The BMW Concept XM offers a close preview of the first bespoke M model since the M1

In anticipation of BMW M's 50^th anniversary, BMW has revealed the Concept XM, a concept vehicle that is said to closely preview the XM, set to be the performance division's first hybrid vehicle, and its first bespoke model since the M1.

At the front, the BMW Concept XM debuts the new front-end design for BMW's luxury-class models.

The head lights here have been split into two separate modules, and house a sharply styled and slim daytime driving light signature.

The Concept XM also boldly features its horizontal kidney grille up front, emphasising the car's dynamic character. Within them are M-style double bars to add visual width, and provide contrast against the contour lighting of the grill's outline.

The Concept XM also sports a new XM logo in the kidney grille and the large air intakes hint at the power of the V8 engine within, which teams up with the electric motor to form the M Hybrid system.

Higher up, a boldly sculpted bonnet extends the contours of the kidney grille back in the form of two power domes. The car also sports slim LED searchlights at the top of its A-pillars.

At the rear, the BMW Concept XM gets a gently sloping roofline. The BMW logo here has also been laser-etched into the window below each of the two cant rails.

This is a stylistic reference to the BMW M1, to date the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M GmbH.

Extremely slim and boldly L-shaped rear lights extending across width of the rear to give the car added visual width, and at the bottom are the characteristic twin tailpipes of BMW M models, housed within a large rear apron.

Inside the BMW Concept XM, the driver will find a distinctive M interpretation of driver-focused cockpit design. The lines and surface design of the instrument panel, centre console, door trim and seats give the ambience in the front compartment a progressive feel with their powerful geometry and high-quality materials. Brown, vintage-look leather, copper and carbon fibre create a bridge between luxury and motorsport.

BMW states that the upcoming BMW XM will be the first electrified high-performance model in the BMW M portfolio. The newly developed M Hybrid drive system combines a V8 engine with a high-performance electric motor to generate a maximum output of 740bp and peak torque of 1,000Nm.

The drivetrain will also allow drivers to utilise an 80km all-electric range.