Behold the BMW XM by AC Schnitzer

It would be easy to understand some of the better-known BMW tuners passing up the opportunity to fettle the XM. It’s a lot, in every respect, and focusing on the more traditional M cars while those are still around seems sensible. But seemingly they can’t get enough; there’s already been the Thor upgrades from Manhart, plus quite a few others, and now AC Schnitzer has turned its hand to the BMW SUV everyone loves to hate. 

Simply called XM by AC Schnitzer, it takes the standard car up to Label Red levels of power. So that means what was 653hp and 590lb ft becomes 751hp and 664lb ft. Achieved through nothing more than ‘optimisation’, Schnitzer says its work delivers ‘unprecedented performance’. Sounds about right.

But performance has only ever been part of the XM story, be that in standard or modified forms. It’s about making an impact, more than anything. To that end, the AC Schnitzer conversion gets new front wings, rear spoiler and even fins to ensure it really stands out – even compared to other XMs. Apparently all the components have been developed ‘with a view to improving downforce values’. AC Schnitzer spacers add 10mm to the track width each side and work in conjunction with the standard wheels for a bit more stability and visual impact. But really they’re there to be used alongside Schnitzer’s new 23-inch wheels; the AC5 Flowforming rims have been designed for BMW’s latest SUV, and are said to be instantly recognisable as Schnitzer items with the pentagonal hub cap. Here they sit on 295-section front tyres and 335-section rears. 

There’s an interesting line from Schnitzer at the end of its XM press release, once the additional aluminium inside has been mentioned. ‘The new BMW XM by AC Schnitzer embodies the essence of performance, dynamism and exclusivity. It polarises, is absolute luxury class and a real statement.’ They know this isn’t going to appeal to everybody, but more and more that seems like exactly the point of the XM. So don’t be surprised if a few more follow Schnitzer’s lead…