BMW M’s second standalone model, the XM SUV, is finally out of the cave as we progress to the end of BMW M’s 50th-anniversary celebration. When BMW unveiled the concept car in November 2021, it left hard-core Bimmer enthusiasts worldwide in astonishment, not because of how cool it looked, but because the second M-only vehicle is not a supercar but a big fat SUV. While the Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX 707, and Porsche Cayenne currently dominate the performance-SUV sector, the BMW XM may change that. Apart from the design quirks, Its key highlight is the 644 horsepower hybrid powertrain, which can further be increased to a stunning 735 ponies with a limited edition Label Red model.
The XM Stayed True to the Original Concept
You can all start your love and hate war about the all-new XM’s overall design aesthetics, but it is not something to look away from either. Yes, the front fascia is a bit more controversial, with the split headlights and the illuminated trapezoidal kidney grilles. However, it seems that BMW listened to consumer feedback and slightly changed the grille design compared to the concept. At first glance, the front fascia looks quite busy, but the lower grille design with the sharp cuts around the side vents are unique in the BMW lineup.
The sides will make you believe that the XM is a seven-seater because of the gigantic 201.2 inches length. A set of 23-inch wheels are offered as standard, and the weird thing is that you can choose an inch smaller set of wheels as an option. The design of the wheels is more Rolls-Royce-ish. However, the fenders, especially the rear ones, are wider than expected. Looking at the rear, there is a more realistic-looking LED taillight design compared to the concept vehicle. It is not as sleek as the concept, but it is likable. Lower down the bumper, some fake diffuser action is going on, and four exhaust tips flank them. These exhaust tips are also trapezoidal and are placed vertically, something new for a Bimmer.
The production-spec XM’s cabin is very different from the concept it is based on. However, the overall design is not as outlandish as the exterior. The dashboard design is the same as all the latest Bimmers, with a dual-tone color profile. BMW is not marketing the XM as its ultimate track-focused SUV, but more like a performance Luxobarge. The XM has five seats, and as you can guess by its size, it has enormous space in the cabin, as BMW calls M Lounge. The Alcantara headliner also incorporates no less than 100 LED lights, which are dynamic and change depending on your liking.
The XM is a Step in the Right Direction
Now, let’s talk about the most exciting topic, the powertrain. As you all know by now, the XM is the M Division’s first PHEV vehicle, which also sports the all-new S68 engine. The M division will incorporate this same powertrain arrangement into the next-gen M5. The engine is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 that can crank out 483 ponies and 479 pound-feet of twist. In addition, an electric motor is integrated into the gearbox, which is good for 194 horses and 207 pound-feet. Together, this hybrid powertrain can put out 644 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. However, don't let the performance figures deceive you because the XM weighs as much as 6,062 pounds. Part of the reason is a hefty 25.7-kWh battery pack that can enable the XM to run entirely on electric power up to 30 miles at up to87 mph speed.
If you feel duped about the promised 750-horsepower variant of the XM, please don’t. BMW will offer the more powerful Label Red models in 2023, but it will be a limited edition variant with a total power output of 735 horses and 735 pound-feet of torque. BMW claims that the base XM can sprint to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, which is decent for its size. For speed freaks, BMW will offer the M Driver’s Package that increases top speed from 155 mph to 168 mph. Sitting atop BMW’s SUV lineup, the XM starts at $159,000, excluding the $995 destination charges. The Label Red variant will set you back another $26,000.