In Case You Thought The BMW XM Couldn’t Look Worse, Here It Is Wrapped In Velvet

The BMW XM is, let’s not mess around here, not a pretty car. In fact, just the other day, we named it one of the ugliest cars of all time. You’d think one way of improving it would be to get somebody from the actual fashion industry involved – a supermodel, no less – but this one-off XM that’s been ‘inspired by Naomi Campbell’ goes to show that that’s not necessarily the case.

It’s been presented as part of BMW’s sponsorship of the Cannes Film Festival in the south of France, and it’s called the XM Mystique Allure. No, really. Its creation appears to have involved a midnight raid on Prince’s old house because the Mystique Allure is absolutely covered – inside and out – in purple velvet. There are also many, many sequins involved.

It’s not clear how involved Campbell actually was with its creation (and we wouldn’t blame her if she wanted to distance herself from it), but it’s apparently gone so heavy on the purple because it’s her favourite colour. Presenting the hybrid performance SUV at Cannes, Campbell said: “Witnessing BMW's vision for the BMW XM Mystique Allure come to life has been truly incredible. I feel deeply honoured to have sparked the inspiration for their first-ever high-fashion show car, which stands as a unique masterpiece in every aspect.”

The Mystical Allusion also features a bespoke electric driving sound crafted by film score composer Hans Zimmer, who works with BMW on developing low-speed sounds for its regular range of EVs and hybrids.

You’ll be able to buy the XM Mythical Aluminium, erm, never. Which is probably for the best. If you do own an XM and feel it’s just not quite noticeable enough, there’s probably a wrap company somewhere that will recreate it if you throw enough money at them – although we’re not sure how well a velvet-covered car will stand up to the elements.