The most powerful BMW ever built! That should be more than enough to get your attention. They claim to have raised the bar substantially, but seems they have lobbed the bar into a distant galaxy. This vehicle is something to behold. Breaking ground on several fronts with regards to innovation, it is quite some- thing to experience. We are impressed. This delight charges from 0 – 100 in 4.3 seconds. Now bear in mind we are talking about a ve- hicle that weighs close to 3 tons, delivering 480kw from a TwinPower V8, ably assisted by a hybrid electric motor. What’s really cool is that you have the option to run the electric motor only which can reach 140km/h for 90kms. With an 8-speed automatic transmission, power and speed is optimally balanced. The different drive options are superbly integrated, ensuring a smooth experience whatever your choice.

Standing in front of the car you face an over- sized “glow” grill accentuated by the slim daytime running lights. So incredibly opulent and its presence unmistakable; a design mas- terpiece, aggressive and intimidating. From the side, the dark windows are sleek and stunningly proportioned to the body. At the ear, the BMW logo is delicately placed on either side of the back windshield and only the XM stands boldlyon its own on the hatch. Twin hexagonal tailpipes complete the stately and unique look of the car.

Inside, the first noticeable feature is the 3D prism lighting on the roof which, in true opulent style, is adjustable to suit your mood and preferences. BMW refer to the seating as the “M Lounge” and it’s a pretty accurate description. Intricate design patterns in the leather and stitch- ing add to the luxury statement of the ve- hicle. Sitting in the cockpit, it’s not just the power you command underfoot; the BMW Operating System 8 is voice and touchscreen activated, making the vehi- cle operation simple but also more than a little majestic. I mean come on, it’s more than a little Capt Kirk.

Overall we were blown away. BMW has not raised the bar; this is something else, a new bar in a new frame and they are calling the shots and setting the standards for luxury motoring. We expect to see this do exceptionally well in South Africa, ap- pealing to M enthusiasts and is definitely going to convert a number of new cus- tomers to the brand.