BMW M has, admittedly, not created a sledgehammer before. The more recent M5s have also been quite stocky, and the X5 and X6 M versions served as excellent gateway drugs.

Regardless of your feelings about it, the XM is sure to turn heads while you are on the road. This is the most outsized automobile I have ever seen. You have got my explanation for why I pursued it on

Borrowdale Road.

However, it wasn't until I got inside that I began to understand this vehicle. The cockpit, in particular, seamlessly blends elements of sportiness and elegance in a manner I have never experienced in a BMW before.

The view from behind was the most interesting part; the diamond-stitched back seats extended into the doors to form a shape reminiscent of big cigar lounge chairs. Or maybe something far darker. In case you still have reservations about making the rear seat your cosy retreat, plush pillows are also available.

Interior

Additionally, BMW provides more traditional colours such as light grey, black, and a calming "Deep Lagoon" blue for the inside if the evocative red accent is too much.

In any case, the XM's 100 LED lights housed in its 3D "prism structure" roof headliner are sure to wow passengers.

A Harman Kardon Surround Sound system, BMW's Travel & Comfort system, and four-zone temperature control are all standard luxuries. However, go for the Bowers & Wilkens Diamond sound system with its 1500-watt amplifier for an elevated listening experience.

The XM is surprisingly plush for a M product, even if it doesn't have the 7 Series' jaw-dropping features like the fold-out back screen and the dramatic "My Modes" lighting themes.

However, is it enjoyable from the pilot's seat?

With its rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system and completely variable M Sport rear differential, the XM manages to be as nimble as one would expect from a vehicle of this weight, although it may not be a M car in the conventional sense. In electric mode, a Hans Zimmer background track synchronizing with the power supply will drift along most of the time, depending on the mode you are in and the status of the charge.

Performance

However, even when the V8 engages for those pedal-flat times, there isn't much of a splash or commotion. Even though the V8 rumbling is still audible, it doesn't seem like the star of the show—more like a supporting cast member.

According to BMW, the XM can reach 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Allow me to explain. The lighter and less expensive BMW X6 M can complete that task in 3.9 seconds. Additionally, a Lamborghini Urus S can finish the same task in slightly less than three and a half seconds. Note that an XM Label Red version with 550 kW and a sprint time of 3.8 seconds is also available.

My decision

Those BMWs just melt my heart. When it comes to driver engagement, I dare say no vehicle can match a BMW. It offers an unparalleled cockpit experience.

If you are looking for a car with good straight-line acceleration, the BMW XM isn't it. This luxurious cruise ship is not only swift, but also daring and arrogant.

In South Africa, the standard XM costs R3.4 million, while the Label Red costs R4.2 million. Double the price if you import it from SA.

Those who like BMWs and the sensation of piloting one would gladly shell out the cash for it. There is a noticeable lack of new BMW new cars in Zimbabwe, as the local dealership seems to have been under the weather for some years.

Specifications

  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Engine detail: 4.4 turbo + hybrid electric
  • Engine capacity: 4.4L
  • Fuel type: Hybrid
  • Fuel capacity: 69
  • Fuel consumption (average): 2,7 /100km
  • Fuel range (average): 82-88 in electric mode km
  • Power maximum (detail): 360 engine + 145 electric (total output 480) kW
  • Torque maximum: 800 Nm
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h4,3 s
  • Maximum/top speed: 270 (140 in electric mode) km/h
  • andrew@muzamhindo.com.