You’ve all seen the concept, but the production model is finally here – this, officially, is the 2023 BMW XM as it will look on public roads.
The XM represents a number of firsts for BMW’s M division, with it marking its first standalone model since the M1 of the 1970s.
It’s the largest M model ever made, the division’s first with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and most importantly, its most powerful car ever.
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The super SUV has been built to compete most closely with the likes of the Aston Martin DBX and the Lamborghini Urus.
At launch, just one version will be offered, with this ‘regular’ XM delivering 644hp and 800Nm – already making it the most powerful BMW ever.
That comes courtesy of an updated version of the brand’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which works in conjunction with a 194hp electric motor.
With that much power, it’s good for 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 4.3 seconds, and can charge on to a top speed of 270km/h (168mph).
It will also be able to cover around 82-88km (51-55 miles) on electric power alone – so long as you don’t exceed 140km/h (87mph).
But it’s the XM LABEL RED due in the latter half of 2023 that’s the one that will really get your ears pricked up.
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The LABEL RED (yes, it’s a shouty name) steps the XM’s outputs up to a whopping 738hp and 997Nm.
No doubt that will feel pretty crazy even in a car suggested to weigh around 2750kg (6063lbs).
2023 BMW XM styling
Visually, what’s most impressive is how little the XM deviates from the Concept XM that previewed it.
While certain exterior details have been toned down to make it production ready – such as the haunches atop the tailgate – it comes pretty close to the original concept.
It will be offered with wheels up to 23 inches in diameter, too, ensuring it maintains those road-going concept car looks.
At the front, there’s an illuminated grille and a narrow split lighting arrangement just like on the concept.
The wheels feature a similar design as well, if not quite as deeply dished.
However, there are normal door handles on the outside as a sign of its real-world rationality.
Inside, the blue and brown two-tone color scheme of the concept is retained.
The cockpit maintains the same screen arrangement as well, with the instrument cluster and infotainment screen on the same curved panel.
This is something already seen in other BMW M models since the concept’s unveiling.
2023 BMW XM pricing
Pricing for the base 2023 BMW XM will start at $159,000.
However, the LABEL RED model is expected to climb to more than $185,000.
Production is set to commence in Q4 2022, with it to be built in America at BMW’s Spartanburg plant.
Initial deliveries are slated for early 2023.
