Citroën XM

The Citroën XM represents one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by a car design house, embodying the dream of any carrozziere: to design a flagship Citroën, a marque renowned for its innovative and upper-class saloons. This dream became a reality for Bertone in 1986, when the French manufacturer commissioned him to design a new top-of-the-range model. The challenge was to create a two-volume body that stayed true to Citroën’s distinctive style while incorporating a host of original aesthetic features that would make the car stand out in the luxury segment. Bertone’s design for the XM was both futuristic and unmistakably Citroën. Key elements included the sleek, honed shape of the front end, characterized by a sharp and aerodynamic profile that gave the car an imposing yet elegant presence on the road. One of the most striking features was the staggered play of the belt line, a subtle but effective design choice that added visual interest and dynamism to the car’s profile. Additionally, the integral windows running along the entire perimeter of the cockpit created a seamless glasshouse effect, enhancing the car’s modern and streamlined look. The Citroën XM made its debut in May 1989, instantly capturing the attention of the automotive world. Built on a generous 2850 mm wheelbase, the XM offered ample interior space and a refined ride quality, characteristic of Citroën’s focus on comfort and innovation. The car measured 4710 mm in length, 1795 mm in width, and 1385 mm in height, giving it a balanced and commanding stance. Performance was a key aspect of the XM, which was available with a wide range of six different engines. The lineup included a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 145 horsepower at 6200 rpm, and a range-topping 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 200 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Depending on the engine choice, the XM could achieve top speeds between 205 km/h and 235 km/h, ensuring that the car offered not just luxury but also impressive performance. The XM quickly became Citroën’s most fully developed and advanced model, setting a new standard for upper-class saloons. Its distinctive design, innovative engineering, and wide range of engine options made it a symbol of French automotive excellence and a true standout in the luxury car market.