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2023 BMW XM
Starting at $159.995
Highs High-end cabin finishings, big-power twin-turbo V-8, reasonable amount of electric driving range.
Lows Love-it-or-hate-it styling, ride could be more composed, other performance SUVs are quicker.
Verdict When you set BMW's M division loose to create a bespoke performance SUV, the end result is a large crossover that can almost keep pace with an M3.
Overview
BMW's M performance division, purveyor of land rockets like the M3 and M5 sedans, has dropped a hot-rod SUV on the tall-speedster class. Slotting above the three-row X7 in BMW's SUV lineup, the new XM is an all-new two-row crossover with serious sporting intentions. The 2023 XM's styling is inspired by the XM Concept from 2021. Although toned down, it's still an aggressive design with gaping kidney-shaped grille openings, stacked tailpipes, and a slightly sloped roof that hints at a fastback shape. Under the hood is a 644-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain that gets its muscle from a twin-turbocharged V-8. About 30 miles of electric-only driving should be possible with a fully charged battery but it's the XM's performance potential that has our interest piqued.
What's New for 2023?
The XM is a new model for the BMW lineup and is slated to appear in showrooms in early 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
XM: $159,995
The XM's starting price is high, but it does come loaded with luxury features, including leather upholstery, huge 23-inch wheels, a cool curved infotainment display, and a host of driver-assistance features. A limited-edition Label Red model will join the lineup for the 2024 model year, and BMW says it'll offer an even more powerful 738-hp version of the XM's powertrain to accompany its unique interior and exterior styling elements.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 isn't new to the BMW powertrain portfolio but in the XM it's partnered with an electric motor and a battery pack to create a whopping 644 horsepower. During our first test drive, we noted the powertrain's immediate punch and estimated that it should get the XM to 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds. When we get a chance to test it on our home turf, we'll update this story with the results. But if our estimate is correct, that would put the XM at a disadvantage when compared to other performance SUVs such as the Lamborghini Urus and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, both of which delivered zero-to-60-mph times of 3.2 seconds in our testing. The XM uses a coil-spring suspension system that's augmented by adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars. The result isn't as compliant and composed as it would be had BMW chosen to offer an air suspension, but in the Comfort driving mode, the ride is far from punishing. When set to Sport, the XM's handling is responsive and eager which makes it good fun on a twisty road.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The XM's 25.7-kWh battery pack is said to be good for about 30 miles of electric-only range per charge. BMW says the XM's onboard charger is capable of juicing the battery at up to 7.4 kW and should be able to charge up to 100 percent in a little over three hours.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn't released estimates for the XM's fuel economy yet but, despite its status as a PHEV, we aren't expecting Prius-level fuel-sipping from this big, high-performance hybrid. When we get a chance, we'll take the XM on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with its real-world test results. For more information about the XM's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Everything about the XM's cabin is high-end, including its optional vintage-look leather upholstery that was first shown on the concept car. The XM's cabin is strictly a two-row affair, and in place of a large panoramic sunroof, the XM can be had with a geometric-patterned faux-suede headliner that features fiber-optic lighting that's used to dramatic effect. An optional audio upgrade adds a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with tweeters that illuminate.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A large, curved display stretches across two-thirds of the dashboard. The display serves as both a digital gauge cluster as well as an on-board infotainment center, and It runs BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system are included as well.
Read More www.caranddriver.com/bmw/xm-2023
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