BMW XM Plug-in Hybrid

The 2023 BMW XM comes with a single trim which comes at an MSRP of $159,995. The XM is also the first stand-alone project from BMW's M division since the famous 1978 BMW M1. It's an attractive crossover that combines luxury, hybrid electrification, and the speed of a ten-year-old supercar. The XM comes with standard features like 3D-effect taillight clusters, iDrive 8 software, Curved Display, Live Cockpit Professional, Alcantara sculptural headliner, adaptive M suspension, rear-wheel steering, etc. A limited edition named XM Label Red will be released soon after the launch of the Base XM. We still need to wait to get the specifications of this one.

There is no information available about the standalone optional features and packages that are going to be offered by the BMW XM. 

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As the BMW XM comes with a single trim option as of now, which is priced at an MSRP of $159,995, there is not much of a choice. The feature list is long and extensive and justifies its price. Furthermore, we have to wait for the Label Red before saying anything.

Release Date

The BMW XM will be officially released in the first quarter of 2023.

A 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 generates 483 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque on its own in the BMW XM engine chamber. it is further supplemented by a synchronous electric motor integrated into the transmission. This electric powertrain adds 194 hp and 207 lb-ft to the total output, which is 644 hp at 5,400 rpm and 590 lb-ft from 1,600 rpm to 5,000 rpm. The 2023 BMW XM can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the impressive xDrive AWD system. The maximum speed is increased to 168 mph with the optional M Driver's package.

The BMW XM delivers a better power output than the Levante Modena S, and RS Q8. The RS Q8 provides the same torque delivery as the 2023 XM which is better than the rivals. The XM offers a quicker acceleration than the Levante. However, the RS Q8 and the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid dominate in this aspect. The RS Q8 also proves to be better when traveling long stretches than the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid in terms of quarter-mile timing. The data for the BMW XM and the Levante Modena S is yet to be determined.

2023 BMW XM Ride and Handling

Steel springs, rather than air springs, are used in the 2023 BMW XM, which is found in most M division cars. It adds to the sense of precision of the driver. However, they do have some demerits, most notably a very stiff ride. The gear shifts of the eight-speed transmission are smooth. You can tune them as well as per your liking. This, however, takes a toll on the battery much more quickly. Furthermore, the steering of the car is responsive and easy to control even at high speeds. The body roll is minimal at corners.

2023 BMW XM Braking Performance

The 2023 BMW XM comes with high-performance vented disc brakes on all four wheels. The brake pads of the BMW XM last about 30,000-60,000 miles which depends on the driver. The size of the brake rotors is yet to be determined. The brakes worked like a sports SUV during testing, with smooth operation in everyday driving. The XM comes with additional braking features like Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, and Electric Parking Brake.

The size of the brake rotors for the 2023 XM is not yet available. Amongst the rivals, the Audi RS Q8 comes with the biggest front brake rotors, followed by the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, and the Levante Modena S. The BMW XM is significantly heavier than its competitors, which ultimately affects the overall momentum while cruising at high speed. The data for the stopping distance from 60 MPH is yet to be determined for the XM, RS Q8, and the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid.

The 2023 BMW XM’s fuel economy data is not yet available. But one can we can claim for sure is that it will be more efficient than the cars of this price range, especially in the SUV segment, thanks to the XM’s hybrid powertrain. The car comes with a rather small gas tank capacity which is 18.2 gallons, but it’ll be compensated with the battery. Furthermore, The 29.5 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged from 0 to 100% in approximately 3.25 hours. This is when it is charged with a 7.4 kW AC charger.

The BMW XM’s data is yet determined to do a fair comparison. According to preliminary tests based on the EPA's own testing process, BMW anticipates an all-electric range of around 30 miles. BMW returns 17 mpg combined in the smaller X7 M50i, which also has a 4.4-liter V8, so the XM's V8 on its own is unlikely to return much better than 15 mpg combined.

The Live Cockpit Professional from the brand comes as standard equipment. The window pillars are further enhanced with Alcantara fake suede. Even though the design is similar to the BMW X7 and other SUVs, the new model elevates the space to appear even more luxurious than other top-tier cars. There are numerous interior design options available to let the buyers in creating a space that is unique to them. Another choice is the Vintage Coffee Merino leather trim, which is offered. BMW claims that the 2023 XM has the most advanced driver systems as standard equipment on any M car. The Driving Assistant group contains features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning with steering correction, evasion assist, a driver attention tracking system, and a few others.

The 2023 BMW XM’s data for the interior dimensions are not yet available. The SUV does provide a good cargo capacity but we have to wait for specific figures. The RS Q8 leads in terms of overall cargo space, followed by the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. The BMW concentrates on a more minimalist design with an ultra-modern curved screen display, whereas the Audi RS Q8 offers an aesthetic presence with its styling. The interior of the Cayenne is more sporty, with an appealing center console.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 BMW XM include:

• Vintage Coffee Merino leather trim
• Heated seats
• Central armrest
• Adaptive cruise control
• Power adjustable seats
• Automatic climate control

How intuitive is the 2023 BMW XM infotainment system?

A big curved display covers most of the dashboard of the new 2023 BMW XM. The monitor functions as both a digital gauge cluster and an onboard information center, and it is powered by BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium audio system are also included. The touchscreen is easily accessible to both front seat passengers, and we found ourselves eschewing the iDrive controller in favor of making our choices directly on the fast-acting touchscreen.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 BMW XM include:

• iDrive 8.5 software
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Navigation
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Wi-Fi hotspot

The octagonal grilles, like other BMW M performance models, have horizontal slats and are smaller than on the XM, but still appear massive. To say the least, the NightGold Metallic exterior trim looks overdone, and a variant with an all-black exterior already appears much better than the rest. Even the wheels have a disputable design, which is worsened by their 23-inch size, though 22-inch wheels are also available. Furthermore, the split headlights the upright, and put up an authoritative profileThe SUV stands at 68.8 inches and has an excellent ground clearance of about 8.4 inches.

The BMW XM is longer than the Maserati Levante Modena S, RS Q8, and the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. It is also the broadest and tallest of all, contributing to its commanding profile. The XM also boasts the largest wheelbase among the four, followed by the Levante Modena S, RS Q8, and the Cayenne Turbo S Hybrid. The Cayenne is stylish, but it lacks the ferocity of the XM and RS Q8. The attractive grille design enhances the front face of the Levante and XM, while the RS Q8 sports a sportier side profile.

Some standout exterior features include:

• 23-inch alloy wheels
• 21-inch rear wheels 
• Dual-slat octagonal grilles
• Adaptive LED headlights
• NightGold Metallic exterior trim
• LED tail lights

To make the 2023 BMW XM tougher and lighter, its exterior is constructed from ultra-high-tensile steel. It provides 6 advanced airbags which include dual-stage frontal, side-impact, and rollover airbags. Additionally, the brand provides features like adaptive LED headlights w lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning with steering correction, evasion assist, a driver attention monitoring system, lane change assistance, and cross-traffic warning. There are no specific crash test data available for the XM. 

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 BMW XM include

• Adaptive cruise control
• Evasion Assist
• LED headlights
• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Lane change assistance

2023 BMW XM vs 2023 Maserati Levante Modena S 

The 2023 BMW XM is much more expensive than the Levante Modena S and comes with better power delivery. It also makes more torque and imparts a quicker acceleration by reaching the 60 MPH mark in lesser time. The BMW has a better ride and handling, and its exterior features are more extensive, making it a strong contender for the top position. To us, the interior of the 2023 XM also looks more appealing with its minimalistic design.

2023 BMW XM vs 2023 Audi RS Q8

Being less expensive, the 2023 Audi RS Q8 comes with less power output to offer. However, both cars come with the same torque delivery. The acceleration of the Audi RS Q8 is quicker as per the 0-60 MPH timing. On the other hand, the XM comes with better ride and handling dynamics. Both the SUVs look sporty and muscular on the outside, but RS Q8 comes with a slightly more appealing cabin design.

2023 BMW XM vs 2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid

The 2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is more expensive than its rival. The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid offers more torque. On the other hand, the 2023 BMW XM has better power delivery than the Cayenne. The difference increases with the unreleased Label Red variant. The XM also offers quicker acceleration than the former. The Cayenne offers a sleek and futuristic body profile, whereas the XM has a muscular profile.

The 2023 BMW XM is an impressive SUV that comes with an all-new hybrid powertrain. The hybrid V8 engine is powerful and performance-oriented. The interior is premium and the seats are comfortable. The large infotainment system is responsive and comes with several utility and connectivity features. Furthermore, The SUV looks muscular, yet aggressive with a robust-looking exterior. The 2023 BMW XM also provides lots of protective features and its M subsidiary siblings have scored well in the tests conducted by IIHS and NHTSA which enhances its reliability as well. In our view, if your budget allows, then among similar cars, you can definitely opt for the BMW XM.