BMW XM Preview 2024

We'll let you look at the pictures and decide if you like the way the BMW XM looks, but it's impossible not to get excited about the performance on offer. It's the most powerful BMW ever, thanks to the 4.4-litre petrol engine working with an electric motor to produce a hefty 653PS and 800Nm of torque. It'll surge to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds, while there's an option pack available to lift top speed to 168mph.

A quicker (!) BMW XM Label Red will follow later in 2023, packing 748PS and 1000Nm of torque. That'll hold it in good stead against the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and new Ferrari Purosangue, while the BMW XM also has eco credentials on its side. The 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery positioned under the floor can be charged in a little over four hours, giving you enough electricity to cover the commute (or school run) without the engine kicking in.

For eco running, you'll need the BMW XM's Electric drive mode (available at speeds of up to 87mph), while the regular Hybrid mode will switch between electric and petrol power as it sees fit. Sport and Sport Plus modes will fire up the high-revving V8 motor.

Further highlights of the BMW XM include a range of more than 50 Individual paint finishes, while the high-performance SUV is available with wheels measuring up to 23-inches in diameter. Inside, the BMW XM has a spacious (and sustainable) interior, with tech highlights including a dual-screen infotainment setup straight out of the latest BMW iX.

The BMW XM will go on sale in 2023 with prices starting from around £145,000 in the UK.

BMW Individual Merino leather in black and grey is fitted as standard to the BMW XM, while there's also a healthy dose of Alcantara on hand to give the XM a sporty vibe inside. Want to stand out? You can spec orange interior highlights (if you must).

A Harman Kardon surround sound system is fitted as standard, while a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system is available as an optional extra. Like BMW's latest electric vehicles, the XM will come as standard with a BMW's IconicSounds soundtrack (developed as a collobration between BMW and film score composer Hans Zimmer).

In terms of practicality, the BMW XM has a completely flat storage compartment under the boot lid, which opens and closes automatically. The rear of the load compartment cover is fixed to the boot lid and swings upwards when opened. Folding the rear 40:20:40 split backrest expands load capacity from 527 to 1820 litres.

The BMW XM pairs a high-revving turbocharged 4.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic tranmission. It produces a combined 653PS with a whopping 800Nm of torque, taking the XM to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph (or 168mph with the optional M Driver's Package).

That not quick enough for you? The BMW XM Label Red will follow, boosting power output to 748PS and maximum torque to 1000NM.

The BMW XM relies on the brand's M xDrive all-wheel-drive system to distribute power between all four wheels. There's an M Sport differential fitted, too, shifting torque between the rear wheels to help reduce understeer.

Of course, the BMW XM's real world fuel economy is likely to paint a rather different story. It all comes down to how often you charge it and the kind of driving you cover - if you rarely exceed its 55-mile pure-electric range, the V8 engine will barely ever kick in and you'll be able to bimble about in electrified silence. If you don't bother to charge it, the running costs could be eye-watering.

If that sounds expensive, you haven't seen anything yet. The BMW XM Label Red will arrive later in 2023. It'll be the most powerful BMW ever sold and will have a price tag to match. Expect a significant premium over the regular £145k BMW XM.

With a price tag well into six figures, the BMW XM will be squaring up against outrageous SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga and Aston Martin DBX.