Used 2023 BMW XM

BMW’s M division usually takes existing BMW vehicles and turns them into dream machines for real enthusiasts, like the famed M3 sport sedan, spawned from the 3 Series. In this respect, the new XM is not a typical M creation.

It’s the M division’s first in-house model in decades (there was an M1 supercar made from 1978 to 1981). And since there’s an X in the name, it’s clear that this is an SUV. Not exactly an obvious choice for driving thrills. But the next step is even less obvious.

Although the M engineers could have just put a powerful engine under the hood (which they have), gulped down a celebratory coffee, and then moved on to other aspects, they decided to make this a plug-in hybrid model.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has a battery that can be recharged from an outside source. It’s bigger than a regular hybrid’s battery, enabling the vehicle to cover an appreciable distance on electric power alone. This usually means a more powerful electric motor as well.

Instead of the typical PHEV approach of making each gallon of gas go as far as possible, the 2023 XM wires up electric enhancement in the pursuit of performance, making a total of 644 horsepower. Driving an M vehicle usually feels electrifying. Now it really can be.

A meaty maximum torque of 590 lb-ft is available from a low 1,600 rpm up to 5,000 rpm. That means a lot of thrust when accelerating from a standstill, yet still with plenty more in reserve to overtake on the freeway. Although smooth control of the accelerator required some time to master, we couldn’t get enough of the hybrid powertrain’s instant response. Without a doubt, the XM ranks among the higher-performance plug-in hybrid SUVs.

Using launch control, courtesy of the M-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission, the sprint from 0-60 mph takes 4.1 seconds. BMW is famously conservative in these matters, so it could well be quicker in real life.

Even at this estimate, it’s fast — which is a triumph of mechanics over mass, since the new XM SUV tips the scales at 3 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. However, this is a chassis and suspension focused on performance. Consequently, we always felt in control when attacking the corners.

Rear-wheel steering is another standard feature (a first in an M vehicle), giving the new XM great maneuverability at low speed and agility at high speed. 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. We think the result, particularly in a vehicle of this size and mass, is nothing short of exceptional.

BMW gives the name xDrive to its all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems. One of them is standard here, with an M Sport differential and the ability to send all available torque between the rear wheels. With the outside rear wheel going faster than the inside, the XM can more effortlessly trace an ideal line through corners.

All this, and the 2023 XM PHEV luxury midsize SUV can still travel for 30 miles on battery power alone. The hybrid battery is mounted under the floor, helping keep the center of gravity as low as possible, which benefits the handling.

Some of the finest leather BMW offers is standard in the 2023 XM SUV, while the headliner and pillars are covered in Alcantara, a suede-like material. After our first drive of the XM, we were won over by the comfort and support of these seats — maybe the best seats in a BMW yet. We also appreciate how driver-centric the displays and controls are. We are huge fans of the 14.9-inch digital cluster and driver information display integrated into the same wide screen with the 12.3-inch touchscreen.

We found the prism headliner intriguing with its texture and 100 LEDs for constant or moving light effects. The cabin even has pulsating lights to warn occupants of a potential hazard when opening the doors or to announce an incoming phone call.

Many midsize SUVs have three rows of seating, but the XM goes with two. There is plenty of legroom in the second row, which provides a lounge-like experience. Heated rear seats are on the options list.

Among the rivals we reference above, the XM (64 cu. ft.) has the most cargo space with the rear seatbacks collapsed. With the backseat occupied, the Urus and the RS Q8 have more cargo room than the XM.

For an idea of scale, the 2023 XM performance SUV is about 6 inches longer than an X5, with much of that going into the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles).

There are quite a few interesting shapes in the exterior design, not 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 giant, 23-inch light alloys. Alternatively, BMW offers 22-inch alloys with a more aerodynamic design that are also lighter. Paint choices should eventually run to 50 colors. Certain elements, including the wheels and grille surround, may also be finished in Night Gold.

All in all, there is no way to mistake the XM as anything but a BMW.

Plug-in hybrid powertrain
A version of the 2023 XM’s drivetrain is going into some of BMW’s racing cars, with the intention of running it at the famed Le Mans 24-hour race in 2024. Since motorsport is where innovations are often created and developed, perhaps the XM is just the first of many high-performance BMW 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. This approach is becoming more common but still emphasizes the technology available in the new XM.

iDrive 8
The newest generation of BMW’s infotainment system comes with a beautifully high-resolution touchscreen and 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. This is another standard feature in the new BMW XM.

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 aged already and brings out the hide’s little imperfections, so no two pieces are identical.

M Driver’s Package
This option raises the 2023 XM SUV’s top speed from 155 mph to 168 mph.

On the combustion side of this plug-in hybrid drivetrain is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. It’s a well-known and well-loved engine found in many of the more powerful BMW vehicles. For the XM, it develops 483 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

Nestled inside the 8-speed automatic transmission is an electric motor generating an additional 194 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Combined output is a mighty 644 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This goes to an xDrive AWD system — tuned by the M division, naturally. Of course, if this isn’t enough thrust for you, BMW promises a Label Red version is on the horizon. Its output: 748 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque.

A full recharge of the lithium-ion battery can take as little as 3.25 hours, variable according to the charge source. Range in electric-only mode should be about 30 miles, according to BMW. The government has yet to publish fuel economy estimates for the XM.

4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 + electric motor
644 total horsepower @ 5,400 rpm
590 lb-ft of total torque @ 1,600-5,000 rpm
Electric-only range: 30 miles (BMW’s estimate)

4-year/50,000-mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle warranty is for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical coverage for this segment. The company’s high-voltage lithium-ion hybrid batteries are covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles, which is the government’s minimum requirement.