BMW XM AWD SAV Plug-in Hybrid
BMW XM AWD Sport Activity Vehicle
“One Hot Sexy Hybrid”
By Arv Voss
OVERVIEW:
The BMW XM just debuted an all new, two-row crossover with serious sporting capability. This hot new model ranks above the three-row model X7 and it was inspired by the 2021 XM Concept. The styling was somewhat toned down from the concept, but it still displays an aggressiveness with its huge kidney-shaped grille openings, stacked dual exhaust pipes and a modestly tapered or sloped roof that borders on a fastback. A limited edition Red Label model will appear for 2024 and BMW has stated that a more powerful 738 horsepower version will be available. Its estimated price is expected to top $185,000.
MOTIVE FORCE:
The new XM draws its energy from a familiar 4.4-liter Twin Turbocharged and
intercooled DOHC 32-Valve V8 plus a 194 horsepower AC motor with 207 lb-ft
torque with a 19.2-kWh lithium-ion battery and 7.4-kW onboard charger. The
engine’s horsepower rating is 483 with the torque rated at 479. Both the engine
and motor are mounted up front and their combined output generates 664 horses
at 5400 rpm along with 590 lb.-ft of torque at 1600 rpm. Rubber greets the road
through an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD with permanent locking
hubs. The XM SAV is the first BMW M model with an electrified powertrain and it
is also the first exclusive M model since the iconic M1 of the 1970s. The electric
only range with a full charge is 30 miles.
EXTERIOR DESIGN:
The exterior design of the all-new XM, is focused on attracting attention rather than simply blending in with the expansive mass of SUVs on the road today. The XM is bold and masculine with sharp angular creases and exaggerated features, it definitely makes an impression from virtually every angle.
The oversized kidney grilles with horizontal bars are flanked by slim headlights, and the front fascia comes with large air intakes and sharp creases. Unique profile elements include a black accent band running from the front fenders and rising up to meet the window surround of the D-pillar. The taillights wrap around the side with three diagonal accent lights highlighting the BMW M logo.
Standard wheels are 23-inch M light-alloy wheels shod with staggered Pirelli P-Zero 275/40R-22 107Y up front and 315/35R-22 111Y 1 aft.
Our back, the flush glass features etched BMW logos in each upper corner with slim, dark taillights extending out from the body. Flared fenders and stacked quad exhaust outlets add to the aggressive, high-performance appearance.
CABIN AMBIENCE:
The XM’s bold exterior styling carries over to it’s interior, where it also serves up luxury and refinement with high-quality materials and unique forms, especially the three-dimensional prism design of the headliner. The liner is surrounded by 100 LEDs with the choice of constant or dynamic multicolor lights. An impressive Curved Display is positioned on matte carbon fiber trimming the center console; wide air vents are surrounded by pearl-effect chrome. The area behind the display features a geometric design functioning as an integral part of the sound system.
BMW Individual Merino leather for seats and other interior surfaces are standard, featurimng soft Black Nappa leather for the instrument panel and upper doors. Two-tone combinations are offered including Vintage Coffee Merino leather for the instrument panel and door panels, combined with Silverstone or Deep Lagoon. BMW refers to the rear seating area as the M Lounge, with rear seats designed for maximum comfort for outboard passengers with deep recesses in the doors and materials that continue from the seats into the door panels.
CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT:
A large, curved display SPANS two-thirds of the dashboard with the display serving as both a digital gauge cluster and an on-board infotainment center, running BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard fare, and additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system are also included.
AS TESTED:
My BMW XM AWD Plug-in Hybrid SAV wore a Black Sapphire Metallic exterior finish and featured a Sakhir Orange and Black leather interior. The base sticker was set at $159,000. While the addiditon of the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, the M Driver’s Package and the Destination charge elevated the final price tag to $167,395.
DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY FEATURES:
All XM models feature automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist as standard, with more advanced tech, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature available as well. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection; Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
PERFORMANCE:
Price not withstanding, the XM isn’t for everyone. Let’s face it, nobody really needs such a vehicle, but it sure would be nice. It’s big, bold and sexy on the outside and plush and elegant inside. A couple of other high end, high performance SUVs are slightly quicker, but 0-60 mpg in 3.4 seconds is significantly more than adequate. The ride quality is firm but not harsh especially in the Comfort driving mode. Set it to Sport and get ready for increased fun with enhanced performance driving elements.
The XM comes with a full complement of M performance equipment. The M xDrive is rear-biased and offers three modes: 4WD, 4WD Sport and 4WD Sand, and the M Sport differential controls rear-differential lock electronically. Fitted with steel springs the XM includes standard Adaptive M Suspension Professional – Active roll stabilization that employs a 48-volt electric motor to adjust front and rear roll stiffness. Active Roll Comfort allows the system to improve the ride on rough roads. The BMW XM is the first M model to include Integral Active Steering that steers the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels, depending on vehicle speed.
WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE COVERAGE:
BMW provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty bolstered by an above-average complimentary scheduled maintenance. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles; Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles; Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles.
OUR FINAL TAKE:
If you can afford it and are looking for a super, high performance plug-in Hybrid AWD SAV, the BMW XM AWD provides the ultimate in driving satisfaction. BMW claims that the onboard charger of the XM is capable of charging the battery at up to 100 percent in just over three hours helping to minimize range anxiety.
SPECIFICATIONS: BMW XM AWD Sport Activity Vehicle
Base Price: $159,995.
Price as Tested: $1.67,395
Engine Type and Size: 4.4-liter Twin Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-Valve V8 plus a 194 horsepower AC motor with 207 lb-ft torque with a 19.2-kWh lithium-ion battery and 7.4-kW onboard charger.
Horsepower (bhp): 483 / Torque (ft./ lbs.) 479
Combined Output: Horsepower 664 @ 5400 rpm
Torque 590 @ 1600 rpm
Transmission: 8-Speed automatic with overdrive
Drive Train: Front Engine / Front Motor AWD with oermanent locking hubs.
Suspension: Front – Double wishbone with gas-pressurized shock absorbers and anti-roll bar
Rear – Multi-link with gas-pressurized shock absorbers and anti roll bar
Brakes: Power-assisted regenerative four-wheel vented discs and ABS.
Tires: Pirelli P-Zero Front 275/40R-22 107Y Rear 315/35R-22 111Y 1 mounted on 5 machine-face 5-connected Geo-spoke alloy wheels with slotted triangular black painted inserts and centers
Wheelbase: 122.2 inches
Length Overall: 201.2 inches
Width: 78.9 inches
Height: 69.1 inches
Curb Weight: 6,063 lbs.
Turning Circle: 41 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 18.2 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: EV Hybrid mode 46 MPGe combined city highway – 14 mpg gas only combined. EV Range 31 miles
0 – 60 mph: 3.4 seconds
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