Living With the XM

The XM featured in the hypcar collection is a 1992 Series-I model, equipped with a 2-litre 4-cylinder SOHC multi-point-injection engine that generates a respectable 130 DIN. It is coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox and intriguingly has no catalytic converter. Compared to the injection model with a catalytic converter, this version provides an 8 DIN power increase and shaves off the 0-100 km/h time by half a second. Additionally, it delivers a 15 PS boost in power and cuts nearly a second off the sprint time compared to the 2-litre carburettor version. While it may not rival the 3-litre V6 models in raw power, this variant has established itself as the most reliable among the petrol XM engines. It strikes a beautiful balance between fuel economy and hassle-free maintenance, all while maintaining the spaciousness and comfort for which the XM is renowned—making it a fantastic companion for city jaunts or grand road trips.

Now, let’s talk design! When you line up the XM against its illustrious older siblings—the DS, SM, and CX—you’ll spot an eye-catching difference: the rear wheels are now distinctly visible as part of the wings. This design choice signals Citroën’s move towards prioritising style over aerodynamics. The same goes for the trendy pull-bar door handles and striking side panel ridges. Imagine if the XM had sported a sleeker silhouette like its predecessors; its drag coefficient would have been even more impressive! Another distinctive feature of the XM is its unique arrangement of windows, totalling an impressive 13. The interior rear glass that cleverly separates the cabin from the hatchback’s fifth door is a standout. It’s a brilliant way to tackle a common hatchback conundrum: when that fifth door swings open, passengers—especially those seated in the back—are often hit with an unwelcome gust of noise and exhaust fumes, not to mention a temperature drop during winter. This additional window enhances sound insulation in the cabin and allows XM passengers to enjoy a comfy ride. Plus, it can be removed if you need to fold down the rear seat for larger cargo loads.

When it comes to upkeep, this XM has required only a few interventions beyond routine maintenance, including the replacement of the engine’s drive belt. In particular, we replaced several hydraulic hoses against the firewall, which are responsible for returning suspension fluid from the brakes, high-pressure pump, height correctors, and steering back to the LHM reservoir. After 30 years and 190 000 km on the road, all these hoses began to show signs of wear and hardening. More recently, we also gave the steering rack a fresh overhaul, along with its bushings (see photo on the right).

Finally, we gave the seats and door panel fabric a fresh makeover, addressing the signs of wear that had begun to appear. The headlight bulbs also received a tech upgrade, being replaced with cutting-edge LED bulbs that emit a cooler light. We opted for the brightest LEDs on the market, transforming the original yellowish glow and improving visibility at night. Other minor repairs included refurbishing the A/C circuit and replacing a temperature switch on the dashboard.