Overview
BMW’s M performance division, purveyor of land rockets like the M3 and M5 sedans, has dropped a hot-rod SUV on the tall-speedster class. Slotting above the
three-row X7 in BMW’s SUV lineup, the new XM is an all-new two-row crossover with serious sporting intentions. The 2023 XM’s styling is inspired by the XM Concept from 2021. Although toned down, it’s still an aggressive design with gaping kidney-shaped grille openings, stacked tailpipes, and a slightly sloped roof that hints at a fastback shape. Under the hood is a 644-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain that gets its muscle from a twin-turbocharged V-8. About 30 miles of electric-only driving should be possible with a fully charged battery but it’s the XM’s performance potential that has our interest piqued. We’ve driven a pre-production prototype, and our first impression is that the new SUV is going to prove as worthy of its M badge as its well-respected sedan cousins.
What’s New for 2023?
The XM is a new model for the BMW lineup and is slated to go into production at the end of 2022 and appear in showrooms in early 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The XM’s starting price is high, but it does come loaded with luxury features, including leather upholstery, huge 23-inch wheels, a cool curved infotainment display, and a host of driver-assistance features. A limited-edition Label Red model will join the lineup shortly after launch, and BMW says it’ll offer an even more powerful engine to accompany its unique interior and exterior styling elements.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 isn’t new to the BMW powertrain portfolio but in the XM it’s partnered with an electric motor and a battery pack to create a whopping 644 horsepower. Horsepower is bumped up to 735-hp in the limited-edition Label Red model. During our initial test drive of an XM prototype in Austria, we noted the powertrain’s immediate punch and estimated that it should get the XM to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds. That will put it in the same neighborhood as performance SUVs such as the Lamborghini Urus and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, both of which delivered zero-to-60-mph times of 3.2 seconds in our testing. The XM uses a coil-spring suspension system that’s augmented by adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars to provide a surprisingly compliant ride when set to its Comfort driving mode. When set to Sport, the XM’s handling is responsive and eager which makes it good fun on a twisty road.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The XM’s 25.7-kWh battery pack is said to be good for about 30 miles of electric-only range per charge. BMW says the XM’s onboard charger is capable of juicing the battery at up to 7.4 kW and should be able to charge up to 100 percent in a little over three hours.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released estimates for the XM’s fuel economy yet but, despite its status as a PHEV, we aren’t expecting Prius-level fuel-sipping from this big, high-performance hybrid. When we get a chance, we’ll take the XM on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with its real-world test results. For more information about the XM’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Everything about the XM’s cabin appears to be high-end, including its optional vintage-look leather upholstery that was first shown on the concept car. The XM’s cabin is strictly a two-row affair, and in place of a large panoramic sunroof, the XM can be had with a geometric-patterned faux-suede headliner that features fiber-optic lighting that’s used to dramatic effect. An optional audio upgrade adds a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with tweeters that illuminate.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A large, curved display stretches across two-thirds of the dashboard. The display serves as both a digital gauge cluster as well as an on-board infotainment center, and It runs BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system are included as well.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Basic features such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are standard on all XM models, but more advanced tech, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, is available too. For more information about the XM’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW offers a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is bolstered by above-average complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles