After a concept preview and a long teaser campaign, BMW’s M Division has revealed its first bespoke car in 40 years: the 2023 BMW XM. Due in Australia in the first half of 2023, the XM is a V8 plug-in hybrid sports SUV that pumps out 480kW of power and 800Nm of torque to compete with rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne, Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus.
According to the brand, the XM “represents the headline of celebrations and model launch offensive to mark the 50th birthday of the legendary BMW M division in 2022 and brings multiple firsts.”
“It is BMW M’s first ever car to be powered by an electrified drive system and the first standalone model developed by the high performance brand since the venerable BMW M1 of 1978. The XM brings together a newly developed M HYBRID drive system, extravagant design and progressive luxury ambience in the cabin to deliver a fresh and bold interpretation of the BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).”
Stylistically, the 2023 BMW XM is bold, aggressive and modern, from its supposedly coupe-like silhouette to the sculpted bonnet and the massive illuminated grille. Wheel options up to 23-inches in size are available, while either gold or black exterior detailing is also available. The small headlights appear quite angry, while the slim tailights are quite minimalist, with the twin rear BMW logos in the rear windscreen arching back to the M1 supercar with its twin BMW logos.
Inside the 2023 BMW XM is more traditional than the exterior, but still modern and full of tech – including a geometric illuminated headliner. A massive curved display is standard, incorporating a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen with BMW Operating System 8 as the software, though with an M-specific design. Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard, while it also features an eSIM for online features. Apple users can also use their phones as the key.
Under the bonnet of the 2023 BMW XM is a 360kW/650Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to a synchronous 145kW/280Nm electric motor and 25.7kWh lithium ion battery pack (which can be AC charged at up to 7.4kW). Total outputs are 480kW of power and 800Nm of torque and sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 0-100km/h sprint is completed in just 4.3 seconds and it can also travel up to 88km and at 140km/h in all-electric mode.
Priced from $297,900 plus on-road costs, the 2023 BMW XM is equipped with 22-inch alloy wheels (23-inch wheels are available for no extra cost), adaptive suspension with an electronic limited-slip variable rear differential, all-LED lighting, M multifunction seats with ‘Merino’ leather upholstery, front seat heating, ventilation and massaging, heated rear seats, a curved information display with a 12.3-inch driver’s portion and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, a heads-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, digital radio, a 1,500-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound system, heated and cooled front cup holders, four-zone climate control, type-2 and type-3 charging cables, an illuminated front grille and gold exterior highlights (with high gloss black a no-cost option).
Safety kit includes multiple airbags, auto emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane keep assist with lane trace assist, automatic speed limit assist, active navigation, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree parking camera, semi-automatic parking and reverse automatic braking.
All paint options are no-cost and include ‘Black Sapphire’, ‘Mineral White’, ‘Cape York Green’, ‘Dravit Grey’, ‘Carbon Black’, ‘Marina Bay Blue’ and ‘Toronto Red’. Interior colour options include red with black, black, white with brown and blue with brown.
Later in 2023, the 2023 BMW XM range will be joined by the XM Label Red, which ups the SUV’s performance figures to 550kW of power and 1,000Nm of torque – further details are yet to be revealed.
2023 BMW XM pricing (plus on-road costs):
- XM: $297,900
- XM Label Red: TBC
The 2023 BMW XM will launch in Australia in the first half of 2023, with local deliveries due then. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
Keyword: 2023 BMW XM Due in Australia First Half of 2023