2023 BMW XM

Overview

Slotting above the three-row X7 in BMW’s SUV lineup will be the performance-oriented XM, a two-row crossover with sporting intentions and tuning by the brand’s vaunted M division. Shown here in concept form, the XM wears an aggressive design with gaping kidney-shaped grille openings, stacked tailpipes, and a slightly sloped roof that hints at a fastback shape. Under the hood is a 644-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain that gets its muscle from a twin-turbocharged V-8. About 30 miles of electric-only driving should be possible with a fully charged battery but it’s the XM’s performance potential that really has our interest piqued.

What’s New for 2023?

The XM is a new model for the BMW lineup and is slated to go into production at the end of 2022 and appear in showrooms in early 2023.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

BMW hasn’t said how much the XM will cost or how many trim levels it will be offered in, but we’re expecting a starting price well above the six-figure mark with the most luxurious models going for even more than that.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 isn’t new to the BMW powertrain portfolio, but in the XM it’ll be partnered with an electric motor and a battery pack to create a whopping 644 horsepower. BMW says an even more powerful 750-hp variant will join the lineup later. During our initial test drive of a prototype model in Austria, we noted the powertrain’s immediate power delivery and estimated that it should get the XM to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds. That will put it in the same neighborhood as performance SUVs such as the Lamborghini Urus and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, both of which delivered zero-to-60-mph times of 3.2 seconds at our testing. The XM uses a coil-spring suspension system that’s augmented by adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars to provide a surprisingly compliant ride when set to its Comfort driving mode. When set to Sport, the XM’s handling is responsive and eager which makes for good fun on a twisty road.

More on the XM SUV

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

BMW hasn’t said how large the XM’s battery pack is but the company is estimating about 30 miles of electric-only range per charge. When we find out more about the battery, its charging time, and other hybrid details, we’ll update this story with more information.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While we think the concept’s exterior represents a close estimation of what will eventually roll off the line at BMW’s manufacturing plant in South Carolina, we expect that several of its posh interior details will not make the jump to production. The geometric headliner, for instance, will probably be replaced with fabric or a panoramic sunroof. We love the vintage leather upholstery and the quilted velvet rear seats, but BMW will likely choose more subdued materials for the final product.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

A large, curved display stretches across the dashboard until it meets up with the passenger’s grab handle that connects to the center console. The display serves as both a digital gauge cluster as well as on-board infotainment, and we can see BMW’s familiar iDrive rotary controller located just right of the shift lever. We’re expecting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be standard, and additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium stereo system to be included as well.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesWarranty and Maintenance Coverage