2025 BMW XM

A true paradox, the XM is BMW’s answer to the question of how to balance reducing fossil-fuel consumption with colossal amounts of power in a larger SUV. Success in the former is arguable; however, there is no denying the XM’s runaway-locomotive-like performance numbers. It’s one of the most powerful SUVs money can buy. Moreover, it delivers up to 31 miles of electric-only range, sufficient for most daily errand running. Combine that with the plush, high-tech interior, M pedigree, and gasp-inducing price, and what you get is an extremely unique BMW SUV. It seems the only factor not in excess is supply, as BMW will produce a limited number of XM models.

BMW has yet to release much information on 2025 changes to the XM; however, we expect only limited enhancements because it added the high-performance XM Label grade for the 2024 XM. One area in which it seems BMW will take some action is standardizing its semi-autonomous driving technology for all new XM models. This tech will allow the XM to accelerate, brake, steer, and maybe even initiate automatic lane changes under certain conditions and with driver oversight.

When Will the 2025 BMW XM Go on Sale

Look for the 2025 BMW XM to go on sale in the second half of 2024.

Other extra-high-performance SUVs are combustion-only. For example, the Audi RS Q8 and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe are priced under $130K, while the Lamborghini Urus and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT start at $200,000 or more.

Before buying a new BMW XM, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really be paying. Resale values are projected to be below average. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The combustion engine portion of the XM’s powertrain is occupied by a 644-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8. As a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the XM leans on its hybrid system to not only soften the twin-turbocharged V8’s impact on fuel economy but also to boost horsepower and torque. Beyond the incredible performance numbers produced by this schizophrenic strategy, we love this hybrid powertrain’s instant responses.

Using launch control, courtesy of the M-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission, the sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.1 seconds. BMW is famously conservative in these matters, so it’s probably even quicker than that, which is a triumph of mechanics over mass since the XM SUV tips the scales at three tons. Sure, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles are at the cutting edge these days, but weight is weight.

An M-tuned adaptive suspension is standard, supplying a range of settings from toddler-dozing comfort to track-ready sportiness. Despite its size, the XM is easy to maneuver thanks to its standard rear-wheel steering. It enables amazing maneuverability at low speeds and agility at high speeds. Active anti-roll bars are also fitted for a fine degree of compliance on the straight with an uncanny ability to combat body lean through quick corners.

BMW gives the name xDrive to its all-wheel-drive systems. One is standard here, with an M Sport differential and the ability to distribute torque between the rear wheels. With the outside rear wheel going faster than the inside, the XM can trace an ideal line through corners. The result is nothing short of exceptional, especially for a vehicle of this heft.

The XM Label variant corrals its considerable 738 horsepower to sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in a fleeting 3.7 seconds (or better).

All this, and the 2024 XM PHEV luxury midsize SUV can still travel for up to 31 miles on battery power alone, at up to 87 mph. The hybrid battery is mounted under the floor, helping keep the center of gravity as low as possible, which benefits the handling.

Fuel Economy

Starting with a full charge (about four hours on a Level 2 home charger), the BMW XM is rated to deliver 31 miles on electricity alone. But with an efficiency rating of 46 MPGe, it consumes about twice as much electricity as a Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, for instance. Once the electrons expire, you can count on an estimated 14 mpg in mixed driving. You can learn more about the XM’s fuel economy at the EPA website.

Many larger SUVs have three rows of seating; this model goes with two. After driving the XM, we’re impressed by the comfort and support of the front seats. We also appreciate the ergonomics and the way the controls and displays are so driver-centric. On the subject of displays, we’re big fans of the XM’s 14.9-inch digital instrument cluster.

Some of the finest leather BMW offers is standard in the XM SUV, while the headliner and pillars are all covered in Alcantara, a suede-like material. The headliner also has 100 LEDs for constant or moving light effects. We think it’s pretty nifty that the cabin even has pulsating lights to warn occupants of a potential hazard when opening the doors or an incoming phone call.

The second row provides a lounge-like experience with plenty of legroom. Heated rear seats are on the options list. Behind those seats is a luggage area (18.6 cubic feet) that’s definitely useful, although not quite as spacious as those offered by the Audi RS Q8 or Lamborghini Urus. When the seats fold down, the resultant 64 cubic feet of cargo volume beats most competitors.

As a tweener, the XM slots between midsize and full-size SUVs. For an idea of scale, the XM is about six inches longer than an X5 and similar in other dimensions. There are quite a few interesting shapes in the exterior design, not the least of which are the dual-stacked hexagonal tailpipes on either side. The roof doesn’t slope down as dramatically as the X6, but neither is it squared off at the back. The standard wheels are big 23-inch light alloys. Alternatively, BMW offers 22-inch alloys with a more aerodynamic design that are also lighter.

Plug-in hybrid powertrain
A version of the XM’s drivetrain is going into some of BMW’s racing cars. Because motorsports is where innovations are often created and developed, the XM may pave the way for many high-performance BMW M cars enhanced by electric motors.

BMW Curved Display
A large one-piece unit contains two screens: one for driver information and the other for the infotainment system. Although this approach is becoming more common, we argue it still highlights the technology available in the new XM.

iDrive
BMW’s infotainment system comes with a beautifully high-resolution touchscreen and, in our experience, exceptional user-friendliness.

Head-up display
Vital information is projected onto the windshield, where it’s easy for the driver to see without taking attention away from the road.

Vintage Coffee Merino leather
Offered as an option for the top of the dashboard and door panels, a special tanning process makes the leather look weathered, bringing out the hide’s little imperfections. Consequently, no two pieces are identical. Take a deep breath and smell the exclusivity.

M Driver’s Package
This option raises the 2024 XM SUV’s top speed from 155 to 168 mph. Or 175 mph in the Label version. We do like to go fast, don’t we?

On the combustion side of this plug-in hybrid drivetrain is a 483-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. In concert with the electric motor, a total of 644 horsepower reaches the wheels. Meaty maximum total torque of 590 lb-ft is available from a low 1,600 rpm right up to 5,000 rpm. That means a lot of thrust when accelerating from a standstill, with plenty more in reserve to overtake slower traffic on the freeway.

Want more? The fierce XM Label bristles with 738 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, capable of catapulting this heavy SUV from a stop to 60 mph in about 3.7 seconds. In both versions, the energy goes to an xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which is tuned by BMW’s performance-focused M division, naturally.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The BMW XM is covered by the automaker’s 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle and powertrain warranty. This term is typical in the luxury sector. The company’s high-voltage lithium-ion hybrid batteries are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Safety

No U.S. agency has crash- or safety-tested the BMW XM. However, it does provide an extensive array of advanced safety tech, like lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and much more.