The BMW XM is a 650PS hybrid SUV

Yes, much as some won’t want it to be, the XM is a very important car for BMW M, given this is its first hybrid, marrying the 4.4-litre engine with which we’re already familiar to an electric motor, for a combined 653PS (480kW) 800Nm (590lb ft) output, obviously going to all four wheels. What is curious is that the V8 is significantly detuned compared with its non-hybrid uses, producing on its own just 489PS (360kW). Does that mean there’s 800PS (588kW) of potential in the XM? A more powerful XM ‘Label Red’ (not to be confused with the old Bentley Arnage Red Label) is coming this time next year, with 748PS (550kW) and 1,000Nm (737lb ft).

The XM’s power goes to the tyres via the eight-speed BMW M automatic we’re familiar with. Unlike the new Mercedes-AMG C63, the XM does come with very usable electric range, with a claimed 51-55 miles of silent driving potential from the 25.7kWh battery. The electric motor also gets its own Hans Zimmer-penned synthetic soundtrack and, to be fair, the XM does have the look of a SWAT van designed by Batman himself. When you’re not wafting around silently, or indeed to the sound of an outstanding movie score, the full potential of the XM delivers the 62mph sprint in 4.3 seconds.

Three overall driving modes will control the nature of the XM’s motivation. Hybrid, Comfort and Electric are relatively self-explanatory, while steering, suspension, throttle response, gearbox response and more will all be configurable in the usual ways. Speaking of suspension, unlike some of its SUV kin, the XM features a spring and adaptive damper suspension setup rather than airbags, while also being the first M car to feature an all-wheel-steering system, improving manoeuvrability at low speeds and stability at high speeds.

Okay then, let’s get to those looks. Even after BMW’s recent form, this is a doozy. It’s big, bluff, gaudy and audacious, with monster light-up kidney grilles highlighted in bronze, slab sides and a truncated rump. They’ve even had the audacity to call on the M1 as an influence, with the accent band flowing forwards from the ‘Hoffmeister Kink’ a nod to the ‘70s supercar’s own black body band. At the back, stacked exhausts will deliver a familiar V8 woofel, while enormous 23-inch wheels come shod in a 315-section tyre. The wheels do without the traditional BMW ‘propeller’ badges, while at the back, a centrally placed enamel item is nowhere to be seen. Instead, in another nod to the M1, haunches in the rear glass contain the symbol on both sides. BMW wants to take sales from the Lamborghini Urus with the XM and if that car has done so well on its also difficult-to-digest looks alone, BMW will have no problem shifting these.

The XM delivers a pleasant surprise with its interior. BMW’s luxury intentions with this car are no secret – this is an all-encompassing flagship. This is a cabin that’s lovely beyond simply saving you from having to look at the outside. The large panel containing two screens returns from other recent BMW models, with a head-up display and smartphone integration as standard. Little beyond a few carbon flourishes and accented surfaces are unique to the XM but what is stunning in this initial show car, is the spec, with ‘Vintage’ distressed brown leather trimming the top dash and dull blue leather, with accented stitching, trimming the seats. The sculptural headliner adds a specialness too. In the back, what BMW calls the ‘exclusive M lounge’ comes with Alcantara pillows, heating, a Travel & Comfort system, a mega B&W sound system and more. Overall, in the front and the back, it looks like a wonderful place to be.

So what do you think of the XM? Our initial feeling is of thanks, for how Ferrari approached the Purosangue by comparison. Still, we’ve bemoaned bold BMW styling in the past, only to look back fondly in later years. It’s tough to imagine hindsight being forgiving to this 2.5-tonne behemoth, mind. We didn’t know how good we had it with Bangle until he was gone. Yet even for the £144,980 entry price, we just know these things will fly off lots.