This is BMW XM, the first standalone M model since the M1 from the 1970s and it may not go down well with purists because it is also the first-ever M model with an electrified powertrain. That’s right. The XM is a hybrid. The new 2023 BMW XM is powered by a 4.4L V8 twin-turbo paired with a single electric motor to produce a combined 644 horsepower and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque.
With just around 30 miles of all-electric range, the 2023 BMW XM is really a mild hybrid at best. Just saying… anyhoo, the power is put to good use on all four wheels via an 8-speed M-Tronic gearbox and the marque’s M xDrive rear-biased system. All told, this big guy is super quick and capable of wiping 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) sprints in just 4.1 seconds.
As expected, you’d be getting exceptional engineering, including Adaptive M Suspension Professional, an M Sport Differential, and the aforementioned all-wheel-drive power of M xDrive.
Also expect to find huge 23” BMW M light-alloy wheels, M Sport brakes for stopping power, illuminated Kidney Grilled, illuminated XM badging cloaked in M Merino leather upholstery on M Multi-function seats, BMW Curved Display featuring the latest iDrive 8 OS with an M-specific design, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and an aerodynamic rear diffuser flanked by dual vertical quad exhaust with an angular design.
The 2023 BMW XM Hybrid M SUV is available to configure now with a starting price of US$159,995.
However, you may want to hold out for the BMW XM Label Red, a special model with over 735 hp and 735 lb-ft (997 Nm) of torque and features unique paint, wheels, upholstery, and trim selections. BMW XM Label Red has an MSRP starting over US$185,000.
Production of the Red Label is scheduled to start in late Summer 2023. The BMW XM Label Red will be the first in a series of BMW XM Label models that will be available for a limited time. So, petrolheads with a thing for exclusivity may want to wait out for this. I mean, who does not fancy more power and torque?
All images courtesy of BMW.