2024 BMW XM

Although BMW makes several great SUVs, there’s nothing else like the XM. It’s a plug-in hybrid, or PHEV. But while the mission of most PHEVs is to maximize fuel economy, the XM blazes a fiercer trail, pairing its electric motor with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Under the hood, those two worlds collide and produce explosive performance.

The other thing about the XM is that it’s a distinct model in its own right, one of only two (so far) vehicles built by BMW’s M division and not a tuned-up/kitted-out version of a regular vehicle from the Munich motor-meisters (although that’s no bad thing).

In case anyone thought the 644-horsepower XM wasn’t sufficiently extreme, this year sees the debut of the XM Label, with 738 horsepower boiling away under the hood and capable of flashing from standstill to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. BMW is considerate like that.

As far as rival machines are concerned, it doesn’t look like Porsche is making a really powerful plug-in hybrid of the Cayenne SUV this year. The most the E-Hybrid (from about $92K) can muster is 463 horsepower.

Other high-performance SUVs are combustion-only. Like the Audi RS Q8 from $126K or so, the Lamborghini Urus starting at about $230K, the 650-horsepower Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT close to $200K, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe priced around $120K, or BMW’s own X6 M in the region of $127K and with a perfectly energetic 617 horsepower to play with.

Before buying a new BMW XM, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying.

We love this hybrid powertrain’s instant responses. Meaty maximum 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, yet still with plenty more in reserve to overtake on the freeway.

Using launch control, courtesy of the M-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission, the sprint from zero to 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 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. Rear-wheel steering is another standard feature, enabling great 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 of them 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. We think the result is nothing short of exceptional, especially for a vehicle of this heft.

The new-for-2024 XM Label variant corrals its considerable 738 horsepower to sprint from standstill to 60 mph in a fleeting 3.7 seconds.

All this, and the 2024 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. Top speed in electric vehicle (EV) mode is 87 mph.

Many midsize 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 2024 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. The cabin even has pulsating lights to warn occupants of a potential hazard when opening the doors or to announce 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 that’s definitely useful, although not quite as spacious as the Audi RS Q8 or Lamborghini Urus. When those seats are folded down, however, the resultant 64 cubic feet of cargo volume beats most competitors.

For an idea of scale, the 2024 XM performance SUV is about 6 inches longer than an X5 and similar in other dimensions. 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 big 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.

Plug-in hybrid powertrain
A version of the XM’s drivetrain is going into some of BMW’s racing cars, with the intention of running it at Le Mans in 2024. Since motorsport is often where innovations are 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, the other for the infotainment system. This approach is becoming more common, but still emphasizes the technology available in the new XM.

iDrive
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 2024 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 old already and brings out the hide’s little imperfections, so no two pieces are identical.

M Driver’s Package
This option raises the 2024 XM SUV’s top speed from 155 mph to 168 mph. Or 175 mph in the Label version.

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)

XM Label
4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8/electric motor
738 total horsepower
738 lb-ft of total torque
Electric-only range: 30 miles (BMW’s estimate)

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle warranty is for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical in the luxury sector. The company’s high-voltage lithium-ion hybrid batteries are covered for eight years or 80,000 miles.