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Leaked patent drawings of BMW’s XM muscle SUV hit the web last week, giving us a clear idea of how much the production car will differ from the 2021 Concept XM. are still firmly committed to their prototypes ahead of the official unveiling this fall.
Later prototypes like the one seen here aren’t covered in boxy disguise like the earlier ones, relying instead on a simple wrap to hide the XM’s lines and design details. But along with the leaked patent drawings, the details we can see help us build a picture of what’s underneath those crazy squiggles.
Key design elements carried over from the concept include vertically stacked tailpipes, a split headlight arrangement, the unusual swage line that runs through the doors and rises at the rear to reflect the famous Hofmeister kink in the window line, and a double kidney grille with horizontal louvers that is incredibly wide, but not quite as high compared to the ones we’ve seen on the M3 and M4.
Related: Production 2023 BMW XM Revealed in New Patent Photos With Subtle Design Changes
Notable features that didn’t make it to the concept stage include door handles recessed into that horizontal rubbing line that runs through the doors, and the showcar’s distinctive taillights. On the concept, the taillights moved horizontally across the tailgate, rose slightly as they hit the rear quarter, then descended in a vertical line toward the rear of the rear wheel. Unfortunately, the production car’s lights lack the vertical element, although a reflector in the rear bumper tries in vain to mimic the look.
BMW’s first standalone M model since the mid-engine M1 supercar will be built at its Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, and hit showrooms late this year. Those first cars will be powered by a hybridized 4.4-liter V8 that develops 644 hp (653 hp) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque, but on the heels will be an even more powerful version that develops 738 hp ( 550 kW / 748 hp) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque.
But since this is a hybrid, power numbers aren’t the only important stats. BMW says the XM will offer 50 miles (80 km) of EV range on the WLTP cycle and 30 miles (48 km) on the EPA cycle.
Images: Andreas Mau/CarPixI
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