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2023 BMW XM

a black 2023 BMW XM

A Ridiculously Exciting Fusion of Luxury and Power

What is the BMW XM? A Powerful Fusion of Luxury and Performance with extreme design, versatile driving modes, and top-notch comfort features. The BMW XM - a plug-in hybrid - promises an unforgettable experience on the road.

By J-F Wright

Sat, Oct 28, 2023 04:01 PM PST

Images by the author, edited by Erica Wright

For starters, the 2023 BMW XM is nothing short of ridiculous - and we mean that in the best way possible. This automotive marvel combines the power of a V-8 engine with cutting-edge electric technology giving it an extra kick. It's the crème de la crème of the BMW X lineup - everything about the XM is meticulously thought through. Multiple features and aspects make the BMW XM stand out in the world of high-performance vehicles - not just its insane power.

Exterior

The front fascia of the BMW XM can only be described as extreme. It's hard to find the right superlatives to capture the essence of this design, so let's just stick with "extreme." This sense of extremeness extends throughout the vehicle's exterior, with hard lines, robust design cues, and an overall aura of aggressiveness.

exterior mirror of a black 2023 BMW XM
Even the side mirrors have a very unique design on the 2023 BMW XM

The thin and piercing front headlights set the tone, and the illuminated borders of the grille add a spectacular touch in the dark. The BMW XM's silhouette blurs the lines between SUV and a bad-ass station wagon - although it’s definitely SUV-large.

Interior

The interior design continues the aggressive patterns seen on the exterior, with diamond-shaped elements surrounding the air vents and the heads-up display. The exterior details, such as the rearview mirrors and door handles, also carry this diamond-inspired design.

the front seats of the BMW XM
The cockpit in the BMW XM is driver-focused (of course)

The interior ceiling is a spectacle in itself, with a textured, 3D diamond design and the added touch of blue and red lights flowing during startup. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system is a highlight - impressing with both its stylish speakers and superb sound quality. The option to turn on and off engine noise adds fun to the driving experience - turn your car from stealth mode to head-turning beast mode… And with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the BMW XM keeps you connected.

front seats in the 2023 BMW XM
The front seats are super sporty, but still among the most comfortable seats I've ever rested my rear end in.

The front seats are adjustable in so many ways that it may take a while to explore all the options. Whether you want your seat to hug you or provide a lounge chair-like experience, the BMW XM delivers. In fact, it's one of the rare vehicles where the backrest of the front seat is flexible, allowing you to find the perfect driving position, even if it means hunching forward like a race car driver.

rear seats in the BMW XM
The rear seats in the BMW XM look (and feel) more like a sofa - especially with the added pillows.

Throughout the interior, you'll discover M emblems, color accents, and a very BMW-esque feel. The BMW XM is spacious, with ample trunk space and a rear seat that's more like a sofa, providing plenty of legroom and comfort for rear passengers -and two pillows in the back seat add an extra touch of comfort.

interior ceiling of the BMW XM
The ceiling in the BMW XM is probably my favorite "WTF?"-feature - I've never spent so much time looking up at the inside of a car. Stunning!

Driving This Beast

The 2023 BMW XM is a hybrid, but don't be fooled into thinking it's your typical eco-friendly car. Underneath its hybrid facade lies a powerful V-8 engine.

The highlight of the BMW XM is its acceleration. While all its driving characteristics are insane, the thrill of putting people in a large SUV and then experiencing this exhilarating acceleration is a unique sensation. The XM offers a remarkable level of grip, speed, and driving dynamics, all while delivering the luxury one expects from a BMW.

front grille of the BMW XM
The massive grille of the BMW XM gives a hint as to what hides within.

The BMW XM offers multiple driving modes, which can be a bit overwhelming at first. It's a car that may require a careful read of the instruction manual to unlock its full potential. The driving modes, allow you to switch between everyday comfort and high-performance sportiness with the flick of a button. The transition between these modes takes a bit of getting used to, as the sensitivity of the accelerator and brake pedals changes accordingly. The sport plus mode can be particularly thrilling, downshifting aggressively and providing a burst of power when needed. For those seeking the utmost in driving characteristics, there's a four-wheel-drive sport mode that allows for power slides and a true performance-oriented experience.

rear side of the BMW XM
The rear lights seem to smirk at whoever is stuck behind this beast that is the BMW XM

The BMW XM is designed for high-performance driving, so it’s no wonder that the driver has easy access to essential information related to performance through the infotainment screen. You can monitor tire pressure, oil and coolant temperatures, and turbo pressure - not the most common displays for run-of-the-mill vehicles. By the way, my average fuel economy is around 16 miles per gallon - an impressive figure for a car of this caliber.

Summary

In summary, the 2023 BMW XM is a remarkable fusion of luxury and power. Whether you're seeking a thrilling driving experience or a practical family car, the BMW XM delivers on both fronts. Its combination of extreme design, versatile driving modes, and a wealth of comfort features makes it an outstanding choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life and have a passion for driving (along with an impressive car-buying budget).

trunk space in the BMW XM
Plenty of space in the trunk of the BMW XM - definitely enough to call this a great family car

The BMW XM's impressive performance capabilities and attention to detail make it a standout in the world of high-performance vehicles. It truly represents the pinnacle of what BMW has to offer, and driving enthusiasts will find it difficult to resist the temptation of taking this incredible machine out on the road, be it for a relaxing family ride or a thrilling high-speed adventure. Whether you're looking for a family car or a track-ready performance vehicle, the BMW XM has you covered.

The BMW XM by the numbers:

Maximum Horsepower - 644
0 - 60 MPH - 4.1 seconds
Torque - 590 lb-ft
Price - The 2024 model starts at $159 000

For more information, check out the BMW XM page.

About The Author

J-F Wright's profile picture

J-F Wright

John-Fredrik Wright was born in Sweden, but raised on both sides of the Atlantic. His experience in the automotive industry starts with a summer-job as a host at Volkswagen’s premier showroom in Stockholm. Later, he worked as an instructor at Swedish Active Driving, teaching safe driving (among other things the renowned "elk-avoidance maneuver") and advanced driving techniques.

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