Citroen XM V6 Exclusive
The Citroen XM V6 Exclusive was the ultimate expression of Citroen's maverick engineering philosophy — a car that did everything differently from the established German executive car order. While BMW and Mercedes relied on conventional springs and dampers, the XM used Citroen's legendary hydropneumatic suspension in its most advanced form: Hydractive II, which could automatically switch between soft and firm modes depending on driving conditions. The result was a ride quality that remained unmatched — the XM could waft over rutted French autoroutes at 200 km/h with a serenity that made occupants feel like they were floating on air. The PRV V6 engine, a joint development between Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo, provided smooth, understated power, while the Diravi power steering system offered fingertip-light control at parking speeds but weighted up reassuringly at higher velocities. Bertone designed the striking body, which won the European Car of the Year award in 1990. The XM was more comfortable than a Mercedes S-Class, more innovative than any BMW, and cheaper than both. Its Achilles heel was reliability — particularly the complex electronics and hydraulic systems — which prevented it from achieving the commercial success it deserved.
The Hydractive suspension is the car's greatest asset and biggest maintenance concern. Sphere replacement, pump rebuild, and hydraulic fluid changes are essential. The PRV V6 is generally reliable but head gaskets can weep. Rust in sills and subframes. Electronics (particularly on Series I) can be troublesome. Buy the best-maintained example you can find — deferred maintenance is catastrophic on an XM.
Total production across all variants was 333,400 units. The Hydractive system was unique to Citroen and remains one of the most sophisticated suspension systems ever fitted to a production car. The PRV V6 was shared across PSA/Renault/Volvo models. A turbodiesel was the most popular engine in France.