Quiet Luxury
Clearly, there are three upward trends in automotive sales — electric-powered vehicles (EVs), SUVs, and hybrids. BMW, known in the old days for sporty sedans, is moving to cover these trends. With the BMW XM, two of these are handled: SUV and plug-in hybrid.
The XM is a medium-sized five-passenger SUV with both super performance and decent fuel mileage. The gas-powered V8 has 4.4 liters and two turbochargers and is coupled with an electric motor for a total of 644 horsepower. The eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. Driving at reasonable speeds utilizing the electric powerplant results in an average of 46 mpg.
Styling fits the SUV mold with a BMW spin, starting with the classic large double BMW kidney grilles up front. The roofline slowly dips going down to the rear liftgate. A small spoiler is mounted above the liftgate, and very large exhaust pipes are found in the rear bumper area. Very big alloy wheels with 23-inch tires highlight the sporting image.
The interior spin is leather-lined, and the front seats have high side bolsters to hold you in place. The seats can also give you a massage. As with many vehicles these days, a long and very colorful video screen runs across the dash, which is primarily handled by touch and, to a lesser extent, by buttons on the steering wheel. Aside from climate and radio controls, there are maps and large video screens showing a 360-degree view around the SUV and/or views to the rear of the vehicle. Cell phones can be charged by simply placing the phone on a spot on the central console.
The rear seating area is very roomy for up to three passengers. As expected, there is a large middle armrest with two cupholders that can be dropped as needed. Storage folders are found behind the front seatbacks for additional needs. Multiple air vents are in the back of the center console and on the door frames. Interestingly, there are handles in the ceiling to assist with exiting the vehicle. The powered liftgate reveals a medium-sized rear storage area, and the back of the second row of seats can be dropped for storing larger items.
As one would expect from this automotive brand, great performance is part of the deal. Starting the engine gives a sporty exhaust note. On the other hand, driving at modest speeds, the electric powerplant gives silent acceleration. However, when pushed — and with both powerplants operating together — the 0–60 time drops to 4.1 seconds. With multiple suspension settings available, the drive can range from somewhat absorbing to semi–racetrack in handling, cornering, and ride. Safety is not forgotten, with a number of warnings, plus lane-keeping and emergency braking. So, the bottom line is a considerable number of choices — from silent, economical driving to racecar performance — but with good utility on all fronts.
BMW XM
MODEL // 5-passenger SUV plug-in hybrid
POWERTRAIN // 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and electric motor, 644 horsepower, all-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE // 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds; top speed 155 mph
FUEL MILEAGE // 46 mpg (hybrid); 14 mpg (gas only)
PRICE // Base $160,500; as tested $165,300