The BMW XM is potentially the most significant M car in decades and the fact that it's an SUV, speaks volumes about the future trajectory of the automotive industry. Launched at an introductory price of $159,000, the XM will be available in two flavors and as the M--division's first-ever hybrid production car, it aims to dethrone the top super SUVs and define the trajectory of BMW M cars of the future.
10 The BMW XM's Design Language Is LOUD!
After revealing cars like the M5 CS and the limited-run M4 CSL, taking fanboys and enthusiasts back to happier times when BMW grills used to be smaller, the new BMW XM is here to compensate for the aforementioned M-cars by featuring the biggest grill of any BMW on sale. The production car's design is largely identical to the XM Concept, and it will go on to define the design language for all future BMW models like the upcoming BMW i7. The rest of the design is futuristic yet minimal with sharp creases breaking the SUV's visual bulk. The XM also spots BMW's flagship Laser light technology which looks impressive but the illuminated grill and weighted hubcaps mimic the current crop of Rolls-Royce vehicles.
9 The BMW XM Takes Cues From The Endurance Racer
The XM SUV shares its DNA with BMW's latest M-hybrid V-8 endurance racer which is designed to take part in the upcoming IMSA WeatherTech championship event. The engine is a heavily reinforced derivative of the 4.4-litre V-8 we have seen and loved in the current M5 range. With reinforced internals and an electric motor sandwiched between the gasoline engine and the eight-speed ZF transmission, the XM can effectively use the electric motor to fill in the gaps in the gasoline engine and the end result is seamless and relentless thrust.
8 The XM Will Have An Even More Performance-Oriented Twin
As per BMW's latest press release, the XM will be available in two states of tune. The introductory version of the BMW XM will pack a V-8 hybrid drivetrain making 653 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque while the XM Red Label, set to launch in 2023 will get 748 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque, which makes it the most powerful production SUV, even overtaking Ferrari's manic V-12 powered Purosangue SUV. Another high-performance SUV that can give the XM a run for its money is the Cadillac Escalade V which is not only brutishly fast, at $149,195, but it's also significantly cheaper than the entry-level XM.
7 The BMW XM Offers Incredible Performance
The 2023 XM is the first-ever PHEV from BMW's M-division and right out of the bat, the full-fat XM Label Red takes the title of the most powerful BMW production car in history with a total system output of 748 horsepower. Even the standard XM is no slouch with 18 more horsepower than the M5 CS, the current record holder for the most powerful production BMW. This comes courtesy of an extensively revised version of the 4.4-litre S68 V-8 that packs reinforced crankshaft drive and repositioned turbos with electronically controlled blow-off valves which allow the engine to make up to 479 pound-feet of torque and 489 horsepower, in isolation to the electric systems.
6 The XM Is A BMW "M-Exclusive" Product
The XM also holds the honor of being only the second-ever M-exclusive car in BMW history. That means the new 2023 BMW XM will not get any regular, non-M versions. The only other M-exclusive car in BMW's history is the BMW M1 from 1978, the M division's first and only mid-engined production car that was designed in collaboration with Lamborghini. To celebrate the SUV's ties with the iconic M1, BMW has given the XM two laser-etched BMW logos on either corner of the rear windshield to replicate the M1's dual logos.
5 The BMW XM's Interior Is Awe-Inspiring
The BMW XM gets a fancy blend of neo-retro design in the form of the finest and latest BMW tech, masked to give off an old-school vibe. The carbon fiber dashboard with copper inlays looks very posh and tastefully futuristic, but the same can't be said for the seats which though are very supportive and offer a plethora of adjustments, they are two different colors. BMW has for some reason decided to showcase the XM with tan brown bucket seats in the front that match the door cards up front and in the back it gets bright blue fabric seats and green shagpile carpets. If all these design cues seem too bold, then fear not, knowing BMW, they will offer more sedate interior options with the XM range.
4 The BMW XM Features Loads Of BMW 'M' Hardware
In addition to a potent 4.4-liter V-8 hybrid powertrain, BMW has thrown a ton of high-performance hardware at the new BMW XM to make it stop and handle like a thorough bread M. For starters, BMW has given the XM a fully variable valve-tonic exhaust to give the owners the option of driving in complete silence or unleashing the visceral rumble of the V8, all the press of a button. To improve high-speed dynamics, BMW has fitted the XM with Adaptive M-suspension which in conjunction with BMW's Active Steer rear wheel steering should give it exceptional stability. The M-sport differential helps to effectively transfer the engine's torque to the rear wheels.
3 BMW XM Range and Charging
The BMW XM is a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV), a first for BMW's M-division, but unlike exotic, performance-oriented hybrids from the past i.e the La Ferrari and Lamborghini's Cian, the electric onboard this super SUV aims to make it economical. The BMW XM has a pure electric range of up to 55 miles (WLTP), courtesy of its 29.4 kWh battery pack which should be sufficient for most people's inter-city commutes. The eDrive power unit as BMW calls it is a 145 kW electric motor that generates 197 horsepower in addition to the 489 horsepower twin-turbo V-8, which allows the XM to hit 87 mph in EV mode and helps deliver a manufacturer-claimed 188.3 MPG.
2 The BMW XM Has The Traits Of A Good Gran Tourer
Plenty of power, luxurious upholstery in a well-appointed cabin, and space for a weekend's worth of luggage are some of the key things that make a textbook grand tourer. Granted the XM is no sleek coupe, but this SUV is perfect for munching cross-country miles courtesy of its powerful and smooth hybrid drivetrain, which can recoup lost energy along the way and offer a comfortable ride across a variety of road types. The seats are tremendously supportive and the latest i-drive system onboard introduces a whole host of features along with the latest in BMW's radar-based driver assistance aids.
1 The BMW XM Goes Up Against Familiar Foes
As mentioned earlier, the BMW XM Label Red will take the crown of the most powerful production SUV, dethroning the current speed champion of the SUV world, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. It will also take on the latest crop of coveted super SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus Performante and the Aston Martin DBX 707. But the real threat to this PHEV super SUV is the upcoming Ferrari Purosangue, the first SUV to feature a prancing horse and with its naturally aspirated V-12 under the hood, it will definitely be the superior soundtrack courtesy of its four extra cylinders. Launched at an introductory price of $159,000, the XM is right up there with the most expensive SUVs while the XM Label Red is expected to carry a price tag of $185,000, but it manages to stand out with the unique and cutting-edge hybrid drivetrain that makes it one of the most desirable performance SUVs of 2023.