Has BMW M reinvented itself with the XM?

BMW, the “Bavarian Motor Works”, have always been known for building sporty cars ever since. Especially their M-department has gifted us with various impressive cars since the Launch of the M1 in 1978. I bet every reader knows at least a hand full iconic BMW-Ms. The 2023 debuted XM breaks the boundaries and sets the bar to a whole new level. In any possible aspect. Find out how the most powerful street legal car BMW has ever launched performs on a daily basis in the following review.

What is it all about?

The iconic wedge shaped M1 designed by Giugiaro in the seventies has remained the single M-only car the Bavarian manufacturer has ever brought on the market. Until 2023. As far as trends go, the second M exclusive car on offer has become an SUV. Not only does the XM offer an outstanding luxurious interior and extrovert exterior but also serves as an innovation project; It is BMW’s first PHEV paired with a newly engineered 4.4L V8 engine. The XM is built in the US production plant in Spartanburg and has been intentionally developed for the Chinese, Middle East and US markets.

This exact model shown is painted in Sepia Blue II Metallic, equipped with the 23-inch M LM-wheels 923 bicolor and upholstered with the BMW Individual Leather Merino in Fiona red/Black. The XM starts at a base price of CHF 211’700. Additional options like 23-inch wheels (CHF 3’760), tow hook (CHF 1’710), Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround (CHF 5’640), Driving Assistant Professional (CHF 3’490) and a few more small tweaks result in an astonishing CHF 230’120. I’ll let this sink in.

First impressions

From every imaginable perspective, the XM’s numbers and features might take your breath away. The hybrid drivetrain is able to deliver up to 550kW/ 748hp and astonishing 1000Nm of torque through all four 23-inch wheels that let the car accelerate from zero to 100kph in 3.8 seconds while carrying 2.8 tons.

The model lettering on the BMW XM Label features a red border, signaling its high performance to the outside world. The BMW logos on both sides of the rear window are a nod to the first BMW M model: the BMW M1.

Let’s have a seat.

Open the door to the land yacht and have a seat. Up front seems familiar to some recent other BMW M-vehicles. But when you glance around the interior, you notice that this is a special car. And when you thought the BMW iX has an outrageous interior, you might get overwhelmed by the XM. Not only the chosen materials are about to impress; the whole interior design is out of this world. Some mentionable details are the bi-color seats, illuminated 3D sculptured Alcantara ceiling, leather pillows, audio system, red details in the carbon mesh and overall attention to detail is impressive.

The rear comes with an illuminated textured headlining and slightly wraparound rear seats, like in a Rolls-Royce. They’re exceedingly comfortable and the leg room might be even better than in a BMW 7-Series.

On the other hand, loads of leg room sacrifices boot space. The trunk offers 527 liters which isn’t a lot compared to other above the 5-meter length SUVs. Additionally, there’s no underfloor storage, which means the charging cable takes up space, too.

How’s the drive: BMW-M like or rather Rolls Royce Cullinan?

It’s an unexpected moment. You climb aboard the most powerful BMW to date, futuristic warship-looking machine, which appears to be styled to look like non other car of the brand’s lineup. But you know there’s a massive V8 under the bonnet, M logos wherever you look – it must be an outstanding car. So, you push the blood red starter button and… nothing. Hans Zimmer’s electronic whoosh sound, and the screens come alive. The XM is ready to drive, but the V8 hasn’t come to life, yet. Unless you change the settings to sport mode, where the engine doesn’t turn off at any time.

The XM feels absurdly fast when pulling away. The electric motor, which works ambitiously while the turbos rev up, accelerates the XM to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds. At exactly the right moment, the V8 comes to life, and the combination of electric and combustion engines continues in perfect harmony. It's an unrelenting feeling, but it would be even more impressive if the V8 didn't sound so strained and thin. This is one of the M models where the retrofitted autotune function for the engine sound is actually welcome. At least you can hear something. And even if the engine sound isn't 100% real, it's a beguiling feeling to be able to drive a V8 in 2025.

The powertrain has another special feature. Under normal driving conditions, the hybrid drive is not quite as smooth as when sprinting. BMW engineers say this is a conscious decision: V8 engines no longer have a long service life, and they want to celebrate the moment it comes to life. It's a nice idea, but under real driving conditions, it just feels uncomfortable. When you drive out of a roundabout with partial throttle, the electric motor hums smoothly along. Then the V8 comes to life and there is a small but irritating jolt in the ride. It is just as difficult to come to a smooth stop: the braking feel is alright but just as the wheels come to a standstill, there’s a shunt. This is one of those moments when I wonder which path BMW wanted to take with the XM. Uncompromising sportiness or decadent luxury. Neither option seems to be gaining traction.

The 25kWh battery supports to keep the average consumption in cities low leveled. If you’re using the hybrid drivetrain clever, an average consumption of 8-9L/100km are possible to reach. BMW claims that the XM reaches about 80 kilometers of electric reach. Which results in a combined power consumption of 32 kWh/100km. So, efficiency looks a little different. Therefore, I’m asking myself why the XM has been engineered with a hybrid drivetrain. Is it to get a low WLTP test circle of 1.6L/100km consumption, a demonstration of technological capabilities or is it to test the powertrain of the new BMW M5?

Nonetheless, the BMW XM Label is a terrifyingly quick car with a monstrous appearance and delivers decadence in almost any imaginable way possible.

What should I buy?

The BMW XM breaks necks, opinions and your bank account. Without any doubt, it is one of the most impressive cars on the current market. On the other hand, I somehow think BMW hasn’t done its marketing in the most effective and appropriate way possible. The XM’s link to the M1 are – some small design features – instead of continuing a legendary status. Therefore, the XM has left me with mixed feelings; stunned by its capabilities, but slightly disappointed by its usability.

Nonetheless if you’re on the search for a powerhouse SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), the BMW XM is definitely worth to have a proper look at and compare it to some other flagship SUVs and SAVs.

To end this review, I’d like to thank BMW Switzerland for lending me their impressively specced BMW XM Label for a week to properly test drive it!

Review & Photos by RPM | Robin P.M.