THE XM

In addition to characteristic M driving pleasure, the adaptive M suspension Professional promises comfortable everyday usability. The running gear concept includes electronically controlled shock absorbers, active stabilisers and Integral Active Steering. Active roll stabilisation with active rolling comfort counteracts side-to-side movements of the body – when cornering or driving over potholes and other obstacles. The advantages of this system are especially evident when using a particularly dynamic driving style: the vehicle becomes significantly more agile with easier cornering. In addition, the absorption of lateral forces increases comfort for the passengers in the second row of seats. Integral Active Steering also supports more dynamic and safer driving dynamics. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn parallel to the front wheels to stabilise the vehicle. In the lower speed range, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction, making your vehicle more agile.

From smooth sailing to dynamic driving with very sporty gear changes: The fourth-generation 8-speed M Steptronic sport transmission puts a wide range at your disposal. In addition to automatic gear selection, you also have the option of sporty manual gear shifts via paddles on the steering wheel. In SPORT mode and by actuating the electronic selector lever (switch: S/M), experience gear shifts that are configured for the best possible performance. The sporting character has two elements: The first is that the engine always maintains a high engine speed range at which it can access plenty of power output. The second element shortens the switching sequences even further. The Launch Control function permits maximum acceleration from a standing start. When set to automatic mode, the gear selection adapts itself to suit individual driving styles. In manual mode, however, an optimum shift indicator gives you recommendations for efficient driving. The Shift Lights (in the instrument cluster and on the BMW Head-up display) also help in highly dynamic driving in the upper engine speed range. At high speeds, the eighth gear reduces engine speed and fuel consumption. This is also where the powerful converter clutch comes into play. In short: The 8-speed M Steptronic sport transmission of the fourth generation works together with the engine to deliver smooth gear shifts and top levels of power delivery and shift comfort as well as impressive efficiency.

The bespoke M Sport brakes comprise six-piston, fixed-calliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-calliper units at the rear. The system employs newly improved lightweight brake discs that strike an even finer balance between performance and weight and have been purpose engineered to handle the elevated dynamic performance capabilities of the BMW XM.

The M Sport differential delivers the best possible performance on the road. It variably distributes the driving power between the rear wheels thus improving traction and driving stability in various situations – be it when accelerating out of bends, at high cornering speeds or with differing road conditions.

With M Setup, you can design the driving experience according to your own wishes. Configure driving dynamic parameters according to your individual requirements. The drive, running gear, steering, brake, energy recovery and the all-wheel drive system M xDrive can be adjusted. Retrieve your saved configuration easily using the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel.

The latest-generation integrated braking system featured in the BMW XM generates a degree of stopping power that is matched exactly to the driver’s inputs, while also producing consistent pedal feel. The M specific version of the integrated braking system presents the driver with two pedal feel settings, allowing them to choose between more comfort-oriented or very direct execution of brake pedal inputs in the M Setup menu.