2024 BMW XM
Overview
The 2024 BMW XM SUV is on an ambitious mission to target the pinnacles of performance and luxury simultaneously. Behind its overwrought snout lies a twin-turbocharged V-8 that’s enhanced by a plug-in hybrid system, which combine to produce up to 738 horsepower. The result is a rocket, capable of hitting 60 mph in as little as 3.7 seconds. It can also motor itself around on electric power alone if you only need to run a few errands. And you might just choose the XM for such tasks since its cabin is richly trimmed, comfortable, and spacious. BMW has added all of its most desirable tech features too, including a curved dashboard display and the latest driver-assistance systems. While it’s quick in a straight line, the XM isn’t as joyful to drive as the company’s vaunted M3 and M5 sports sedans. But if corner-carving isn’t on your driving menu, the XM’s got panache and power out the wazoo and we’ll be damned if we can find fault with that.
What’s New for 2024?
An even more powerful Label Red model joins the lineup for 2024 and boasts a 738-hp variant of the XM’s plug-in-hybrid powertrain. BMW says the extra power is enough to launch the XM Label Red to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, which is likely conservative since we’ve already proved the “regular” 644-hp XM can do that in 3.4. The Label Red will command a hefty premium over the base model, but pricing confirmation should arrive just before the Label Red hits dealers at the end of 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The XM’s starting price is high, but it does come loaded with luxury features, including leather upholstery, huge 23-inch wheels, a cool curved infotainment display, and a host of driver-assistance features.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 isn’t new to the BMW powertrain portfolio but in the XM it’s partnered with an electric motor and a battery pack to create a whopping 644 horsepower. During our first test drive, we noted the powertrain’s immediate punch and estimated that it should get the XM to 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds, but when we got it on our home turf for testing, it surprised us with a 3.4-second leap to 60 mph. That puts the XM at a disadvantage—albeit only a slight one—when compared to other performance SUVs such as the Lamborghini Urus and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, both of which delivered zero-to-60-mph times of 3.2 seconds in our testing. The XM uses a coil-spring suspension system that’s augmented by adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars. The result isn’t as compliant and composed as it would be had BMW chosen to offer an air suspension, but in the Comfort driving mode, the ride is far from punishing. When set to Sport, the XM’s handling is responsive and eager which makes it good fun on a twisty road.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The XM’s 25.7-kWh battery pack is said to be good for about 30 miles of electric-only range per charge, and we managed to get close in our testing with a result of 29 miles. BMW says the XM’s onboard charger is capable of juicing the battery at up to 7.4 kW and should be able to charge up to 100 percent in a little over three hours.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA says the XM is good for only 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway despite its status as a plug-in hybrid. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the XM bested its EPA estimate by returning 20 mpg when going solely by its gasoline engine; when factoring in the 29 miles or so we drove on electric power its result is an even more palatable 49 MPGe. For more information about the XM’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Everything about the XM’s cabin is high-end, including its optional vintage-look leather upholstery that was first shown on the concept car. The XM’s cabin is strictly a two-row affair, and in place of a large panoramic sunroof, the XM can be had with a geometric-patterned faux-suede headliner that features fiber-optic lighting that’s used to dramatic effect. An optional audio upgrade adds a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with tweeters that illuminate.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
A large, curved display stretches across two-thirds of the dashboard. The display serves as both a digital gauge cluster as well as an on-board infotainment center, and It runs BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system are included as well.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Basic features such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are standard on all XM models, but more advanced tech, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, is available too. For more information about the XM’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW offers a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is bolstered by 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 milesArrow pointing downArrow pointing down
Specifications
Specifications
2023 BMW XM
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $159,995/$168,395
Options: Bowers & Wilkins stereo, $3400; M Driver’s package, $2500; Silverstone and Vintage Coffee leather interior, $2500
POWERTRAIN
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve 4.4-liter V-8, 483 hp, 479 lb-ft + AC motor, 194 hp, 207 lb-ft (combined output: 644 hp, 590 lb-ft; 19.2-kWh lithium-ion; 7.4-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 16.5-in vented disc/15.7-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 PNCS
F: 275/40R-22 107Y I ★
R: 315/35R-22 111Y I ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 122.2 in
Length: 201.2 in
Width: 78.9 in
Height: 69.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 57/52 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 64/19 ft3
Curb Weight: 6054 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.4 sec
100 mph: 8.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.7 sec @ 119 mph
160 mph: 25.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 168 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 303 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.92 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 49 MPGe/20 mpg
75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 29/360 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 14/12/17 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 46 MPGe
EV Range: 31 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
