The code word for the French brand Citroën is: Originality. The striking and idiosyncratic design of the Citroëns is one of the hallmarks, together with the wonderful tradition of the brand. The successor to the popular CX was the XM, which came onto the market in 1989 and was immediately voted European Car of the Year in 1990. The Citroën XM was also the first Citroën which was equipped with the new hydro-active suspension system, which made the car extremely comfortable.
Jan's XM is in beautiful condition, better said in immaculate condition, because it has always been an indoor sleeper.
Citroën remains unique
Jan: “Not only unique as a model and version, but certainly unique because it is the Citroën My father's XM has been. My father had a soft spot for French classics; they had qualities that captivated the hearts of many. Citroën simply exerts an irresistible attraction on a crowd of enthusiasts. After his death I took over the car, which is only used as a hobby car. My daily driver is a Citroën CX. The car will therefore remain in my care and this is how I want to express my love for my father and Citroën. This is a clear example of my father's happiness being passed on to me. That is the only way to protect the heritage across generations.”
Rarely seen in white
Jan: “You see the Citroën XM is not often seen on the streets anymore anyway, especially when it comes to this bright white version; it would involve a handful of copies. I am in the fortunate position that I use this XM purely as a hobby. Maybe a classic of the future, a car that I feel good about and can be kind of proud of. After all, an old car shows that you have passion!”
“It's more than a hobby; it is a source of satisfaction. They drive really well and the soft suspension, the good seats and the powerful V6 under the hood always put a grin on my face. The beautiful photos clearly show the many windows in this one Citroën XM. The window styles are therefore very narrow. The playful nose, the headlights and the grill make the design by the design house Bertone absolutely fantastic.”
Special charm
Do you also enjoy the special charm of the youngtimers, classics and oldtimers on 2 or 4 wheels? Amazingly enough, you can enhance that feeling by becoming a subscriber to Auto Motor Klassiek, which, partly through reports and photos, fills in a large part of car history. Financial considerations do not have to be the basis; an annual subscription costs less than 50 euros for 12 issues.
In my opinion the most beautiful C ever made. Way ahead of its time, the model could now be brand new off the production line. I see Xantia as a smaller brother, also very beautiful. Be careful with it, even in France it is hardly visible anymore.
In terms of lines, for me it is still the most beautiful production car since 1989. Xantia was slightly less, but also an attractive car.
We don't have to discuss the quality of the ride. Even economical driving was possible, 1:10 and the diesel even 1:18.
Have had two. Sweet memories remain with a photo on the mantelpiece.
My opinion and experience with the XM.
To start: 13 diamonds 😀. An interior where you sit luxuriously and spaciously. The (especially the first) dashboard where the shape of the exterior blends nicely with the interior. First version: One-spoke steering wheel as a decoration with buttons, the digital small information screens left/right that were very modern at the time and the excellent furniture for all versions.
An extremely comfortable and safe suspension and ditto handling. A streamline that is very special: the car appears angular, but in reality it is rounded in all shapes. An imposing, chic appearance that you can even look good with as president.
I drove it regularly on the Autobahn at the time and especially with the V6 everything came together: what a sublime car that is 😎
Too bad: the negative press about, among other things, teething problems and brand doubts and the fact that many CX drivers had already switched to BMW in particular and have stuck with the Beavers. The XM was too late and too early.
It's that I have enough hobby cars, but otherwise an XM would definitely be on my “i want one” list.
I have driven an XM break for years myself. Problem-free car, great to drive. This white one is fantastic. Special beautiful spoiler on the back. Ours reached 360.000 km. Then broken timing chain. Was probably forgotten by the garage.
We didn't mind, because the paint on the roof and front hatch was peeling and after 160.000 km I was ready for something else. But I still think it's a beautiful model, especially the sedan with that nice ass.
Had a CX for 3 years before that, also wonderful. Sooner or later I hope to have one of the 2 again.
One of the most beautiful Citroëns ever. I only like the CX better.
Even though I also suffer from Citrophilia, the XM was a car that took some getting used to.
Her appearance was a bit too flat for the size of the car, I thought the Xantia had better proportions, so to speak.
But…. it just needed to mature; I later thought it was a fantastic appearance among all the predominantly boring German fleet in the Netherlands.
And that V6; wonderfully whizzing at high speed on the Autobahn or Strada...
Keep her beautiful, have fun driving (also with the CX).
I also had an one of the GP and mine a hard working car crazy people always waved thought it was the doctor then bought a second hand Opel Omega that could not be broken I got rid of it after it was 2 years old and had run more than 29 tons without problems ever but then the rust devil was present
Ever heard of punctuation? This is almost impossible to read!
HaHa, Anger, frustration does not go hand in hand with running sentences.
I'm only late Citroen start driving, partly because of stories like this one.
I thought I'd start modestly with a BX for 4500.
That became one of my problem-free cars and the maintenance costs were also low. I don't think he's ever let me down.
This was followed by a 10 year old CX, 2nd version. Also almost* hassle-free and low cost. I got rid of it after 3 years and 60.000 km because I had been hit several times and it no longer looked good. Finally the clutch cable* broke and I told my wife. Time for a station wagon. There were kids coming. That became the XM break, also problem-free and low maintenance costs. So 250.000 km with relatively old animals Citroen. If they are all doing so well, is that a coincidence?