BMW’s Philippine distributor SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation has revealed three new models – the XM, the 4-Series Gran Coupe, the M3 CS, as well as refreshed models such as the updated X5 and X6, which underwent their facelift (or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW terms) for this year.
BMW XM
Headlining the new vehicles is the XM, BMW’s second vehicle built solely by the brand’s M division after the M1 supercar in 1987.
“We proudly unveil the BMW XM as the epitome of power, luxury, and sustainability in the M car lineup. With its unparalleled performance, progressive interior, and ruggedly captivating exterior, the XM stands as a true embodiment of what a remarkable M car should be. As a brand committed to innovation and sustainability, we are delighted to introduce this powerful vehicle as a plug-in hybrid electric model, demonstrating our dedication to a greener future. This way, our customers may embrace the thrill of driving while reducing their carbon footprint,” SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. President Spencer Yu said in a statement.
Geometric shapes and sharp lines adorn the exterior of the XM, with large intakes as well as the large illuminated grille allow cooling for the twin turbo V8 engine. While being an M model, it doesn’t skimp on luxurious materials inside, with Merino leather upholstery and an illuminated, beautifully sculpted ceiling which BMW calls the “Sculptural Headliner”, evoking a feeling of a living room on wheels. It also utilises BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional digital cockpit with a heads-up display, and runs on BMW’s OS8 with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a matching Bowers and Wilkins hi-fi surround system.
Powering the XM is a newly developed twin turbo 4.4 liter V8 with 489hp, combined with a single electric motor with 197hp, for a total of 653hp and 800Nm of torque,. making it the first ever plug-in hybrid performance engine ever developed by BMW and by the M Division themselves.
This allows the XM to sprint to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. It will also go up to a maximum range of 88km on electric power alone up to speeds of 140 km/h. Putting all the power to the pavement are 22 inch wheels on Pirelli P-Zero tires.
Three driving modes are available – Electric for a fully silent electric drive, Hybrid to utilise both the petrol and electric motor for a more engaging experience, and eControl with Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes to add more involvement and aggression to the drive. To provide a sensual experience when on Electric drive, BMW has collaborated with renowned movie composer Hans Zimmer to create a backing soundtrack on Electric mode via BMW IconicSounds Electric.
The BMW XM will start at P15,890,000, and since it is a plug-in hybrid, it is able to benefit from provisions of the EVIDA law, with neck-breaking performance to boot.
BMW M3 CS
Another new M car featured in the lineup is the M3 CS – a limited edition, hardcore, track focused version of the M3 Competition, which makes it a closer sibling of the even more hardcore M4 CSL, sharing its powertrain.
And that powertrain comes in the form of a twin turbo 3.0 liter straight six, producing 542hp and 650Nm of torque, mated to a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic. While the M4 CSL only comes in rear-wheel drive to save weight, the M3 CS gets the benefit of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system with a rear wheel drive function, and couple that with large 19 inch front wheels and 20 inch rear wheels on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, it has the stability and traction to go with the colossal performance. Huge carbon ceramic brakes, with six pistons at the front and two pistons at the rear, ensure that it also has the stopping power worthy of the M badge.
Generous usage of carbon allows for a 34kg weight savings, with a titanium exhaust shaving 3.6kg that gives the car a more resounding soundtrack.
Merino leather covered carbon bucket seats bolster the driver and front passenger on daily runs in the racetrack or in the twisty mountain roads, with rear seats which allow you to take children along for the ride. M-specific settings to the Live Cockpit Plus allows for racetrack specific options to the vehicle to the driver’s preference, on and off the track.
The M3 CS costs a hefty P16,890,000, but act fast, as it is a one-year only model.
BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe
The new 4-Series Gran Coupe is a four-door version of the 4-Series, now being a completely distinct model from the 3-Series by virtue of its design and sportiness, and now with a touch of practicality.
The design of the 4-Series makes it all the more distinct to the 3-Series, with its frameless windows, the defining kidney grille, and flushed door handles that give it an elegant silhouette, but the Gran Coupe adds the practicality of the sedan while maintaining the looks.
Inside the 4-Series, the high center console and flowing surface structure running from the instrument panel into the door panels generate a cocooning feel in the front seats. The Start/Stop button for the engine is positioned in a classily designed control panel in the center console, which also houses the BMW Controller and the buttons for the Driving Experience Control unit and electromechanical parking brake alongside the model-specific gearshift lever.
Trunk space has grown to 470 liters, but the rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split to reveal 1,290 liters of space.
Only one model is introduced in the lineup, the 420i Gran Coupe, which is powered by a petrol 2.0 liter twin turbocharged inline four producing 184hp and 300Nm of torque, mated to a eight speed automatic. It sits on 19 inch Y-spoke wheels on run flat Pirelli P-Zero tires.
Animal-free Sensatec leather upholstery is included as standard, with BMW’s OS 7 displayed in the 12.3 inch instrument screen and 10.25 inch digital screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 420i Gran Coupe can be yours at P4,890,000.
BMW X5 and X6 LCI
Life Cycle Impulse, or refreshed versions of the X5 and X6 are also previewed by BMW, available in xDrive30d Business guise for the X5 and xDrive30d M Sport version for the X6. Both are powered by the same twin turbo 3.0 liter inline six diesel producing 261 horsepower and 620Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Adopting a similar design language as the newer X1, both the X5 and X6 feature sharper looking headlights and taillights as well as a revised kidney grille.
The X5 xDrive30d Business will start at P5,990,000 while the X6 xDrive M Sport starts at P8,990,000.
All BMW models come with a 5-year free maintenance warranty as standard.
