BMW North America has taken an XM Label Red SUV to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb track in Colorado Mountains, hoping to set a new record in the production SUV category. A few moments after the start, CarBuzz reports, the vehicle came back on a tow truck with its entire front end smashed to bits.
The flagship BMW XM spec comes equipped with a robust 4.4-liter V8 and an electric motor joining their efforts for a combined 748 PS (738 hp / 550 kW) and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque. It is therefore even better equipped that the Lamborghini Urus Performante – the current record holder of the Pikes Peak track. Someone in the Bavarian company apparently decided that the extra muscle might be enough for the XM to score an easy victory.
Driving the bulky electric crossover was none other than Matt Mullins, Chief Instructor of the BMW Performance Driving School. You would think it would at least guarantee a safe ride to the top – and it certainly looked like that at the start, CarBuzz says. A few moments later, the XM was seen towed away with its face all but demolished.
BMW never commented on the cause of the incident. It was never shown in what was published of the real-time broadcast of the attempt and the manufacturer declined all comment. The team of Motor1.com was still able to get a brief reply from the automaker, who said all errors would be ‘accounted for’ and another attempt to set the record would follow later this summer.