No offense to the German manufacturer's sports car enthusiasts, BMW has just launched a new high-performance SUV exclusively for its M division, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The 2023 XM will go into production later this fall at the same South Carolina plant that already produces the X3 through X7 commercial vehicles, with deliveries starting this winter.
The eponymous concept presented in November last year was a warning to the competition. Now it's official: Lamborghini Urus Performante, Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, Aston Martin DBX 707 and First Look: Ford Electric Mustang 536HP, better watch out!
Engine power
There is no other word to describe this colossus. Its M Hybrid engine, derived from the BMW M Hybrid V8 racing car that will compete in the IMSA North American Championship next year, combines a new 483 hp V8 turbocharger with a 194 hp electric motor integrated into the Steptronic automatic transmission is. The result is 644 hp at 5,400 rpm and 590 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm.
An M xDrive all-wheel drive controls everything and offers a 4WD sport mode that sends more torque to the rear axle.
With the launch function, it then accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, which is still slower than all the competitors above. Its top speed on the racetrack is electronically limited to 250 km/h – or 270 km/h with the M driving package – of which 140 km/h is in fully electric mode.
Rechargeable battery
Yes, because with its 29.5 kWh battery (of which 25.7 kWh is usable), the BMW XM is a plug-in hybrid SUV and, according to the company's preliminary data based on US EPA records, can drive almost 50 kilometers without to consume gas. You have to wait three and a half hours for a full charge from a level 2 (240 volt) outlet.
But wait, that's not all. As the title of this article states, the BMW XM in Label Red will increase to over 735 hp and 735 lb-ft of torque. This first in a series of special 'Label' editions is available for a limited time and features exclusive colours, wheels and trim. In this case, production will start in the summer of 2023.
Outside design
The BMW XM is 5.11 meters long, 2 meters wide and 1.76 meters high between the X6 and X7, but with a wheelbase of 3.1 meters almost identical to the latter. Its total of 6,062 pounds (2,750 kg) is split almost 50:50 front to rear, with the battery placed on the floor helping to lower the center of gravity.
Electronically controlled and equipped with steel springs, the two-pattern front axle and five-link rear axle are anchored to 23-inch (optional 22-inch) M light-alloy wheels, all of which are steered, which means the rear also rolls in a bit for low-speed maneuverability or improve high-speed stability. XM's anti-roll bars use a 48-volt motor for active roll control during cornering.
The extraordinary technique described above is wrapped in a unique body that gives the impression of carved rock. The adaptive LED headlights and grille with illuminated interior contours also get a special treatment, giving the vehicle a very menacing look, which is accentuated by the large air intakes at the front.
A chrome strip crosses the doors and surrounds the side windows, rising above the muscular fenders. At the back is the flowing tailgate without the BMW logo (it is engraved in the right corner of the surround). The spoiler at the top is meant to be subtle, but the three-dimensional lights stand out, not to mention the black bumper with its dual tailpipes and gold-accented diffuser. By the way, a paint called NightGold Metallic is one of seven possible options and is sure to cause a stir.
The most expensive
Finally, the two-tone interior of the BMW XM is resolutely sporty and at the cutting edge of technology, ranging from the four individual seats with generous side supports to the numerous carbon fiber surfaces with a matte finish, including the interface. curved digital. The latter is of course powered by the new generation iDrive 8 multimedia system, but with specific M elements. Let’s not forget the 100 LED lights on the Alcantara-trimmed ceiling that add to the ambient lighting to make the decor even more unique.
Buyers will be able to customize the vehicle in multiple ways, for hefty upcharges. Speaking of which, Canadian pricing for the 2023 BMW XM hasn't been announced yet, but know that it's $159,000 in the United States, or more than $185,000 in Label Red trim. It is therefore the most expensive model in the entire catalog of the Bavarian manufacturer. We expected nothing less.
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