BMW XM & M2

The first, and the last, of their kind. That’s how the latest models from BMW M GmbH can be described. The one announces the arrival of the first-ever high-performance vehicle from BMW with an electrified drive system. The other – now in its second generation – will likely be the last M in a lineage stretching back 50 years.

As we discovered at the local launch held at the exclusive Leeu Estate in Franschhoek, BMW’s latest launch duo is wildly different – the one a big and ostentatious SUV, the other a sporty coupe with compact dimensions – and the combined introduction of two such divergent models was somewhat unusual.

THE BMW XM

Introduced globally as a concept in late 2021, the BMW XM plug-in hybrid represents a complete reimagining of the high-performance car segment by the Bavarian automaker’s M division, and it is also the first standalone BMW M model since the legendary, mid-engine M1.

In the flesh, the extravagant SAV design of the big XM seems even more flamboyant than we imagined, with powerful proportions defined by the huge kidney grille with gold-coloured surrounds, continuous contour lighting, and large front air intakes. A host of distinctive accents give the XM a singularly extrovert aura, but the dominant front styling, in our view, does not correspond with the more subdued rear design.

Specific design cues, such as the gold accent band on the sides (according to BMW, it’s reminiscent of the black strip running along the body of the BMW M1), BMW logos engraved into the rear window and the louvred structure of the rear lights are supposedly further nods to the M1, but these crafted flourishes are, unfortunately, overpowered by the whole design.

We have already reported extensively on the XM Label Red, the most powerful BMW M model ever, with a system output of 550 kW and maximum torque of 1,000 Nm. In comparison, the M Hybrid drive system in the XM delivers 480 kW, courtesy of a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 delivering up to 360 kW combined with a 145 kW electric motor. Maximum torque of 800 Nm is available with the engine contributing 650 Nm and the electric motor 280 Nm – and up to 450 Nm is generated when the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission is engaged.

For some reason, I expected a subdued engine sound at start-up (it is a plug-in hybrid, after all), so it was quite startling when the V8 barked ferociously (as if to remind you of its latent power) but then quickly settled down to a demure rumble.

Taking the road towards Barrydale, the instant, linear propulsive power from the XM’s drive system was impressive, and the resolute response to accelerator input quite addictive. The heaps of power and torque delivered via M xDrive to all four wheels moved the bulky SAV forward with alarming alacrity, and an energy-charged eight-cylinder symphony, courtesy of the sports exhaust system, accompanied its rapid progress.

This power is sustained throughout the rev range, enabling the heavy sports utility to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.3 seconds. Once the novelty of its acrid acceleration wore off slightly, I switched the M Hybrid button from Sport Plus to Electric, and suddenly the XM was cruising at the legal speed limit with zero local emissions (speeds of up to 140 km/h are possible).

BMW maintains the XM can cover a distance of up to 88 km (in the WLTP cycle) in electric mode, thanks to the lithium-ion high-voltage battery providing 25.7 kWh of energy, accompanied by an IconicSounds soundtrack giving feedback to every movement of the accelerator pedal. According to the automaker, the Combined Charging Unit enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW.

The sweeping corners on the R62 provided ample opportunity to sample the XM’s dynamic traits. In 4WD Sport mode, the big SAV (with adaptive M suspension, Active Roll Control, Integral Active Steering, fully variable M Sport diff in the rear axle and wide 21” rubber) did not disappoint, feeling stable and balanced but its weight was noticeable under braking.  

The comfortable, well-appointed cabin, with vintage leather finishes for the upper sections of the instrument panel and door panels, has M multifunction seats and an M leather steering wheel as standard, along with M-specific graphics for the curved dash display and head-up display. 

The interior is spacious, with luxurious detailing turning the rear into an exclusive M Lounge. However, the clincher is the unique sculptural headliner with a three-dimensional prism structure, photo mount-style border, and LED lighting units. Together with a Harman Kardon sound system (our unit had the optional Bowers & Wilkins system), the XM proved to be a great long-distance cruiser. Yet it all comes at a price, as the XM, in standard trim, retails for a heady R3.4 million.

THE BMW M2

It is amusing that, after driving the XM, the second-generation BMW M2 – that continues the brand’s tradition of compact, sporty models originating in 1973 with the introduction of the 2002 turbo – felt positively sedate under acceleration, even with 338 kW and 550 Nm on tap.

With a revised 3.0-litre straight-six M TwinPower Turbo engine in a lightweight coupé body, the new M2 may not feel like it can match the linear acceleration of the bigger, more powerful XM, yet the compact coupe – now also available with a manual transmission (a curiosity nowadays) – is faster, blitzing the zero to 100 km/h run in 4.1 seconds (with eight-speed M Steptronic transmission) and in 4.3 seconds fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox.

With its compact dimensions, together with powertrain and chassis technology adapted from the M3 and M4, the latest edition of the sporty two-door BMW has beguiling agility and handling, and it really showed its mettle in the sharp twists and turns of the Tradouw Pass. Best of all, it remains easily controllable even while you are exploring the limits, and these traits – inherited from its forebear but now even further refined – make the new M2 a most satisfying driving weapon. 

This character trait also manifests in its expressive exterior design with hallmark M features and athletic proportions, with track width exceeding that of the 2 Series Coupe by quite a margin. Compared to the XM, the M2’s exterior design is far less adventurous, as it is crafted around cooling requirements and aerodynamic balance. 

Even so, its prominently flared side skirts, muscular wheel arches, etched side contours, and weight-saving M Carbon roof sets the tone for what is the driving purist’s car of choice – now available in bright colours such as Toronto Red and Zandvoort Blue.

With its engine revving up to 7,200 rpm, the M2’s pulsating power build-up is accompanied by a rich soundtrack generated by the M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps. In true old-school fashion, power is relayed to the rear wheels, and M Traction Control and an Active M Differential provide agility and precision as the occasion demands.

Even more satisfying is the cossetting interior of the new M2. Although some may find it slightly claustrophobic, I immediately felt at home in the cockpit with its driver-centric design and lightweight (optional) M Carbon bucket seats. 

Featuring M-specific readouts and setup options, all the controls fall easily to hand, a hallmark of a true driver’s car.

Still, the M2 is generously specced with amenities such as the latest BMW iDrive system, three-zone automatic climate control, BMW Maps navigation system, Setup button and M Drive Professional as standard, and by using the M buttons on the steering wheel, two overall vehicle setups can be stored and retrieved.

Capable of powering from zero to 200 km/h in 13.5 seconds (automatic) or 14.3 seconds (manual) and reaching speeds up to 285 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package, the M2 needs serious stopping power, as supplied by powerful M Compound brakes, with two pedal feel settings available. Grip is further enhanced by sport tyres on 19” light-alloy wheels at the front and 20” at the rear.

LAST WORD

The new BMW XM and M2 represent two complete opposites in the way they achieve their astonishing performance, with the XM leading the way towards the future of performance vehicles, while the M2 will probably be the last of its kind. Even so, the M2, with its compact dimensions, six-cylinder in-line engine, manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive layout, in my view, still encapsulates the pure joy of driving.

Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © BMW SOUTH AFRICA