√2023 BMW XM revealed
The first standalone BMW M car in 40 years is not a low-volume mid-engined supercar. Instead, it’s a plug-in hybrid super SUV with more power than any other production BMW.
BMW M has revealed its first standalone model since the M1 supercar of the 1970s, the 2023 BMW XM super SUV – ahead of an international launch due early next year.
A rival to the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX, the XM is a car of numerous firsts: the largest full BMW M performance model ever built, its first with plug-in hybrid power, and its most powerful ever.
First European deliveries are due early next year – with Australia likely to follow (though yet to be confirmed) – in a single variant, with a higher-performance ‘Label Red’ model set to follow next year with 550kW.
Powering the launch model is BMW M’s latest 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 (known as the S68) developing 360kW/650Nm, assisted by a 145kW/280Nm electric motor and a 25.7kWh battery pack.
Together, the petrol and electric elements quote combined outputs of 480kW and 800Nm.
They send drive to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, good for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.3 seconds, a top speed of up to 270km/h with the right option boxes ticked, and 82-88km of electric-only driving range in European testing.
Due later next year is a flagship Label Red model with 548kW and 997Nm – while reports suggest an entry-level six-cylinder model may be coming, with 360kW/700Nm.
The production XM draws significant influence from last year’s Concept XM, with the largest interpretation yet of BMW’s signature ‘kidney’ grilles – illuminated with LED strips – and split headlights akin to the flagship 7 Series and X7.
The door handles, front air intakes and LED tail-lights have changed from the concept – but styling cues such as the body creases, broad rear pillar, rising window line, stacked exhaust tips, and rear window BMW logos have carried over mostly unchanged.
Measuring 5110mm long, 2005mm wide and 1755mm tall, on a 3105mm wheelbase, the XM is almost as long than the seven-seat BMW X7, based on the same floorpan – but the XM only has five seats, and a lower roofline.
The compromise of its size and power is weight, as US specifications suggest the XM tips the scales at 2750kg – making it one of the heaviest BMWs ever produced, irrespective of M badging.
Under the skin, the XM benefits from a new M xDrive all-wheel-drive system built for plug-in hybrids, with an electronic locking rear differential, BMW’s latest fast-reacting traction control technology, variable torque split between the axles.
New for a BMW M car is an 48-volt active anti-roll stabilisation system, which uses electric motors to keep the XM’s body flat in corners. Adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering are also available.
Alloy wheels up to 23 inches in diameter are available – wrapped in 275/45-profile front and 315/40-profile rear Michelin tyres – which hide high-performance brake discs.
Inside, the production XM’s dashboard is more conventional than the concept, with a centre stack shared with other cars in the BMW line-up – though it does try to recall the 2021 concept, with unique leather interior colour, and 100 LED lights in the Alcantara headlining.
The brown leather seen in the launch photos is “aged” before it is put into the car – while in the rear there’s what BMW calls the ‘M Lounge’, with sculpted outer seats and trim that extends into the doors.
The super SUV scores the same twin-screen panel as other new BMW models, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen running the brand’s latest iDrive 8 software, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and satellite navigation.
A full suite of advanced driver assistance aids is expected to be available, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, and front and rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2023 BMW XM is set to enter production in the US this December, ahead of first European deliveries early next year.
An Australian launch is yet to be confirmed, but given Australians’ penchant for both BMW X SUVs and M performance cars, a local launch is highly likely.
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