For the first time ever, a BMW has landed in Singapore with a recommended retail price of above S$1 million (we also have the latest ARF system revisions to thank for that). And that car comes in none other than the unmistakable and ostentatious form of the BMW XM, the new flagship of BMW M. 

The high-performance SUV, which was unveiled to members of the media at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove on 30 March 2023, marks the second full production car to be built independently by BMW's M division - since the BMW M1 in 1978. In other words, the XM is the first bespoke BMW M car to be built from the ground-up in 45 years. 

Notably, this is the first time a bespoke M car has been electrified - and to this extent as well. As a plug-in hybrid, the XM has a WLTP-rated all electric range of up to 88km thanks to an on-board 25.7kWh battery, and can travel at speeds of up to 140km/h on electric power alone. 

Worth noting is that an all new M Hybrid drive system was created specially for the car, pairing a 4.4-litre V8 engine with an electric motor derived from BMW's fifth-generation eDrive tech. Considering that the XM is meant to be a preview of how BMW M is to be electrified in the coming years, the car's on-paper figures are absolutely up to par. 

Total output from the V8 and electric drive system stands at an incredible 644bhp and 800Nm of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and boasting a rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel drive system, the XM will complete the century sprint in a neck-breaking 4.3 seconds, before going on to hit an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. 

Most impressive is that it does this despite having a kerb weight upwards of 2,700kg; it's the heaviest M car BMW has ever made. In terms of driving dynamics, a standard M Sport differential helps to distribute drive torque between the left and right rear wheels in a fully variable manner for better grip and cornering capability. 

BMW says the car was "made for those who are unconventional, courageous [and] expressive", and upon laying your eyes on it, you'd be hard pressed not to agree. Sharp angles and hexagons abound on its sheet metal, and intricate details come together for an overall design that is certain to turn the heads of all on the road. 

For instance, the large twin kidney grilles - an inimitable hallmark of BMWs - can be optioned with gold surrounds, and feature bold horizontal louvres on which the 'XM' badge is proudly tacked. Large air intakes on the front apron also help to direct airflow towards cooling the car's drive system, transmission, and brakes. 

The split head lights reserved for BMW's flagship models also show up on the XM. Daytime running lights frame the top of its face, while the actual head lights with the main beams are found underneath, almost hidden under angled structures in the fascia. 

Coming round to the side, one will notice 'accent bands' curved around the Hofmeister kink of the XM's D-pillars, which can be optioned once more in either black or gold. The XM also gets massive 23-inch tyres with M-light alloys proudly displaying 'BMW' lettering on them, beneath which brightly-coloured M Sport brakes lie. 

One interesting fact to note about the rear is it dispenses with the central white and blue BMW badge (BMW says this is unmistakable as one of its cars anyway). Instead, small logos are laser etched onto the two upper corners of the rear window - as a subtle homage to the M1 - while 'XM' lettering makes an appearance once again on the tailgate. 

The XM's sculpted taillights are covered with dark lens covers, too - so as to look completely black when the car is not running. Meanwhile, the three diagonal light strips on the flanks are supposed to reference BMW M. But the quad exhausts are by the far the most striking bits - vertically stacked in pairs on both ends of the bumper, rather than lined up in a horizontal row. 

BMW notes that the XM is larger on the inside than even the X7 despite having only two rows - and this much should be clear when getting into the backseats. For that extra touch of luxury, note how the diamond quilting flows seamlessly from the door panels into the rear bench, where space is generous for three adults.

Most importantly, they'll get to enjoy the three-dimensional prism-like shapes (these are also found on outside on the door handles) on the Alcantara headliner, encircled by the soft glow of ambient lighting. 

For those in the driver's seat, BMW's Curved Display and latest Operating System 8 will not be unfamiliar to those who have been closely following the marque. Out of four offered colours, a special Coffee Brown Vintage option - covering the upper section of the instrument panel and door cards - adds a splash of sophistication to the front quarters. 

Here, the XM does also get a number of other special touches. Its gear lever and seatbelts boast stitching in the iconic M colours, while 'XM' lettering is embossed into the front headrests. 

Drivers can expect the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel typical of BMW M cars, which provide access to configurable drive modes at the flick of a switch. But to come back to its drive system, a brand new 'M Hybrid' button on the centre console allows one to select between three driving modes - including an Electric setting for all-electric driving as mentioned earlier.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of BMW Asia, recounted the recent milestones within the BMW M division locally - including launches of the M4 CSL and M3 Touring, and the 50-year anniversary celebrations - while calling the XM "extremely important for BMW as a brand statement, and as a halo car".

For those who believe the XM can be bolder and brasher still, an XM Label Red is expected to arrive on our shores in Q4 2023, boasting more specific design touches, and an even more manic 738bhp and 1,000Nm of maximum torque. 

BMW has cautioned, however, that the car will be available in "very, very limited numbers".