New BMW XM: BMW M’s most powerful plug-in hybrid SUV

As BMW M’s second stand-alone model, the new BMW XM could hardly be further removed from the division’s first effort, the M1.

Built around a “fashionable format”, the XM is not only the most powerful model BMW M has ever produced, it is also the heaviest and, naturally, its first plug-in hybrid.

Before diving into the figures for this “super-SUV”, though, it is impossible not to address its styling.

Faithful to the concept

Previewed by the XM Concept, the BMW XM remains very close to the prototype we saw almost a year ago.

At the front, the enormous illuminated twin kidney grille and the split headlamp layout are the main talking points. Along the sides, the 23-inch wheels draw plenty of attention, although the flush-fitting door handles have been replaced by a more conventional solution.

At the rear, the four exhaust outlets are still present, while the tail-lights have moved to a more “normal” shape-without losing any of their visual impact.

Inside, the cabin design aligns with BMW’s latest offerings, moving a little away from what the concept car suggested.

The BMW Curved Display and the BMW Head-Up Display are both retained, but the standout feature in the XM is the headlining, which uses a three-dimensional structure and 100 LEDs.

BMW XM figures

As mentioned, the XM will be BMW M’s most powerful model to date, and it will always rely on plug-in hybrid powertrains. However, it will only be able to claim that “title” in autumn 2023, when the BMW XM Label Red arrives as the most powerful version of the German “super-SUV”.

In this specification, the XM pairs a combustion engine producing 585 hp and 750 Nm (which BMW has not specified) with a hybrid system delivering 197 hp and 280 Nm. The end result is a combined maximum output of 748 hp and 1000 Nm.

As for the “standard” version, which BMW M will launch in spring 2023, it combines a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 489 hp and 650 Nm with an electric motor rated at 197 hp and 280 Nm.

That translates into 653 hp of combined maximum power and 800 Nm of torque, delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Powering the electric motor is a 25.7 kWh battery, which in “Electric” mode enables between 82 and 88 km of driving at speeds of up to 140 km/h. When it comes to charging, the XM supports charging power of up to 7.4 kW.

A heavyweight, but quick

Alongside being the most powerful BMW M ever, the XM will also be the heaviest, tipping the scales at 2710 kg.

Even with that substantial mass and its generous dimensions-5110 mm long, 2005 mm wide, 1755 mm tall, with a 3105 mm wheelbase-the XM still delivers on performance.

In “standard” form, it covers 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3s, while top speed is limited to 250 km/h, rising to 270 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package. Performance figures for the Label Red variant have not yet been revealed.

One area where the XM’s high weight could have become a “problem” is dynamic behaviour. However, BMW M says the long wheelbase, wide track and the battery’s positioning help deliver a low centre of gravity and a weight distribution close to 50/50.

With three driving modes-“Hybrid”, “Electric” and “eCONTROL”-the BMW XM’s four-wheel-drive system can channel more torque to the rear axle, where a BMW M differential is fitted.

To complete the BMW XM’s dynamic package, it features active anti-roll bars and rear-wheel steering-both a first for models carrying the BMW M badge.

When does it arrive?

With production in the USA scheduled to begin in December 2022, the BMW XM will go on sale in spring 2023 in its “standard” version. Later, in autumn, the XM Label Red will follow.

For now, the German brand has not disclosed the BMW XM’s price.

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