Now we all know from that
Audi R8 V10 advert
that manufacturers can't properly display the performance potential of a car in a commercial nowadays. But what if the car's USP is in fact nothing to do with speed at all?
Take the Citroen XM, for example. Outright performance is about as relevant to Citroen's luxobarge as infotainment is to a new Caterham. So how to create a dramatic advert then?
Well the car was of course legendary for its hydropneumatic suspension and the stunning body control it facilitated. So Citroen decided that should be demonstrated with the most breathtaking scenery it could find (is that Iceland?) and with plentiful close-ups of the body remaining unruffled as the wheels bobble along the craggy surfaces.
But there's so much else to enjoy too. See the gloriously Gallic single-spoke wheel sprinkled with buttons, for one. A proper PHer, this gentleman has specced his V6 24v XM with a manual gearbox that features an appropriately long-winded throw. But perhaps best of all is the selector switch for suspension; no fancy dials here! It's that or the electric armrest, for sure.
Want one? Yeah, us too. None on PH at the moment but XMs do seem to be around elsewhere. Then you must drive it around Iceland immediately,
(N.B. Another press pic and not the lovely French car in the vid unfortunately. Screengrabs from 240p videos don't look so good)