BMW’s M division has unveiled its first standalone model in more than four decades, arriving in Australia in 2023 as one of the brand’s most expensive cars on sale.

Priced from $297,900 before on-road costs, the XM will be the fourth-most expensive model in the company’s local line-up – behind the M8 Competiton coupe and sedan, the upcoming M4 CSL, and the electric i7 xDrive60 luxury sedan.

The XM will initially be offered in a single variant, with a twin-turbocharged 4.4 litre V8 petrol engine delivering 360kW/650Nm. Coupled with a 145kW/280Nm electric motor and a 25.7kWh battery pack, BMW claims combined outputs of 480kW and 800Nm.

Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with BMW claiming the XM can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds. This is accompanied by an energy-charged soundtrack.

The M Hybrid button on the centre console is used to select one of three operating modes, including an ELECTRIC setting for cruising with zero emissions at speeds of up to 140km/h and over a maximum distance of 82–88 km in the WLTP cycle.

The M-specific electric drive sound provides authentic feedback to every movement of the accelerator pedal when driving in emissions-free operating mode.

In addition, if the Sport or Sport Plus setting is selected while the drive system is operating in HYBRID mode, a boost sound underlines the electrical assistance provided to the combustion engine.

The exterior design of the BMW XM is a statement of exclusivity, presence and performance.

Defining elements of the front end include headlights split into two separate units, as well as large air intakes and a BMW kidney grille with gold-coloured surrounds and continuous contour lighting.

While BMW is yet to announce which colours will be available, metallic paint is standard on the XM, paired with ‘Night Gold’ exterior highlights.

The BMW XM rides on 22-inch alloy wheels as standard in Australia, although 23-inch wheels are available as a no-cost option.

The interior features the company’s latest iDrive 8 operating system which integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen into a single curved panel. A head-up display is also fitted as standard.

Customers will have a choice of four different trims for customising the interior, as well as a new vintage leather option in Coffee Brown for the upper sections of the instrument panel and door panels that delivers both a distinctive and premium appearance.

Ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, the Travel & Comfort System and the acclaimed Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 1500-watt amplifier and four additional speakers in the roof area represent standard equipment on Australian-delivered BMW XM models.

Source: BMW | BMW Australia announces pricing and specification for first-ever BMW XM hybrid V8 powerhouse ahead of 2023 launch

12 October 2022