2023 BMW XM First Drive: A Performance Future We Can Get Behind

Uwe Fischer/BMW

The 2023 BMW XM actually raises some eyebrows. BMW’s newest hardcore M automobile is not a lithe coupe or a bangin’ sedan –- it is a practically 17-foot-long, 6,000-pound plug-in hybrid SUV that appears like, um, that. It’s a automobile not like something M has supplied earlier than. And after driving the XM alongside mountain roads in Arizona, if it is a signal of what is to come back from BMW’s efficiency arm, then take into account me completely on board.

BMW has already began constructing the 2023 XM proper right here in North America at its plant close to Spartanburg, South Carolina. The XM is not an inexpensive proposition, beginning at $159,995 together with a $995 vacation spot cost, or $167,400 as examined. But the XM is a loud and proud trend assertion SUV alongside the identical traces as a Lamborghini Urus or Mercedes-AMG G63, and by that measure the BMW is not simply cheaper than its rivals, it is higher to drive, too.

Uwe Fischer/BMW

The XM is the primary BMW because the M1 supercar that is 100% distinctive to the M division – as in, there is no non-M counterpart. It’s additionally M’s first foray into the world of electrification, and the XM’s tremendous candy plug-in hybrid powertrain is a good reminder that electrons are extremely helpful for bolstering efficiency.

The coronary heart of the XM is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and it is paired with a 29.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery –- 25.7 kWh of which is usable –- in addition to a single electrical motor that is housed contained in the 8-speed computerized transmission. All informed, the XM produces 644 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, and later this yr, BMW will launch the XM Label Red that ups output to 735 hp and 735 lb-ft of torque. That one’s going to utterly rip.

Launch the XM from a cease -– oh sure, it has launch management –- and the large SUV will hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Under laborious acceleration, the eight-speed transmission works seamlessly, holding gears to redline and holding the engine firmly in its energy band. Carbon fiber paddle shifters are commonplace, so you’ll be able to select your personal journey, however the transmission is so nicely behaved and in sync with my actions that I by no means really feel like I have to override its choices. That’s principally only a good manner of claiming this gearbox is smarter than I’m.

Uwe Fischer/BMW

Thanks to 48-volt anti-roll expertise, variable torque vectoring, and grippy Pirelli P Zero summer season tires –- 275/35s up entrance and 315/30s out again –- the XM has considerably extra on-road verve than both its form or dimension may counsel. The steering is completely weighted and offers simply sufficient suggestions to the driving force, and since the lively anti-roll system cuts out any uncouth physique actions, the XM reassures you that it could completely be tossed into a quick nook with composure and style.

As with all M vehicles, BMW enables you to fuss with totally different drive settings to your coronary heart’s content material. There are Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus settings for the engine response and adaptive dampers, and you may change between Comfort and Sport packages for the steering and brakes. The variations between all these settings are fairly minor, however they’re value sampling. And once you discover a combine that fits your wants, simply maintain the brilliant purple M1 or M2 toggles on the steering wheel to put it aside as a person driving profile.

Uwe Fischer/BMW

The XM defaults to its hybrid drive mode, the place it will use the electrical motor as a lot as potential for supplemental efficiency, firing up the fuel engine when wanted (which, admittedly, is more often than not). You can drive the XM solely underneath electrical energy at speeds as much as 87 mph, however because you’re solely counting on the e-motor’s 194 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque on this setting, do not count on the identical degree of efficiency. There’s additionally an eControl mode, which has similarities to the battery maintain methods present in different plug-in hybrids, the place you’ll be able to completely run the fuel engine, and save these candy, candy electrons for an additional time.

Official EPA knowledge continues to be forthcoming, however BMW expects the XM to have a roughly 30 mile electrical driving vary, which is sweet however not nice. Remember, although, this hybrid system is extra about offering supplemental oomph than fuel-sippin’ eco driving, and since all that electrical torque is on the market proper from idle, it could present essential enhance whereas the turbochargers spool up, which means energy supply is instantaneous and rewarding. Seriously, ground this factor once you’re doing 45 mph and you will be cresting authorized speeds within the blink of an eye fixed.

Drive the XM laborious and it will use power recuperation to ship electrical energy again into the battery, which is neat, and type of an fascinating little reward on your leadfoot tendencies. Like a variety of PHEVs, the XM cannot settle for DC quick charging — it would not make sense given the small lithium-ion pack — however on a Level 2 charger, the battery can go from 0 to 100% in simply over 3 hours, which actually is not dangerous. There’s even a cute little tote for the charging cable within the XM’s trunk, and because it’s lined and waterproof, you should utilize it for garments or groceries.

Uwe Fischer/BMW

The XM is about the identical dimension because the BMW X7, however not like its extra pedestrian sibling — comparatively talking — M’s efficiency SUV has two rows of seats, not three. This means there’s much more room for back-seat passengers to unfold out; a lot so, in truth, that BMW created what it calls the M Lounge, the place the rear bench form of wraps round onto the XM’s sides and doorways. With this prolonged leather-based upholstery and cushioned bolstering, you’ll be able to sit together with your physique angled towards the opposite rear passenger, slightly than simply straight forward. Oh, and remember to take a look at the geometrically sculpted headliner.

Up entrance, the usual sport seats are excellent: deliciously snug and supportive in all the best methods. The cockpit as an entire is absolutely inviting, with good carbon fiber and aluminum trim breaking apart the large swaths of leather-based. Also, please, do your self a favor and go for one in all BMW’s extra fascinating “vintage” shade schemes, just like the teal/brown or white/brown.

While I’m on the subject of colours, I’d be remiss to not deal with the XM’s exterior styling, which I believe can greatest be described as polarizing. The optionally available gold trim and 23-inch wheels look rad, and I dig the kinks within the roof above the hatch, in addition to the stacked exhaust suggestions. Front to again, I find it irresistible. But fiery messages from web commenters counsel I may be within the minority right here.

Uwe Fischer/BMW

There’s a well-known suite of expertise onboard, with BMW’s iDrive 8 infotainment system dealing with multimedia duties. A massive, curved show spans greater than half the width of the dashboard, incorporating each the central touchscreen and digital gauge cluster. The graphics are all contemporary and fashionable — and colourful, too. My solely large criticism about iDrive 8 is that the principle menu display is a large number of small icons which are type of laborious to hit whereas driving. It’s truthfully a bit of overwhelming at first, although after a number of weeks of possession, this’ll seemingly be simpler to navigate.

The XM sadly doesn’t include the cool new hands-free Highway Assistant that BMW provides within the 7 Series, however driver-assistance expertise continues to be in fairly excessive provide — assuming, that’s, you pay for it. Standard gear is proscribed to issues like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning, so be ready to shell out a bit of additional money on prime of the already six-figure sticker if you need full-speed adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and different options.

Uwe Fischer/BMW

BMW’s M division proudly calls the XM its flagship, and after driving this hybrid SUV, that evaluation feels spot-on. There’s a degree of luxurious and craftsmanship that is a step above different M vehicles, and the plug-in hybrid efficiency is actually excellent — I am unable to wait to see this powertrain make its strategy to different merchandise, maybe with barely much less divisive exterior styling and hopefully with a considerably extra attainable price ticket.

Meanwhile, the M crew will proceed to construct the smaller sports activities vehicles folks know and love; keep tuned for my evaluate of the brand new M2 coupe in simply a few weeks. Think of this as an enlargement of the division’s remit, not a redirection. For its first bespoke product in many years, M pulled out all of the stops for the novel new XM, and the end result is likely one of the firm’s greatest efficiency vehicles in years.