The 2024 BMW XM Review

Let’s cut to the chase: The 2024 BMW XM is a rocket ship that is masquerading as an SUV. The XM is a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle built by BMW’s M division. That means it’s a brute on the road, and potentially, the track. Napleton News is all about track time, and a hot hatch. Hop in to find if the XM is able to do double duty.

What moves the BMW XM?

The XM gets its motivating qualities from BMW’s tried and true 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with an electric motor. Nestled in the XM’s eight speed automatic transmission, the electric motor brings 194 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque and adds it to the 483-hp and 479 lb-ft of torque of the twin-turbo engine for a combined total of 644 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. We know it doesn’t quite add up, but just think of it as “new math.”

There is a higher power version of the XM, known as the XM Label. It delivers 738-hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, for a lot more money. Both versions deliver all that torque to the pavement via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system

Looks matter with the BMW XM

Size-wise, the 2024 BMW XM SUV fits between the X5 and the X7. It features many angular cues that don’t appear on other BMW SAVs (That’s SAV as in Sport Activity Vehicles). It seems through the years, the company has moved away from the typical kidney bean-style grills. In its place is an illuminated angular grille that lets those around know what’s coming their way. The front fascia includes geometrically shaped openings that serve to cool the engines, brakes and more.

The design carries rearward, with broad shoulders cutting through the wind. What’s missing this time is the BMW trademark Hofmeister Kink. Yup, it’s gone after all these years. But there’s something else to replace it. Follow down to the bumper for two pairs of hexagonal exhaust finishers that lend a distinctive air to the departing edge of the vehicle.

What’s the XM like inside?

Pick an adjective. Futuristic. Comfortable. Clean. Quiet. They all fit when thinking about the XM. So does “carbony.” Don’t worry. It’s a word we just made up, to describe the abundance of carbon fiber sprinkled liberally around the cabin. Oh and the LED lighting. It’s everywhere and seems to appear according to any situation. For instance, if you are making a panic stop they may appear red. Otherwise they are staying in a soothing variety of blue.

There’s a pair of infinitely-adjustable seats that are ventilated and include a massage function. We thought they didn’t exactly relax as much as they pushed and prodded, instead. The leather seating, though is spectacular. It’s like you’re sitting on a fine Italian sofa.

What we did dig was the large 14.9-inch digital instrumentation display. It is larger than large, but still operated by BMW’s iDrive feature.

Behind the wheel of the 2024 BMW XM SUV

Starting up the BMW XM sounds as though you have just turned on a two-stroke Kawasaki. It sounds rough at first but then calms down to a mere gurgle, which is coming from the four hexagonal exhaust finishers in back.

The xDrive all-wheel drive system offered outside wheel torque-vectoring that sent additional torque to the outside wheels. That extra speed of the outside wheel helps the XM turn in quicker than if it wasn’t equipped with it. Better living through technology, we say.

The Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) will deliver around 40 miles of pure electric power. We wish it were more, for the hybrid benefits of increased mileage but we were honestly surprised at how efficient the overall powertrain was. We especially loved the thrust that was almost instantaneous when you stepped heavily on the pedal. It was as though launch control was engaged…even when it wasn’t.

Once we were rolling, power came on in torrents. This SUV, weighing almost three tons, really knows how to skedaddle, when called upon to do so. What more could you ask for from a vehicle that wears the letter “M?”

Story by Mark Elias