Last Updated on April 12, 2023 by Victor A
BMW’s most powerful SUV is here, this is the all-new 2023 BMW XM, the perfect blend between luxury and performance.
This is a big deal since it’s the first pure M hybrid model from the Bavarian brand, which differs from other cars like the M760e, iX M60, or i4 M50, cars that are M performance branded cars.
But its uniqueness goes further since it’s also the first BMW M vehicle that is not based on a regular BMW model, this hasn’t happened since the BMW M1 of 1970.
The exterior design of the XM
The exterior design of the 2023 BMW XM looks surprisingly close to the concept model, we would say that it looks like an X7 but in coupe form and with more modern and aggressive looks.
The front reminds us the most of the BMW X7 thanks to the split headlights, however here the front looks sleeker and meaner, while the side profile looks way sleeker due to the more coupe form, and then the back is a whole different story.
The back features rear lights that remind us of the BMW X6, although the rest looks different, especially when we look at the quad exhausts with stacked tips.
It clearly has more presence than any other BMW SUV model, it is clear that the automaker wants to turn heads.
Dimensions are as expected, this is a mid-size SUV, as it’s 201.2 inches (5,110 mm) long, 78,9 inches (2,005 mm) wide, and 69,1 inches (1,755 mm) tall, and it can fit five people.
As expected the 2023 XM is a heavy SUV, 6,062 lbs (2,750 kg). Just so you get an idea, a 2022 X5M Competition weighs 5,258 lbs (2,385 kg). This shows us how heavy this car becomes due to being a PHEV.
The BMW XM interior design
Inside we are greeted by a familiar but bold interior, which reminds us of the BMW iX but with a slightly more traditional look.
The XM rocks the new double touchscreen, with all the features of iDrive 8, standard head-up display, and a bunch of driver assistance systems that also come standard.
One detail that we highly appreciate is that the XM has a conventional automatic gear shifter and not the new lever which honestly just makes things confusing.
The XM interior looks way more luxurious than other BMW models, as the sculptural headliner, the double-tone interior color, the massive amount of leather, and all the little details add up to create an interior that looks familiar yet unique.
It’s interesting that BMW is not offering a vegan leather option for their interior, since they announced not so long ago that vehicles starting from 2023 will start having such option.
An interesting quirk is that the headliner is fitted with a hundred LEDs for lighting effects which will change depending on the driving mode that is selected.
2023 BMW XM engine and specifications
The BMW XM combines a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor to produce a staggering 644 hp (653 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque.
All the power is delivered to all four wheels thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The V8 makes 483 hp (490 PS) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, while the electric motor can generate 194 hp (197 PS).
The SUV is limited to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), however, BMW offers an optional M Driver’s Package that unblocks the limiter to reach a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).
It can speed up from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4,1, while its acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is rated at 4,3 seconds.
The XM can use its battery (25.7 kWh) to move in pure electric drive for 51-55 miles (82-88 km) in WLTP standards, while in EPA standards its range is rated at 30 miles (48 km), and it can reach a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h).
The XM price, availability, and competitors
In the United States, the 2022 BMW XM will set you back at a starting price of $159,000, while in Europe prices start at 170,000 €.
Production will start later this year in Spartanburg, North Carolina, United States, and availability is expected to start in spring 2023.
In terms of placement, the BMW XM fits at top of the line, above the X7 M60i, the 2024 X6 M Competition, and the 2024 X5 M Competition. The XM is even placed on top of the all-new Alpina XB7.
Some competitors for the XM are the Aston Martin DBX, the Lamborghini Urus S and the Urus Performante, the Ferarri Purosangue, and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.
However, it’s clear that the most direct competitor is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S since both rely on hybrid technology to provide massive power, while also focusing on providing a comfortable driving experience.
If we compare the XM vs the Cayenne Turbo S, we realize that in terms of performance, the Cayenne is just a better car, however, they are close.
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and an electric motor which together produce 670 HP (680 PS), it can speed up from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3,8 seconds and its top speed is limited to 183 mph (295 km/h).
Basically, it’s better than the XM in almost all aspects of performance.
However there are other areas where the XM surpasses the Cayenne, for example in terms of electric drive, the Cayenne Turbo S has an unimpressive range of 15 miles (24 km).
Also, the top speed of the Cayenne Turbo S in full electric drive is lower, 84 mph (135 km/h).
And lastly, the price is higher, $173,800 in the United States, and 182,000 € in Europe.
Then when it comes to design, this is up to you to decide which one is better.
But wait, there’s more. Enter the BMW XM Label Red
It was clear that the XM was lagging behind its competitors when it came to performance, thankfully, BMW has reserved a surprise for later next year.
The BMW XM Label Red is a limited production SUV that will blow your mind with its numbers, 738 hp (748 PS) and 738 lb-ft (997 Nm) of torque, making it the most powerful production SUV in the world, surpassing the all-new Ferrari Purosangue.
The XM Label Red also features red accents in the wheels and upholstery, filling the whole design with these color to differentiate it with the standard model.
Of course, a car like this will have a considerable price tag, and that’s $185,000 in the United States. For Europe, there is still no news about the price but expect it to be around 200,000 €.
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