A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.8
Comfort & Interior
4.5
Running Costs
2.1
Practicality
3.7
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
What happens when BMW’s M division decides to create their most powerful SUV ever? The bmw xm provides the answer, combining 653 horsepower with luxury SUV practicality in a package that’s genuinely unlike anything else on British roads.
This plug-in hybrid represents BMW’s boldest engineering statement yet. The twin-turbo V8 and electric motor combination delivers supercar acceleration while offering around 50 miles of electric-only range for the school run. It’s this dual personality that sets the XM apart from traditional performance SUVs, allowing you to travel emissions-free locally whilst having serious pace available when needed.
Inside, you’ll find BMW has pulled out all the stops. The cabin blends genuine luxury materials with serious performance credentials, offering massage seats, four-zone climate control, and build quality that justifies the premium positioning. Despite its performance focus, there’s still 527 litres of boot space and room for five adults.
Yes, running costs reflect the XM’s six-figure price tag, and the styling certainly makes a statement that won’t suit everyone. However, for those wanting something genuinely different in the luxury SUV space, the XM successfully combines electrified efficiency with serious performance capability. It’s an achievement that feels both cutting-edge and surprisingly usable for daily driving.
What's the BMW XM Like to Drive?
Under the BMW XM’s imposing bonnet lies a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine paired with an electric motor. Combined output reaches 653 horsepower in standard form, with the Label Red version producing an incredible 748 horsepower. This makes the BMW XM one of the most powerful SUVs BMW has ever produced.
The 0-60mph sprint takes just 4.1 seconds, which is genuinely supercar territory for such a large SUV. The eight-speed automatic gearbox delivers smooth shifts, while the all-wheel drive system ensures traction is never an issue.
What’s particularly impressive is how the BMW XM manages its weight. Despite tipping the scales at over 2.7 tonnes, it feels surprisingly agile through corners. The adaptive suspension system keeps body roll well controlled, while the steering offers decent feedback for such a large vehicle.
Electric-only range reaches around 50 miles, making local journeys emissions-free. The transition between electric and petrol power is virtually seamless, showcasing BMW’s hybrid technology expertise.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
4.4L V8 twin-turbo hybrid
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Power Output
653 bhp
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0-60 mph
4.1 seconds
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MPG Combined
83 mpg
- Boot Space
- 527 litres
- Safety Rating
- 5 stars Euro NCAP
- Massage seats, Four-zone climate control, Wireless charging
BMW XM Interior, Tech & Comfort Review
Step inside the BMW XM and you’re greeted by an interior that screams luxury and performance. The front seats offer excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable on longer journeys. Heating, cooling, and massage functions are all available.
Rear passengers get generous space, though the sloping roofline does impact headroom slightly. The rear seats fold flat when needed, increasing luggage capacity significantly. Climate control is four-zone as standard, ensuring all passengers remain comfortable.
Materials throughout feel premium, with genuine leather, carbon fibre, and brushed aluminium used extensively. Build quality matches what you’d expect from a six-figure BMW. The ambient lighting system creates a sophisticated atmosphere during evening drives.
Storage solutions are well thought out, with numerous cupholders, door pockets, and cubby holes throughout the cabin. Wireless phone charging keeps devices topped up without cables cluttering the interior.
The xm excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a BMW XM?
The BMW XM’s running costs reflect its position as a luxury performance SUV. Purchase prices start around £140,000, placing it firmly in premium territory. However, the plug-in hybrid system does help with fuel economy and emissions.
Official fuel consumption figures reach 83mpg, though real-world driving will likely see numbers closer to 25-30mpg. Regular charging keeps running costs down for daily driving. Road tax benefits from the P11D emissions rating, though company car tax rates remain high.
Insurance will be expensive, given the BMW XM’s high value and performance capabilities. Servicing costs reflect BMW’s premium positioning, though reliability should be good based on other BMW models. When considering car finance, monthly payments will be substantial given the high purchase price.
Depreciation is hard to predict given the BMW XM’s unique positioning. Limited production numbers might help residual values, though luxury SUVs typically lose value quickly.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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bmw xm
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Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £140,000 | £115,000 | £134,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo Hybrid 653hp | 4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo 612hp | 4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo Hybrid 680hp |
| Power | 653 bhp | 612 bhp | 680 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.1 seconds | 3.8 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 83 mpg | 23 mpg | 78 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 527 litres | 630 litres | 772 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Plug-in hybrid system, 50-mile electric range, Luxury interior, M performance | Pure petrol power, Track-focused dynamics, AMG heritage | Superior handling, Build quality, Proven hybrid tech |
Is the BMW XM Practical for Everyday Use?
Despite its performance focus, the BMW XM remains reasonably practical for daily use. The boot offers 527 litres of space with rear seats up, expanding to 1,820 litres with seats folded. Loading height is manageable, though the sloping tailgate does restrict some larger items.
Rear door openings are wide enough for easy access, though the high sill requires a step up. Child seats fit well in the rear, with ISOFIX points on both outer seats. The wide centre console might restrict middle passenger comfort on longer journeys.
Towing capacity reaches 2,700kg when properly equipped, making it suitable for large trailers or caravans. The BMW XM’s substantial kerb weight actually helps with towing stability. For those considering used BMW cars, the XM represents the pinnacle of the current range.
Parking sensors and cameras help manage the BMW XM’s size in tight spaces. The turning circle is reasonable for such a large SUV, though city centre parking can still be challenging.
**Sarah Mitchell from Surrey says:** “I’ve owned my BMW XM for eight months now, and it still surprises me every time I drive it. The acceleration is absolutely incredible, yet it’s perfectly comfortable for the school run. The hybrid system means I barely use any petrol around town, which helps with the running costs. The interior is beautifully built and feels properly luxurious. Yes, it’s expensive, but you get something truly special for your money. The only downside is the attention it attracts wherever I park it!”
The BMW XM represents a bold step forward for BMW M division. It successfully combines electrified efficiency with serious performance in a luxury SUV package. While the styling might divide opinion, there’s no questioning the engineering achievement or build quality.
Performance enthusiasts will love the brutal acceleration and surprisingly capable handling. Luxury buyers get a beautifully crafted interior with the latest technology. The hybrid system adds real-world usability that pure petrol rivals can’t match.
Running costs are high, but that’s expected in this rarefied segment. The BMW XM offers something genuinely different in a market where many rivals feel similar. For those wanting the ultimate luxury performance SUV, few alternatives combine all these elements as successfully.