2023 BMW XM SUV

　　

2023 BMW XM Review

byJosh JacquotCorrespondent

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　The 2023 BMW XM is an all-new luxury-performance SUV that uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain and outrageous styling to define a new niche for itself. Sizewise, it slots into the BMW lineup between the X5 and X7. Under the XM's hood is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 assisted by an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA estimates an all-electric range of about 30 miles. Combined output is 644 horsepower and all-wheel drive is standard.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

BMW XM PHEV Insights

Trim:XM Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $159,000 MSRP

　　

All Electric Range

　　31 miles

　　EPA Estimated Electric Range

　　The XM will automatically switch to gas when the electric battery is low.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　from 58067

　　

EV Battery Warranty

　　No battery warranty information available

　　

Charging at Home

　　7 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$400

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　Utility EV Charger Offer

　　$400

　　Restrictions: Otter Tail Power offers EV owners a rebate of up to $400 towards the installation of a Level 2 charging station. To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements: Receive electricity from Otter Tail Power.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　See All PHEV incentives

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$185/mo

　　XM

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　SUV Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　See All PHEV Insights

　　Though it has clear performance intentions that attempt to justify its M badge, the XM's finish and features elevate its luxury status to that of BMW's top-trimmed models. Available in only a single trim for 2023, the XM offers an abundance of standard features, including a configurable digital instrument cluster that stretches across the dash and connects to the infotainment display, creating one wide, curved screen. It makes the XM's interior both tech-focused and immediately striking. Carbon fiber and quilted leather are also prominent cabin elements. In many ways, the XM lays the groundwork for the future of BMW design, both inside and out.

　　The XM manages to be both luxurious in looks (if not ride quality) and exceptionally rapid despite its three-ton curb weight. Whether an SUV with this kind of mass should bear an M badge is another matter entirely — especially when the X5 M exists. Overall, we have mixed feelings about this new SUV. Read all the details in our Expert Rating.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the XM drive? Sticking an M badge on a BMW gives the vehicle a mountain of expectations to overcome. To some extent, the XM scales that mountain thanks in no large part to some impressive and hardworking engineering. The XM manages to overcome its surprising three-ton curb weight by sprinting to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat and dashing through the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds at over 114 mph. But those numbers, as well as the 0.98 g we recorded on our skidpad and the 104-foot stopping distance from 60 mph, fall short of what you can achieve in a BMW X5 M. The XM's massive weight represents its biggest and most disappointing drawback.

　　As a plug-in hybrid, the XM can at times provide smooth application of both its electrical and internal combustion power. We found the transitions between the two systems to be smoothest once up to speed but a bit too unrefined at lower speeds, especially when pulling away from a stop. Even with all of its impressive engineering, the XM seems to have narrow operating windows in which everything feels pretty good.

　　

Comfort

6.5/10

　　How comfortable is the XM? The sporting intentions of the XM conspire to nearly do in any attempt at being a luxury SUV. The steel springs used by BMW M performance engineers are so stiff as to absolutely ruin ride quality on anything other than a perfectly smooth surface. Things improve quite a bit at highway speeds, but the XM feels compromised because its massive weight requires a hard-riding suspension to keep body motions in check. Interior noise levels are also borderline unacceptable for a luxury SUV, with near constant tire roar and high levels of ambient road noise.

　　The front seats go a long way toward taking the edge off the XM's rigid ride. While they offer a wide range of adjustability and plush padding, they don't look or feel particularly special. Despite its length the XM is only a two-row SUV. The rear seats sure look the part of a luxury SUV but lack any adjustability or meaningful support. Thankfully, the XM's climate control system has absolute control over the interior temperature, and the front seats offer massage, heating and ventilation functions. Massaging and ventilation features are conspicuously absent for the rear seats given the XM's luxury SUV aspirations.

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