Anyone who says Turbo can also say Citroën XM

Life can be sneaky. A reader who I consider to be a convinced Saab person keeps sending me tips about great offers in Switzerland. Sure, the Swiss have a reputation for meticulously maintaining their cars, which is probably the case, otherwise they will fail the motor vehicle inspection (MFK) mercilessly.

The MFK is suspected of being stricter than the German TÜV. I can't judge whether that's the case. But the Swiss-owned vehicles I know underline the assumption. Shortly before Christmas there was a hint that an XM from Citroën was being offered. Top-maintained, a turbo. And in the color white.

A Citroën XM Turbo sculpture

White is considered the purest of all colors, but it is generally a brutal color for cars. Because white shows the weaknesses of the design and the smallest mistakes without any mercy. Many current models from renowned providers would fail in white. It is not without reason that gray, muted and forgiving tones dominate the range.

How is the Citroën XM doing? He didn't have an easy birth. The design was mainly done by Marcello Gandini, who had such incredible dreams as the Alfa Romeo Montreal (Link) or created angular monuments like the BX from Citroën (Link).

While the name Gandini is beyond doubt, it is important to know that the design departments of Peugeot and Citroën also lent a hand. Three chefs, one automotive dish. Experience shows that this practically never works.

In the case of the Citroën XM everything is different. The color white suits the vehicle offered in Switzerland, an XM Turbo Series 2, extremely well. Surprisingly good, because it makes the clear lines and the wonderful wedge shape appear timelessly valid. A white XM is a sculpture, just like a CX was before.

The XM's features are nice, but not extensive. The 2 liter turbo engine is considered harmonious and durable and the better choice if you can do without the prestige of the large V6. The fact that the XM doesn't have an automatic transmission is a given. It's also fun to sort the aisles manually. The automatic climate control is also missing, but air conditioning is on board.

The fact that the XM from 1996 does not look poor is thanks to the leather equipment. The combination of a white exterior color and black leather is classically elegant and taste-wise beyond any doubt. However, whether you want to see the retrofit radio in the XM is another question. In any case, the seller includes the original radio and the CD changer.

The fact that driving a Citroën The suspension can be switched between sport and comfort using a switch and anyone who drives such an XM cries every day because Citroën no longer offers this great technology.

The turbo engine is considered good and also tempting for Saab people

An XM is temptation, luxury and avant-garde on wheels and, with a turbo engine, is of course also attractive for die-hard Saab people. The reader who sent me the note regrets not being able to buy it himself. No space, too little free time and the financial resources are planned for Saab maintenance. I feel the same way, but the lack of space and perhaps the lack of adventure are the opposite.

The Citroën XM Turbo, on the other hand, is not even expensive. The 250.000 kilometers of mileage shouldn't be a problem with appropriate care; it's the condition of the body that counts, which you have to make sure of. The suggested price is CHF 7.500. You are capable of negotiating, like the car dealership (Link) says.

However, you should not forget the costs incurred when importing into Germany. It's not just 19% sales tax and 10% of the vehicle value. Costs for transport and possible insurance may be added.