A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

BMW M fans were in uproar when the Bavarian brand’s performance division announced that its next M Performance specific model would be a large plug-in hybrid SUV. This is only the second car the organization has blessed with this title, following the highly acclaimed 1978 BMW M1. The XM is an obtuse and outlandish product that takes both design and performance to the absolute extreme. The XM is a very niche product, catering to customers who want to stand out and turn heads wherever they go.

All the world’s premium and luxury brands are pushing the boundaries of SUV design as consumers shopping in these segments become more demanding. BMW is a lifestyle SUV pioneer, which the 1999 X5 set in motion. The XM represents 25 years of experience in this segment, together with more than 50 years of experience from its M division. The end result is a product that is truly controversial but undeniably impressive on paper. We ask whether this is enough to make it a class-leader in the largely contested performance SUV market.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources. These include BMW, MotorTrend, Car and Driver, the EPA, and other reputable sources that have hands-on experience or perform independent testing.

What’s New For 2024

The BMW XM is undeniably the most extreme and outrageous car the brand has ever conceived, and is the brainchild of Marcus Syring, Hussein Al-Attar, Boson Huang, and Chris Lee. The boxy SUV body consists of aggressive and exaggerated lines encompassing all corners. A bold set of kidney grilles, slim LED lights, vertically stacked quad-exhaust tailpipes, and a sleek hatch-mounted spoiler round off the unique appearance.

You can choose from seven different vibrant or neutral paint shades, including:

• Sao Paulo Yellow
• Carbon Black
• Black Sapphire
• Mineral White
• Marina Bay Blue
• Dravit Gray
• Toronto Red
• Isle of Man Green
• Cape York Green

$5,500 BMW Individual shade options include Daytona Violet, Petrol Mic, Melborne Red, Grigio Telesto, Sepia, Urban Green, Anglesey Green, Frozen Black, Ruby Black, and Frozen Tulum Blue.

Those wanting a more distinctive and unique appearance can select from one of 50 BMW Individual paint finishes. There’s also an optional Night Gold Metallic exterior trim, which changes the accent band along the sides of the vehicle, the BMW M kidney grille’s outer border, and the surrounds for the diffuser elements. BMW fits all XM units with 23-inch M light-alloy wheels. Optional 22-inch M aerodynamic wheels with inserts reduce weight and drag. There’s also a 23-inch bi-color M light-alloy wheel, finished in Black or Night Gold, with a unique hub cover with BMW lettering.

2024 Highlights

• A new limited Label Red trim
• Increased 738-horsepower output
• 738 pound-feet torque output
• Claimed 3.7-second 0-60 MPH time
• Distinctive exterior elements

Exterior Dimensions

(Specifications sourced from BMW)

Specifications And Performance

The XM is a true powerhouse juggernaut, thanks to BMW M’s ingenious mechanical innovations. The firm uses its S68 twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 mated to a permanent-magnet motor located next to the eight-speed automatic transmission. The unit produces 644 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via its xDrive system. BMW claims its titanic SUV will sprint from 0-60 MPH in 4.1 seconds, but independent tests prove this to be a bit conservative, as times as low as 3.4 seconds have been recorded.

The Label Red is a highly limited and exclusive model that increases the powertrain’s output to 738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet. BMW claims a 3.6-second 0-60 MPH time, but we expect this to be conservative as well. Independent road tests of this new limited model are yet to be conducted. Both derivatives use the exact same permanent-magnet motor, which can drive the car independently with 194 horsepower, and 207 pound-feet. The EV system has a limited 87 MPH top speed, which is more than enough for general urban and highway driving.

BMW backs its 6,094-pound performance SUV by taking it to the legendary Pikes Peak Hillclimb event with very few performance alterations. The bold SUV was able to set a new record for a hybrid SUV on the technical course, but this is not a very popular segment for the historical motorsport event. It is the most powerful M Sport car in the company’s history, but its massive curb weight offsets its overall performance.

Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from BMW and the EPA)

The XM range comes standard with active dampers for the front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension. M Performance Compound brakes at the front and rear handle the stopping power and regenerate energy for the compact lithium-ion battery pack. BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control with ABS and M Dynamic Mode accentuates the SUV’s handling prowess, together with near-actuator wheel slip limitation and an M-Sport differential.

The XM is not the most frugal hybrid product currently on the market, as the EPA estimates the model will consume 46 MPGe on a combined cycle and 14 MPG when the battery is depleted.

BMW XM Charging Time And Range

BMW equips the XM with a compact 29.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which carries the SUV for 31 miles on a single charge. The gasoline system can run for 300 miles before you’ll need to refuel it. The battery benefits from 7.4 kW of AC charging, resulting in a zero to 100 percent charge in 3.25 hours. The battery also has a predictive heat management system that reduces charging times by warming or cooling the battery.

(Specifications sourced from BMW)

BMW includes a stylish weekender-style bag for the charging cable. This is secured in the rear cargo area using carabiner clips finished in combination M tricolor.

Interior Technology, Luxury, And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The Year Make Model

• Electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with memory functions and massaging
• Four-zone climate control
• Merino leather and Alcantara upholstery
• 14.9-inch curved touchscreen display powered by BMW iDrive 8.5
• 16-speaker and 464-Watt Harmon Kardon surround sound audio system
• Head-up display with augmented navigation

All BMW XM models come standard with 12-way electrically adjustable heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with memory functions, four-zone climate control, heated and cooled front cup holders, a combination of Merino leather and Alcantara upholstery, and ambient lighting.

Black extended Merino leather is the standard upholstery, but you can upgrade it to Sakhir Orange and black for $1,500, or full Merino Silverstone or Deep Lagoon with Vintage Coffee accenting. A $245 BMW luggage compartment mat, $515 rear-seat tablet holders, and $225 all-weather floor mats are the only interior accessories available.

Technology

The BMW XM comes standard with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by the iDrive 8.0 operating system. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Connected Package Professional smartphone suite, BMW ConnectedDrive, and BMW TeleServices. You also get a wireless smartphone charger and a collection of USB ports for charging and data transfer.

A 464-Watt 16-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system is standard, but you can upgrade this to a stellar Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with a 1,475-Watt amplifier for $3,400.

Interior Dimensions

(Specifications sourced from BMW)

Safety And Reliability

BMW fits the XM range with six airbags covering the driver, passenger, sides, and curtains. It also comes standard with a rear-facing camera, and front and rear proximity sensors. The IIHS and NHTSA have not conducted crash safety tests, which is common for cars in this price bracket, but the XM is built on BMW’s CLAR platform, which generally scores well in global crash tests.

The S68 is a performance engine, so it is subject to higher maintenance costs and more mechanical requirements over time. However, it has proven to be vastly more stable than the previous S63 powertrain. No recalls are attached to the 2024 model year, but 2023 XMs are subject to three recalls relating to the airbags, catalytic converter, and exhaust fasteners.

Driver Assistance Features

The XM comes standard with a host of advanced driver assistance systems. This suite includes front collision warning, lane departure warning with lane return and steering assistance, evasion assistant, alertness assistant, a speed limit Info system, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go. You also get a steering and lane control assistant, automatic speed limit assist, and active navigation, not to mention highway assist, which covers hands-free driving on some highways up to 85 MPH.

• Front Collision Warning with brake intervention
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane return and steering assist
• Evasion and Alertness Assistant
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
• Highway Assistant up to 85 MPH
• Parking Assistant Plus

BMW also throws Parking Assistant Plus and Reversing Assistant into the package without any additional cost. This adds the Parking View function and 3D and Panorama View.

• Recalls (NHTSA): 3
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: N/A

Warranties

BMW covers XM owners with its basic Ultimate Care package, which includes a 48-month or 50,000-mile limited warranty, 12-year and unlimited-mile rust perforation coverage, 48-month or unlimited-mile roadside assistance, and eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty. BMW offers a series of non-transferable Care Plus packages that can increase coverage by up to four years.

(Specifications sourced from BMW)

2024 BMW XM Versus Its Competitors

The BMW XM’s most noteworthy rivals are the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and Bentley Bentayga Hybrid, both of which are built on Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, but with vastly different powertrain configurations. Although BMW is the pioneer of the lifestyle SUV world, these two options are very compelling alternatives that offer better value.

How The BMW XM Compares To The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid

• 2024 BMW XM

  Model

  BMW XM

  Engine:

  Twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 and one permanent-magnet motor

  Torque

  590-738 LB-FT @ 1,600 RPM

  Range

  300 miles (31 EV miles)

  Transmission

  Eight-speed automatic

  Driveline

  All-wheel drive

  MSRP

  $159,000

  Charge Time

  10 hours @ 240V

  0-60 MPH

  4.1-3.6 seconds

  Fuel Economy

  46 MPGe

  Horsepower

  644-738 HP @ 5,400 RPM

• 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid

  Model

  Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid

  Engine:

  Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and one permanent-magnet motor

  Torque

  701 LB-FT @ 1,400 RPM

  Range

  370 miles (15 EV miles)

  Transmission

  Eight-speed automatic

  Driveline

  All-wheel drive

  MSRP

  $146,900

  Charge Time

  3 hours @ 240V

  0-60 MPH

  3.2 seconds

  Fuel Economy

  42 MPGe

  Horsepower

  729 HP @ 5,750 RPM

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is the class-leading option in the PHEV super-SUV segment, thanks to its impeccable powertrain consisting of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and permanent-magnet motor system. This results in a near-unbelievable 3.2-second 0-60 MPH claim time, which testers have been able to achieve in the Coupe variant. Stuttgart’s challenger also benefits from a significantly lower curb weight, making it a more agile and poised driver’s SUV.

The Cayenne falters in competing with the XM’s efficiency, due to its smaller battery and more powerful ICE. Porsche slaps it with an astronomical price tag, but it’s still just a bit less expensive than the XM, making it much better value. You might also argue that it has a much more tasteful and subtle exterior design, and the fact that it can be had as a coupe or SUV further adds to its appeal and versatility.

How The BMW XM Compares To The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid

• 2024 BMW XM

  Model

  BMW XM

  Engine:

  Twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 and one permanent-magnet motor

  Torque

  590-738 LB-FT @ 1,600 RPM

  Range

  300 miles (31 EV miles)

  Transmission

  Eight-speed automatic

  Driveline

  All-wheel drive

  MSRP

  $159,000

  Charge Time

  10 hours @ 240V

  0-60 MPH

  4.1-3.6 seconds

  Fuel Economy

  46 MPGe

  Horsepower

  644-738 HP @ 5,400 RPM

• 2024 Bentley bentayga Hybrid

  Model

  Bentley Bentayga Hybrid

  Engine:

  Turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and one permanent-magnet motor

  Torque

  516 LB-FT @ 1,100 RPM

  Range

  420 miles (18 EV miles)

  Transmission

  Eight-speed automatic

  Driveline

  All-wheel drive

  MSRP

  POA

  Charge Time

  3 hours @ 240V

  0-60 MPH

  5.1 seconds

  Fuel Economy

  47 MPGe

  Horsepower

  443 HP @ 6,000 RPM

The Bentayga Hybrid is by no means a performance PHEV SUV, as its smaller turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 hybrid powertrain delivers much less power, resulting in slower performance times. Its smaller battery pack also means it covers a bit less range on battery power, but it is slightly more efficient on the EPA’s combined cycle.

The Bentayga Hybrid sits in a very elite category that even the XM is unable to compete with. Bentley does not list a price on its online configurator, but confirms prices can start at just over $200,000, making it a highly exclusive and niche PHEV SUV. With this, you also get access to more exclusive paint finishes and interior materials. Visually, it is a bold and head-turning design, but next to the XM, it looks tame and reserved.

How Much The 2024 BMW XM Costs

The BMW XM range starts at $159,000 and features a tonne of standard equipment. The XM Label starts at $185,000, but BMW limits it to 500 units globally, so it will only be available until the allocation runs out. Available options include the $2,500 M Driver’s package, which increases the top speed from 155 MPH to 168 MPH, and grants you access to a one-day high-performance driving class.

2024 BMW XM Pricing

(Pricing sourced from BMW)

Efficiency

(Specifications sourced from the EPA)

Is It Worth Buying The BMW XM?

The BMW XM is a highly niche and exclusive performance SUV that deviates from the performance division’s core pillars that promote driver engagement, lightweight driving physics, and tasteful exterior designs. It is a product that solely exists to be a head-tuning attention seeker. There’s no denying that its straight-line performance is admirable, but there’s very little that screams M Power in this ostentatious 6,000-pound SUV.

Those wanting to experience unrivaled luxury with enjoyable straight line performance from the Bavarian manufacturer can easily consider the all-new BMW X7 M60i, which uses exactly the same engine, but without the hybrid assistance, for $50,000 less. Even as a PHEV SUV, the XM falls behind the class in both performance and price, as the VW Group products offer better performance at a lower price.