BMW amazed everyone late last year when the company introduced the Concept XM, and now they have revealed its production model, boasting mainly the similar polarizing styling. Named the BMW XM, it has the same split headlight design we find on the new BMW X7 and 7 Series. The interesting part is it is the first standalone M vehicle after the original M1 in 1981.
BMW XM Preview
Exterior
The 2023 BMW XM sits above the X5M / X6 M Competition and X7 M60i, but it doesn’t have any similarities with them. The big vehicle is partially electrified, featuring 23-inch wheels with 275/35 R23 front and 315/30 R23 rear tires.
To give a hint of the M1 model, the automaker employs two roundels at the rear, but it is where the resemblances end. The XM gets a quad exhaust system, stunningly wide taillights, and a noticeable badge with a gold outline to complement other exterior elements.
Powertrain
The first M PHEV model uses a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 and mild-hybrid technology. The S68 mill produces 483 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 479 pound-feet (650 Newton-meters) of torque and mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor that separately create 194 hp and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm).
The whole powertrain yields 644 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm), enabling the XM to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) run in just 4.1 seconds or 0.2 seconds more to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). The top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), but the M Driver’s Package will increase the top speed limit to 168 mph (270 km/h).
Battery and Range
The motor gets power from a lithium-ion battery pack that can draw up to 25.7 kWh. Once fully charged, the XM can attain up to 87 mph (140 km/h) speed in electric mode and cover 30 miles (48 kilometers) as per EPA estimates. The XM in Europe has a different name as well as a different all-electric range. The range on the WLTP cycle is 82 to 88 kilometers (51 to 55 miles).
Dimensions
It weighs 6,062 pounds with nearly a 50:50 weight distribution and is the heaviest model the company has ever produced. It shouldn’t be a surprise with a massive V8 engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack on top of bulky dimensions.
It is 5,110 millimeters (201.2 inches) long, 2,005 mm (78.9 in) wide, and 1,755 mm (69.1 in) tall. While the wheelbase of 3,105 mm (122.2 in) is similar to what we get in the three-row X7, the BMW XM can accommodate only five.
Interior
The two-tone interior mixes the Vintage Coffee Merino leather with Soft Nappa leather. The electrified SUV’s infotainment system employs the latest iDrive 8, and there is a wide range of driver assistance features to make the journeys safe and convenient.
Price
BMW will start development at the Spartanburg factory in South Carolina this year and sell it for at least $159,000 (excluding $995 destination and handling fees). A pricier and more powerful model (producing over 735 hp and 735 lb-ft), named XM Label Red, will come next year, starting at $185,000.
Source and Images: Motor1