・Desirable and rare flagship model

・Low ownership and mileage

・Comprehensive service history

・New MOT upon sale

Following in the footsteps of the DS and CX this is no ordinary Citroen - the XM, designed by Nuccio Bertone, no less, was Citroen’s flagship executive model and moreover the 3.0 V6 PRV variant is arguably the one to have - the first V6 Citroen since the Maserati-engined SM back in the early 1970’s. Notably, the XM incorporates the well known hydropneumatic suspension developed a stage further with the introduction of Hydractive - which added a central ECU to control the firmness, reduce body roll and sharpen the steering.  

Launched in 1989 at the Geneva motor show, the XM was dubbed “the best riding car in the world” and in 1990 it was voted European car of the year and was pitched against prestige vehicles like the BMW 5 series. However, relatively few were sold (333,775).

The early history of this XM is a little unclear as it may well have initially resided abroad. It has

been garaged most of its life however and indeed has been dry stored for a number of years. The last entry in the service history is from 2007 at 47,000 miles and is now showing 54,000, so very little mileage since then.

It does however have a comprehensive service history file and has obviously been meticulously 

maintained - the previous owner regularly drove it to his second home in the south of France.

The V5 is present along with the service book, owners manual and a Haynes manual. There are also plenty of various receipts for maintenance work carried out over the years. The current MOT expires in June 2021 but the current owner will provide a fresh MOT.

Being Citroen’s flagship model in the ’90’s, the individually styled interior is indeed a luxurious place to be. It is both spacious and comfortable and a genuine practical 5 door hatch.

The overall condition is extremely good. The dash, steering wheel and switches all present well. The cream full leather upholstery is clean with little signs of wear, although It may benefit from some detailing and leather food. The matching door cards, veneers and carpets also look good. The front seats and armrest are electric and both front and rear seats are heated and at the other extreme the air-conditioning is ice cold. The boot is clean and tidy.

The XM comes with 2 keys and has an immobiliser keypad that requires the code to be entered first. The radio also needs the code entered.

The vendor has confirmed that all the gauges and switches work as they should - good news indeed.

 

The avant-garde angular Bertone styling looks sharp and purposeful. As you can see from the photographs, the partially galvanised body shell on this example is very straight and original looking and the shiny Emerald Green metallic paintwork is in very good condition for it’s age. The only significant ‘touch up’ appears to be around the sunroof (see photos) and there are a few stone chips at sill level. No obvious signs of rust and all the trim is good. The original wheels and trims are shod with a set of good Pirelli tyres.  

Following on from Citroen’s ‘glasshouse’ window and minimal pillars philosophy, one of the most

 intriguing features of the XM’s 13 windows is it’s hidden ‘trick’ rear window which protects rear seated passengers from the elements when the hatch is opened - another example of Citroen’s ‘quirky’ but thoughtful approach.

The front wheel drive silky-smooth V6 and 4-speed auto-box make for a very comfortable cruiser. 

The hydropneumatic suspension adds to the experience and this one shouldn’t disappoint. It operates effectively in all positions. (The photos illustrate full suspension travel from the ‘slammed’ look to the off-road look).

The 2963cc PRV engine with it’s electronic injection catalyst starts and drives well and sounds spot on. The engine bay would benefit from a wipe over, but otherwise is honest.

The brakes operate on the same hydraulic system as the suspension and as a result are super sensitive. The Citroen fix for this was to add a spring to the pedal to reduce the braking force transmitted. They work well including the handbrake which operates on the front wheels effectively.    

As mentioned, this XM will come with a new MOT from the vendor.

The XM certainly has a dedicated following from enthusiasts who appreciate the finer points of XM motoring. Values are rising and good examples are becoming increasingly hard to find in the UK so it can only become even more desirable.

This low mileage example has obviously been well cared for and has the performance and comfort to continue it’s journey for many years to come - A rare slice of French luxury!.


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