BMW has joined the ultra-luxury SUV market with its first standalone BMW M model in decades. The 2023 BMW XM aims to impress luxury buyers with its outrageous styling, powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain, top-notch handling hardware, luxurious cabin, and plethora of features. But does it live up to expectations?
Under the hood of the BMW XM is a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine that produces an impressive 483 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an integrated 194-hp electric motor, the XM delivers a total system output of 644 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all-four wheels via a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. The XM also offers three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and eControl. The Electric mode utilizes a 29.3-kwh battery with 19.2 kwh of usable capacity, providing an electric range of 31 miles according to the EPA.
The XM’s powertrain offers plenty of power and acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds. However, there are some tuning quirks that stand out. The Electric mode’s throttle is overly sensitive, making smooth acceleration from a stop challenging. Additionally, the highest performance mode experiences inconsistent surging through the powertrain when accelerating. These unexpected quirks are surprising for a BMW, especially one with a six-figure price tag.
In terms of efficiency, the XM is better suited for electric driving rather than relying solely on its internal combustion engine. The XM’s fuel economy varies depending on driving conditions and usage of the electric powertrain. With mostly electric driving, the XM averaged an impressive 93 mpg, but this dropped to 20 mpg after 65 miles of combined driving. Ultimately, the XM’s fuel efficiency is mediocre, averaging around 22.3 mpg according to the trip computer.
Despite its hefty weight of 6,062 pounds, the XM aims to offer a sporty driving experience. It features a double wishbone front suspension, a five-link independent rear suspension, adaptive dampers, and rear-wheel steering. These technologies help to mitigate the XM’s excessive mass, but it still exhibits noticeable lean in turns. The ride quality is decent, but not on par with the X7. The XM handles best when set to the Sport+ mode, though this can result in a busier ride. The Comfort setting offers a more relaxed experience, but overall, the XM’s handling is not as nimble as one would expect from a luxury SUV.
One standout feature of the XM is its bold and controversial design. With an oversized kidney grille, sharp angles, and unique lighting elements, the XM certainly stands out on the road. However, the design has received mixed reviews, with some finding it bold and attractive, while others find it overdone. The optional NightGold metallic trim adds an extra touch of flair, outlining the grille and windows in gold. Overall, the XM’s design is polarizing and may not appeal to everyone’s taste.
In conclusion, the 2023 BMW XM offers a unique blend of luxury, power, and style. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers impressive performance, but has some tuning quirks that dampen the driving experience. The XM’s handling is decent, but not as agile as its competitors. The standout feature of the XM is its bold design, which may appeal to some and turn off others. Ultimately, the XM is a solid contender in the ultra-luxury SUV market, but it faces tough competition from established players like Lamborghini, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce.
