Whether you love or hate BMW’s styling, one thing you can’t deny is that they are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. The 2023 BMW XM is the latest addition to the BMW lineup and it’s creating quite a stir. This article will dive deep into the design, features, and performance of the 2023 BMW XM, the second vehicle in BMW’s history to exclusively bear the M badge. With a starting price of just over $300,000, the BMW XM is designed to compete with luxury and performance SUVs like the Range Rover Sport SV, Bentley Bentayga, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Let’s explore what makes this hybrid performance SUV stand out.
Exterior Design
The 2023 BMW XM features a polarizing design that is impossible to ignore. With bold gold highlights on the front and sides, it exudes a commanding presence on the road. The LED lights around the kidney grille, the iconic BMW badge, and additional cooling elements underscore its sporty character. The 23-inch alloy wheels, massive brakes, and gold trim add to the overall allure. The M mirrors and aerodynamic features enhance the vehicle’s performance capabilities. While the absence of a glass roof might disappoint some, the 3D finish with LED illumination compensates for it. The XM’s chiseled haunches and eye-catching gold accents create a truly distinct appearance.
BMW XM Interior
Inside the 2023 BMW XM, you’ll find a luxurious cabin that justifies its premium price tag. The cabin boasts a suedelike headliner, vintage leather along the door seals and dashboard, and Marino leather seats. The seats are not just seats; they are giant armchairs that provide exceptional comfort. The cabin features carbon fiber accents, adding a sporty touch. The infotainment system is a highlight, with a 15-inch display and a smaller 12.3-inch display for the driver. The system is user-friendly and supports voice commands. The 20-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system delivers an extraordinary audio experience, rivaling even top-tier competitors like Tesla. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, making connectivity a breeze.
Safety Tech
The 2023 BMW XM is packed with safety features, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind spot monitor, radar cruise control, lane-keeping assistant, front and rear cross-traffic alerts, and front and rear parking sensors with a 360-degree camera. The 360-degree camera provides exceptional clarity, making parking and maneuvering a breeze. The safety suite ensures a secure driving experience, enhancing the appeal of this high-performance SUV.
Practicality
The 2023 BMW XM offers a blend of luxury and practicality. It features a wireless phone charger, USB-A and USB-C ports, a 12V outlet, and a coffee cup holder that can be heated or cooled. The cabin provides ample storage space, with multiple compartments and pockets. The rear doors have generous bins for bottles, and the center console offers convenient storage. The XM’s roomy second row includes rear climate control, heated seats, and storage pockets, making it a comfortable place for passengers. The 2,000-liter cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down provides ample space for luggage and gear, while the 500-liter capacity with the seats up ensures everyday usability.
BMW XM Charging
The 2023 BMW XM is a plug-in hybrid with a 25 kWh usable battery capacity, offering an electric driving range of approximately 88 km on the WLTP cycle. It supports AC charging, reaching a maximum of 7.4 kW. The battery’s hybrid system combines with a twin-turbo V8 engine, resulting in a combined output of 480 kW of power and 800 Nm of torque. The hybrid powertrain provides flexibility, allowing electric-only driving for shorter trips while delivering ample power when needed. The combination of electric and internal combustion power ensures a dynamic driving experience.
BMW XM On the Road
The 2023 BMW XM defies expectations with its on-road performance. Despite its curb weight of over 2,700 kg, the XM delivers astonishing acceleration. The twin-turbo V8 engine produces 360 kW of power and nearly 700 Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds 145 kW and 300 Nm of torque, resulting in a combined output of 480 kW and 800 Nm of torque. The XM’s 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.19 seconds and 80 to 120 km/h time of 2.44 seconds showcase its remarkable speed and power. The vehicle’s handling is equally impressive, with its ability to tackle corners and provide a thrilling driving experience. The sound of the exhaust adds to the excitement, making the XM a true-performance SUV.
BMW XM Driver Aids
The 2023 BMW XM comes equipped with a range of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. These features enhance safety and convenience, making the XM suitable for both long journeys and city driving. The XM also has a range of driving modes that allow you to tailor the driving experience to your preferences. You can select from modes like Electric, Hybrid, Sport, and Adaptive to fine-tune the vehicle’s performance characteristics.
Verdict
The 2023 BMW XM is a statement of BMW’s commitment to innovation and performance. With a striking design, a luxurious interior, advanced safety features, practicality, and hybrid performance, it’s a vehicle that’s hard to ignore. The combination of a potent V8 engine and an electric motor makes it a thrilling performer on the road. While its starting price is on the higher end, the BMW XM offers a unique blend of style, luxury, and performance that’s hard to match. It’s a bold step into the future of high-performance SUVs and sets a new standard for the segment. If you have the budget for it, the 2023 BMW XM is an excellent choice for those who want a performance-oriented, eco-friendly luxury SUV.
