BMW XM Transformed: Manhart Unleashes the 'Thor' Body Kit - A Carbon Masterpiece or Overkill?
When it comes to aftermarket modifications, few names stir the pot of excitement quite like Manhart. Their latest venture? A bold, transformative body kit for the BMW XM, affectionately dubbed 'Thor'. This isn't just any tuning package; it's a manifesto of Manhart's vision for the ultimate SUV transformation, combining sheer opulence with raw, unbridled power.
The 'Thor' Design: Bold and Unapologetic
At the heart of Manhart's visionary leap is 'Thor', a body kit that takes the BMW XM and morphs it into something astonishingly aggressive. Crafted from the finest carbon – or for the truly daring, forged carbon – this kit isn't for the faint-hearted. Priced between €36,000 to €40,000, these add-ons mark a significant investment in automotive artistry.
The Price of Power
The BMW XM, already a flagship among the M lineup with a base price of €132,400 (rising sharply to €178,000 for the V8 model in its native Germany), only ascends in aspiration with the XM Label, demanding a cool €203,000 before any option tickles your fancy. It's in this echelon of luxury that Manhart intervenes, promising a transformation that rivals even the original masterpiece in both price and presentation.
Aesthetic Alchemy
Manhart's modifications are not just skin deep. 'Thor' brings with it an imposing presence, starting from the bulging hood accented by dominant power domes, to a gargantuan splitter that reshapes the XM's front profile into a visage of menacing elegance. The rear isn't overlooked either, with a meticulously designed roof spoiler and a bespoke aero element gracefully perched on the tailgate, complimenting the reimagined diffuser and artistically stacked exhaust tips. A carbon fiber trim piece, adorned with the XM logo, seamlessly connects the taillights, completing the aesthetic overhaul.
The Finer Touches
Rounding off the 'Thor' kit are custom wheels and Manhart’s signature contrasting gold accents that punctuate the XM's controversial silhouette. And while the official renderings might display an abundance of branding, the true essence of the Manhart touch is realized in its understated elegance - even if that elegance is unmistakably bold.
Compared to the Competition
While Manhart's 'Thor' kit sets a high bar, it's not the only contender in the realm of extreme XM makeovers. Competitors like Mansory have also thrown their hat in the ring, offering an alternative vision of what BMW's electrified SUV can become. Yet, in a marketplace of titans, Manhart's offering stands out for its union of aggression and style, a token of automotive extremism that remains uniquely refined.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of luxury SUVs, Manhart's 'Thor' kit for the BMW XM represents a bold wager - a bet on the allure of exclusivity, performance, and sheer aesthetic audacity. For those willing to embrace this vision, 'Thor' offers an unparalleled experience, a chance to redefine what an SUV can be. But the question remains: is the world ready for this level of transformation? Only time — and perhaps the sight of 'Thor' on the roads — will tell.
Source: Manhart