It’s quite a feat to earn a reputation for building the best driving machines in the world. It’s another to maintain that reputation. To help maintain its identity of driving excellence, it must find new and exciting ways to engage drivers. From the purity of the original 80s M3 to the cutting-edge technology of the i8, the brand is constantly pushing the boundaries. BMW is again entering new territory with the arrival of the 2023 XM plug-in hybrid sports SUV. Rather than a unicorn-shaped sports car, BMW has put all its engineering might into developing an outstanding performance SUV. with its latest features and boldest design elements.
It comes during BMW’s electrification push. XM itself isn’t an all-electric SUV, but it is a plug-in hybrid SUV. But where precedents have left critics wanting more performance, the XM appears to be quite the show. Here are some features of the BMW XM that are likely to attract attention.
it brings back some impressive specs.
The XM uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor, eight-speed automatic transmission, and standard all-wheel drive. Combined output comes in at 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 gas and the XM will top out at 155 mph.
2. The first dedicated BMW M car in years
The M badge has adorned BMW’s high-performance cars for decades. But this is a little different. The XM is the first dedicated M car in years. That is, it is a standalone model instead of a performance version of an existing model. There is no non-M version of this SUV. It implies a singular focus on performance compared to other BMW SUV models.
3. Top and bottom exhaust tips
It’s not just the performance features that help the 2023 BMW XM grab people’s attention. BMW has gone for a bold look all over the SUV. Its exhaust pipes complement the SUV’s aesthetics well with overlapping double tips on both sides. With quad dumps, it’s clear that XM doesn’t try to hide the fact that it has a powerful V8 under the hood.
4. Unique headliner design features
The XM’s cab is packed with eye-catching design features. The most noticeable feature is its structured headliner. The design uses triangles and diamonds of various sizes and depths to adorn the ceiling. It is the only headlining option in the XM – there is no glass roof.
How much does the 2023 BMW XM cost?
The 2023 BMW XM starts at $159,995. The high price points to the SUV’s status as the new BMW flagship. Start stacking optional BMW XM features on the configurator, however, and you could quickly see that price increase.
Is the 2023 XM the new king of the hill for sporty SUVs? This is yet to be determined. Its controversial appearance retains. But the new plug-in hybrid aims to uphold BMW’s reputation for producing quality driving machines.
