BMW XM hits hybrid SUV high after crashing into tree in June

Although it may not come close to the Lamborghini Urus Performanceante’s record of 10:38, the XM Label Red’s time of 10:48.60 still earns it the title of fastest ‘hybrid electric SUV’.

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In June, BMW takes to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, ready to show off the Lamborghini Urus Performante who’s the leader and set a new world record for a production SUV with XM Label Red. Unfortunately, their plans were derailed when driver Matt Mullins crashed his M into a tree in pursuit of glory.

BMW hasn’t been the type to sit around twiddling its thumb until next year’s event takes another shot at the crown. On September 21, they returned to the mountain. While they (really) fell short of the Urus Performanceante’s record of 10:32.064, they did manage to carve out a spot for themselves – a new ‘hybrid electric SUV record’ of 10:48.60. Announce this register It coincides with the release of a two-part documentary chronicling XM’s journey on Pikes Peak.

“Congratulations to Matt Mullins and the entire team behind our inspiring journey to the top of one of the world’s toughest and most prestigious hill climbs in the unstoppable BMW XM brand,” said Markus Casey, Chief Marketing Officer, BMW North America. “Pikes Peak is the ultimate proving ground for elite performers, and we are thrilled to claim the title of fastest hybrid SUV thanks to the world-class pairing of an epic car with an equally impressive driver.”

The first part of the documentary details her attempt to set a record in June with XM and shows not only the crash, but also what led up to it as well as all the testing done leading up to the event.

Read: BMW XM fails to set Lamborghini’s Pikes Peak record in stunning fashion

Before the crash on race day, XM had performed well, exceeding the team’s expectations for qualifying. However, things quickly fell apart for Mullins on one of the hill climb’s many left turns. Onboard footage shows that as soon as Mullins turned the wheel, the XM began to turn. Mullins was unable to react in time to try to save the SUV from sliding wide into a grassy ditch on the side of the road. The BMW then hit a tree and overturned.

The documentary shows that BMW team members did not immediately know whether Mullins had crashed or if it was someone else on the track. Race organizers quickly dispatched EMS crews stationed halfway up the mountain to respond to the incident and before long, the XM was loaded onto a flatbed and returned to the starting line. Only then did BMW and viewers have the opportunity to see the extent of the damage caused by the collision and rollover. Fortunately, Mullins survived the accident without injury.