BMW is making strides to blend new technologies with luxury, creating cars that feel both powerful and refined. The BMW i7 was one of their first products in this direction, and now they continue with the BMW XM, which combines a plug-in hybrid system with the strong performance of a twin-turbo V8 engine.
This sounds like the best of both worlds, but it comes with a hefty starting price of $159,000. So, what do you get for that kind of money? I took the base model of the BMW XM out for a week to see what it offers.
The design of the BMW XM quickly catches your eye, and people have mixed feelings about it. Some love the split headlights and larger front grille, while others are not fans. Personally, I have mixed feelings too. The grille isn’t as over-the-top as other BMW models, and while it can seem flashy at times, the overall look of the car isn’t bad.
I do like the rear design more than the front. The slim rear lights look modern and chic, and the back of the car feels a bit more understated compared to the rest of it.
Inside, the car is anything but understated. The version I drove had a premium red leather interior, accent lighting, and high-end materials. While some might call it flashy, I found it appealing.
Space inside the XM is generous. You get only two rows of seats (no seven-seater option), but there’s 18.6 cubic feet of space with all seats up, expanding to a substantial 64.3 cubic feet with the second row down. That’s not bad at all.
BMW aims for top performance with this car, and in 2023, that means a plug-in hybrid. The electric motor and battery give you an extra boost when you accelerate hard but also allow you to drive in electric-only mode until the battery runs out. While it’s slower in this mode, you’ll save on gas.
The XM offers about 30 miles of electric-only range, so you’ll probably need to charge it after most outings if you prefer driving on electric power. I work from home, so my “commute” is zero, but my wife’s 10-minute commute uses up more than half of the battery round-trip. Alternatively, you can use it in hybrid mode, which balances the combustion engine and battery for efficient driving.
Charging the battery, which has a 25.7-kilowatt-hour capacity, takes around three hours with the included charger. You typically won’t be charging from zero, and if you get into the habit of charging overnight, the three-hour wait isn’t a big deal.
No matter which mode you drive in, the XM has quick acceleration. The base model has 644 horsepower, and you feel an immediate surge when you hit the gas pedal, thanks to the hybrid system. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, on par with some of the fastest electric vehicles.
Although the BMW XM is designed for modern drivers, it doesn’t offer the most cutting-edge tech. It’s not outdated, but it doesn’t match the tech features of the latest electric vehicles.
The main tech setup in the XM is BMW’s iDrive 8.5, which works fine. Traditional carmakers are improving their operating systems, but iDrive still feels a bit dated and tricky to use.
Fortunately, the car supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite past connectivity issues with BMWs, CarPlay worked flawlessly in the XM.
There are useful driver-assist features too. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are standard, making highway driving easier. The car also includes emergency braking and lane departure warnings.
Should you buy the BMW XM? Probably not. It’s built to be extravagant, with high-end features and a luxury feel, but with a starting price of about $160,000, there are better options. If you want a high-tech SUV, look at fully electric options like the Rivian R1S. For ultimate luxury, consider the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class. However, if you really love the XM’s style and are willing to splurge, it might be the car for you.