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2023 BMW XM | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
The all-new BMW XM ushers in a few firsts for the German automaker. A performance-focused SUV from BMW’s vaunted M division, the XM is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle. And packing a whopping 644 horsepower, the XM also claimed the crown as BMW’s most powerful vehicle when it launched, although that lasted only until the XM Label Red arrived for the 2024 model year.
Designed to compete with alternatives like the Audi RS Q8 and Porsche Cayenne, the XM is modern, luxurious and loaded with tech. It also has the performance buyers in the category are looking for.
But the XM also has some annoying downsides, as Road Test Editor Brian Normile found out while getting to know BMW’s latest SUV. Tap the link above to read his complete review; for a quicker rundown, read on to learn four things we like about the 2023 BMW XM and four things we don’t.
Things We Like
2023 BMW XM | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
1. Seriously Quick
With its twin-turbo V-8 engine augmented by a PHEV setup for a system total of 644 hp, the XM is one seriously quick SUV. BMW says it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 4.1 seconds, which is not too shabby for a three-ton SUV. The eight-speed automatic transmission snaps off mostly quick and positive shifts, and standard all-wheel drive helps get all that power to the ground.
2. Posh Interior
Sleek, stylish and packed with tech, the XM’s interior is both spacious and welcoming. Materials quality is top-notch, and the standard Merino leather looks and feels appropriately posh. Our test vehicle upped the ante with optional leather on the dash and door panels. Rear-seat passengers are treated to plenty of room, as well as padding that wraps around to the doors and their own climate and device charging amenities.
3. Lively Handling
The XM handles with surprising agility for a vehicle its size, aided by an adaptive suspension and standard active roll stabilization to help with body control in corners. A choice of several driving modes can tweak response to the driver’s liking, and the steering has a nice heft to it when one of the more aggressive driving modes is selected. Four-wheel steering helps with maneuverability in tight quarters, as well.
4. Electric-Only Option
The XM’s PHEV powertrain allows it to cruise under electric-only power for short distances, with an EPA-estimated range of up to 31 miles. While we were unable to match that figure in normal driving, it does help boost the XM’s otherwise unimpressive fuel economy. BMW says fully charging the XM takes 3 hours and 15 minutes when connected to a Level 2 charger.
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Things We Don’t Like
2023 BMW XM | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
1. Stiff Rider
Competitors like the Cayenne manage to deliver sporty driving without sacrificing much ride comfort, but that’s not the case with the XM. The ride is relentlessly stiff to the point of being jarring, regardless of which driving mode is chosen. The big 23-inch wheels with ultra-low-profile tires don’t help and transmit even minor road imperfections into the cabin.
2. The View Above
Rather than going with the full-length glass moonroof typically offered in luxury SUVs or a lightweight carbon-fiber roof found in some performance models, the XM goes with a different approach. The headliner is covered in a suedelike material with a geometric pattern that doesn’t match the rest of the interior, making it look as if it belongs in a different vehicle, and is also surrounded by LED lights. It makes the cabin feel less spacious; and no, the roof doesn’t open.
3. Inefficient Operator
People don’t generally buy performance SUVs looking for world-class fuel economy, but the XM is a notably thirsty machine. The EPA estimates the XM is good for an average of just 14 mpg combined when running solely on gasoline. When the hybrid system is factored in, the XM delivers just 46 mpg-equivalent.
4. Pricey Proposition
It’s easy to pick on luxury brands for expensive price tags that can quickly climb once buyers start diving into an extensive option list, and BMW is among the more notable in this regard. But the XM takes the ball and runs with it, starting at a princely $159,995 (including the destination charge). A premium audio system, additional leather in the cabin and other options brought our test vehicle to $168,395.
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