2023 BMW XM debuts with first hybrid-assisted V8 powertrain

BMW has just premiered the XM crossover for the 2023 model year. While this isn’t the first hybrid high-riding two-box to come out of Bavaria’s drawing boards, it is the first model from the automaker’s M performance brand, pairing a potent V8 with plug-in hybrid assist.

The most powerful member of the BMW M series yet has arrived

The newest BMW M machine largely retains the aesthetics of the Concept XM it is based on, that itself is the first M series standalone vehicle since the 70s-era M1 sports car. That said, the production XM is a new Bimmer that also celebrates 50 years of BMW M’s existence.   

Exterior 

The XM measures 5,110mm long, 2,004mm wide, and 1,755mm high on a 3,104mm wheelbase. It sports front and rear tracks of 1,727mm and 1,689mm respectively, while standing 221mm from the ground. 

Its aesthetic hews closely to that on the Concept XM

True to its concept form, the XM features a chiseled exterior highlighted by aggressive lines throughout, converging especially at the front fascia. Sharp creases define the adaptive LED headlamps resting below the daytime running lights, between which lies the trademark kidney grille surrounded in gold trim and showing off the M badge on the horizontal slats. 

The cladding on the fender and rocker panels has been simplified from the concept but is no less muscular in character, more than hinting at the XM’s potential for adventure. A gold character line joins the upper greenhouse trim, surrounding the rising beltline to make a powerful statement on the profile.      

Vertical exhaust stacks are a noteworthy design element

Laser-engraved versions of the trademark BMW roundel adorn the upper left and right corners of the rear window, set practically flush on the tailgate. This is surrounded by slim LED rear lamps that jut outward from the body, accompanied by diagonal light strips on the flanks that mimic the M logo. 

At the lower apron, a gloss black bumper houses two vertical stacks of twin hexagonal exhaust tips surrounding the rear diffuser, joined by vertical reflectors at the fringes. A set of 23-inch M light alloy wheels complements seven exterior body colors, which BMW says will be expanded to more than 50 choices by 2023. 

Interior 

The XM’s interior is just as expressive as the exterior, with strong lines dominating the various surfaces such as the dashboard, seats, center console, and door trim. Two-row seating is the norm, bearing up to five occupants plus cargo at the rear. 

The interior is both indulgent and intelligent

Along with generous space, indulgence is the order of the day, with premium materials and design coming together to form an inviting living space. A diamond motif is present, from the three-dimensional quilting to the contours on the optional heated seats. Customers can choose between four equipment variants, each featuring vintage leather.  

The XM’s Alcantara headliner showcases a prismatic structure, highlighted by 100 LEDs to create a dramatic ambient lighting effect. More than decorative, the lights are also functional, pulsing in time to an incoming phone call or flashing a collision risk warning when the door is opened.           

Tech & Safety

Standard on the new XM is BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional, comprising a curved display that spans both the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen as a single unit. This runs on an M-style version of BMW’s latest iDrive 8. A heads-up display with M-specific readouts is included to aid drivers in monitoring vehicle operation without looking away from the road.

Occupants sit underneath a prismatic pattern on the headliner 

In terms of safety, BMW claims that the 2023 XM offers the largest selection of driver-assist features offered on any M model. Standard equipment includes Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, Evasion Assistant, Alertness Assistant, and Speed Limit Info System with overtaking indicator and manual Speed Limit Assist. 

If that’s not enough, BMW also has the optional Driving Assistant Professional that brings Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Steering & Lane Control Assistant. There’s also Speed Limit Assist, traffic light recognition, route monitoring, Active Navigation, Emergency Lane, Emergency Stop Assistant, Lane Change Assistant, and Crossing Traffic Warning.

Engine & Drivetrain      

The XM packs some serious hardware under its sculpted hood, starting with a 4.4-liter V8 gasoline engine employing M TwinPower Turbo technology carrying 483 horsepower. An additional 194 horses is supplied by a fifth-generation BMW eDrive electric motor integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, resulting in a total output of 644 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. 

The XM runs on V8 hybrid power with an all-wheel drivetrain

Power is carried to the road through an all-wheel drivetrain with user-selectable driving modes, enabling users to switch between performance and efficiency. An M Sport differential provides a wide range of torque distribution, while active roll stabilization with Active Roll Comfort works with Integral Active Steering (a first for BMW M) to stabilize the chassis whether at low or high speeds. 

The 25.7 kWh battery pack can be charged from zero to full in 3.25 hours, with the XM capable of an estimated 48-kilometer range in full electric mode.   

Pricing

BMW is pricing the 2023 XM at $159,000 (more than Php 9.37 million) for the standard version. This climbs to $185,000 (Php 10.9 million) for the XM Label Red that brings more than 735 horsepower and almost 1,000 Nm of torque, along with special paint, alloy wheels, seats, and cabin trim. \

This could be how future performance BMW models could look like 

The BMW XM will commence production at the automaker’s Spartanburg facility in the U.S. by end-2022, reaching showrooms by early 2023.   

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