Launched: BMW XM – 653 HP PHEV Super-SUV Lands, Priced From RM1.3 Million+

BMW Group Malaysia sees its local line-up expanded once again as it introduces the groundbreaking new BMW XM model today. The first independently-built M model since the M1 from 1978 comes in the form of an electrified plug-in hybrid (PHEV) super-SUV – or ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ (SAV), as how BMW terms all its X-series crossover SUVs.

As far as styling goes, the XM will divide opinions to say the least, more so given its overall size, bulk, and the massive signature kidney grilles it packs up front. Other key styling cues present include massive 23-inch allow wheels, distinct all-LED head- and taillight designs, and the striking ‘Night Gold Line’ exterior trim option that adds prominent gold-hued contrasting accents on top of gloss-black ones.

Up to seven exterior paint options are available. Included amongst them are Cape York Green, Carbon Black, Marina Bay Blue, Toronto Red, Mineral White, Black Sapphire and Dravit Grey. Also, besides the ‘Night Gold Line’ trim mentioned, there also a darker and more subtle ‘Shadow Line’ exterior trimline option available.

The XM stands as the first BMW model to harness the M  Hybrid drive system, which employs a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol mill and an integrated electric motor plus a 25.7 kWh battery pack. Combined, the setup delivers a whopping 653 HP and 800 NM to drive all four wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) suite, allowing the super-SUV to despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 4.3 seconds and hit a claimed V-max of 270 KM/H.

Crucially, electrification sees this super-SUV offer frugal fuel consumption between 1.5 – 1.6 litres/100 KM on average, as well as low CO2 emissions averaging between 33 – 36 g/KM too. Additionally, the electrified system also boasts up to 88 KM of all-electric driving range. As for battery charging input and time, the XM accepts AC charging inputs of up to 7.4 kW, promising a full charge (0-100%) in 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Matching its high-speed performance is the promise of unrivalled agility thanks to the adoption of the Adaptive M Suspension Professional suite. This laces the XM’s chassis with electronically controlled dampers plus Active Roll Stabilisation to reduce lateral body movements. Supplementing that is the inclusion of an M Sport Differential which variably distributes the driving power between the rear wheels, thus improving traction and driving stability.

Besides that, the XM also gets an Integral Active Steering system. This works by turning the rear wheels in tandem with the front wheel at high speeds for greater vehicle stability. At lower speeds, the rear wheels instead steer in the opposite direction of the front wheels to improve manoeuvrability. Also present are massive 508 MM compound front disc brakes grabbed by bespoke M Sport brake calipers finished in gloss black.

On board, the XM is laced with a bevy of advanced tech and amenities, key amongst which being the latest BMW Live Cockpit Professional suite that features both a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen display plus a head-up display (HUD) module, the former duo also running off the latest M specific BMW Operating System 8 as well.

Other noteworthy features present here include the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command suite, BMW ID personalised settings, novel BMW Gesture Control function, the Connected Package Professional I, Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Connected Drive Services, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as the Comfort Access and BMW Digital Key Plus keyless entry suites.

On the driving assist front, the BMW XM is also fully-loaded with a bevy of active and semi-autonomous Driving Assistant Professional features. Highlights here include Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Change Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, Front/Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, as well as Emergency Stop Assistant and Evasion Assistant.

These, by the way come on top of Parking Assistant Plus including Reversing Assist, Lateral Parking Aid, Active Park Distance Control, and Surround View system, as well as other advanced safety features such as Attentiveness Assistant, Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians, and Active Protection.

Advanced tech aside, a bevy of interior trim options are available too. The choices here include Leather Merino Deep Lagoon with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Silverstone with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Black and Leather Merino Sakhir Orange.

BMW Malaysia had already opened the order books for the XM back in Oct 2022 before confirming its prices back in January this year. With today’s official launch, figures from the latter remains unchanged, reading at a whopping RM1,316,450, or RM1,398,800 with the optional Extended Warranty & Service Package included (both excluding insurance costs).

So, what are your thoughts on the BMW XM PHEV super-SUV? Hit the comments below and let us know what you think of this Bavarian offering…