BMW XM

The BMW XM, the first BMW M original presentation since the legendary M1 supercar, is by no means one of the most controversial Bimmers ever made. Why? Cue the Unanswered Questions theme because it's time to investigate the most powerful BMW ever made.

2024 BMW XM

Starting at a fancy-priced 178,000 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever BMW XM is a BMW M original presentation made in honor of its five-decade history as the high-performance division of BMW. Sadly, due to its controversial looks, this is more than a rotten cherry at the top of the cake but who cares about putting something rotten at the top of something cool?

2024 BMW XM

Inspired by the 2021 Concept XM, the first-ever BMW XM's design is more than enough to embarrass everybody at your next car meet or in a slice of lemon, it's more than enough to make everybody's ectoplasms come out in a state of shock. From its controversial front face that is more hideous than today's M3/M4, its gaudy gold plating, and its hulking crossover sizing, the XM is not the friendliest vehicle approaching from your rearview mirrors. If you see one, be ready for it because you can expect thrills and chills at first sight.

2024 BMW XM interior

Apart from the frightening exterior design, the BMW XM's interior is fancy living on steroids because with so much leather and Alcantara stuffed into the cabin, it's like you got hit by a Cotton Spore three times, massively slowing you down. Behind the wheel, the XM is packed with HUD, M leather steering wheel, multifunction seats, and a rather dramatic BMW IconicSounds Electric curated by award-winning music scorer Hans Zimmer. In its sweet spot, it features M Lounge with two outer seats with deep recesses and 3D diamond quilting, an ambient lighting system, and a 20-speaker 1,500-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.

As an SUV, the XM can carry up to 572 liters of boot space with the rear seats present, and with the seats folded down, it can carry up to 1,820 liters in case something sensitive comes into play.

2024 BMW XM

The BMW XM takes pride as the first original M vehicle to have a PHEV powertrain in it. With the combination of a 489PS 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine, a 145kW electric motor, and a 25.7 kWh li-ion battery, the XM produces a total power output of 653PS of power and 800Nm of torque, making it the most powerful M car ever built. Mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic AT with Drivelogic and M xDrive all-wheel drive, it has a 0-100kph time of 4.3 seconds, and with the optional M Driver's Package, it's good for 270kph, less than today's BMW X5 M Competiton with the said extra. Fuel economy is 1.5L/100km combined based on WLTP standards and while running on electricity alone, it's good for up to 88km. Touche.

If that wasn't enough, BMW will offer the ultimate version of the XM later this fall, dubbed Label Red. With 748PS of power output, the XM Label Red will sprint from 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 290kph. Brace for impact, speedo boys.

Because the XM is running on a bespoke platform, not bits and bobs from other BMW models, this hulking crossover has a special driving feel everywhere. Special aside, it feels rather mild and menacing even with the rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel drive juiced to the brim, not to mention the adaptive M suspension Professional, front double wishbones, five-link rear axle, Integral Active Steering (a first for an M vehicle), and M Sport braking system, among many others.

Whether on the road, track, tarmac, gravel, or snow (if you're into that), the BMW XM is all about making a statement for almost everyone behind the wheel, and in terms of safety, the XM is festooned with the Driving Assistance package as well as the optional Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus. Speedo boys may not like such features but who cares. As long as such driving assists work, it works. No explanations, brothers.

The first-ever BMW XM may have been the rotten cherry on the top of the cake because of its controversially frightening styling that is deemed to be unpleasant to the naked eye as well as its leather overload inside and the tech involved but coming in terms with its mild driving feel and the performance that makes a huge statement, the BMW XM is a real Force Majeure you don't want to mess with it.

 Love it or hate it, this leviathan is ready to make the great leap forward everywhere all at once.

Photo: BMW AG