BMW XM Sport SUV: 4 Alluring Features
Earning a reputation for building the world’s ultimate driving machines is quite an achievement. Maintaining that reputation is another thing altogether. To maintain its identity for driving excellence, BMW must find new and exciting ways to motivate drivers. From the purity of the original 1980s M3 to the cutting-edge technology of the i8, the brand is constantly pushing the boundaries. BMW is once again breaking new ground with the introduction of the 2023 XM plug-in hybrid sport SUV. Instead of a unicorn sports car, BMW has put its engineering prowess into creating a top-of-the-line SUV with its latest features and boldest design cues.
The 2023 BMW XM arrives amid BMW’s electrification push. The XM itself isn’t an all-electric SUV, but a plug-in hybrid SUV. But where previous BMW sport hybrid critics have been clamoring for more power, the XM seems like a real showstopper. Here are some features of the BMW XM that are likely to draw attention.
1. It is a V8-powered plug-in hybrid
When hybrids first appeared, they quickly gained a reputation for offering meager performance in favor of efficiency. But plug-in hybrids are starting to buck this trend by producing impressive power. The new XM goes one step further and combines BMW’s sophisticated plug-in hybrid system with a twin-turbocharged V8. The Drive reports some impressive specs.
The XM uses a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 with an electric motor, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive as standard. Combined power is 644 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. According to Drive, the XM can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.1 seconds — despite weighing over 6,000 pounds. Keep your foot on the accelerator and the XM has a top speed of 250 km/h.
2. BMW’s first dedicated M car in years
The M symbol has adorned BMW’s high-performance vehicles for decades. But this one is a little different. The XM is the first pure M car in years. That means it’s a standalone model instead of a performance version of an existing model. There is no non-M version of this SUV. Compared to BMW’s other SUV models, this means a unique focus on performance.
3. Over-under exhaust tips
It’s not just performance features that help the BMW XM 2023 catch people’s attention. BMW has gone for a bold look throughout the SUV. Its exhaust pipes complement the SUV’s aesthetics well, with stacked twin tips on either side. On quad dumps, it’s clear that the XM doesn’t try to hide the fact that it has a powerful V8 under the hood.
4. Unique headliner design features
The XM cab is packed with eye-catching design features. The most striking feature is the textured headliner. The design uses triangles and diamonds of different sizes and depths to decorate the ceiling. It’s the only headliner option in the XM – no glass roof is available.
How much does the BMW XM 2023 cost?
The 2023 BMW XM starts at $159,995. The proud price points to the SUV’s status as BMW’s new flagship. Start stacking optional BMW XM features in the configurator, though, and you could see that price balloon fast.
Is the 2023 XM the new king of the hill for sport SUVs? That’s not decided yet. His controversial appearance always causes negative reviews. But the new plug-in hybrid aims to uphold BMW’s reputation as a maker of quality driving machines.