BMW Malaysia has launched the first-ever BMW XM. The brand's first standalone M model (since 1978's mighty M1) is priced at RM 1,398,800 (OTR without insurance, with extended warranty and service package).

The BMW XM is fully imported (CBU) from the South Carolina plant in the US. Note that the car you see here is a pre-production unit, as the left-hand drive configuration suggests.

Powering the massive BMW XM is a 4.4-litre V8 (S68) that puts out 489 PS and 650 Nm own its own.

That twin-turbo engine is supplemented by a 197 PS / 280 Nm electric motor, and power for that comes from a 25.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. It can run on pure electricity for a WLTP-rated EV range of 87 km, and up to 140 km/h. Total combined output is 653 PS / 800 Nm.

Also read: X is for excess? 2023 BMW XM PHEV has 653 PS/800 Nm and weighs more than the moon

Juicing up the battery from 0 to 100% takes in roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes via 7.4 kW AC charging. This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is mated to the M xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system, with an 8-speed ZF-supplied automatic gearbox.

Top speed is 270 km/h, and this 2,710 kg brute hits 100 km/h from nought in a comical 4.3 seconds. BMW's claimed fuel consumption (WLTP) is 1.5-litre/100 km.

Lastly, adaptive M suspension keeps it glued to the ground, with active roll stabilisation and active rolling comfort. Four-wheel steering courtesy of Integral Active Steering aids in agility.

Exterior, interior, features

The price of admission allows buyers to spec between the inconspicuous Shadow Line, or the slightly flashier Night Gold Line which adds gold accents. Each appearance pack nets you a choice of 7 colours, which are - Cape York Green, Carbon Black, Marina Bay Blue, Toronto Red, Mineral White, Black Sapphire, and Dravit Grey.

Wheels are the sole 23-inch rollers – biggest ever as standard on a BMW – which can be had in either black and gold, again depending on which pack you chose. Exterior kit includes adaptive LED headlights, automatic tailgate, and Comfort Access.

Standard soft-closing doors nestle the driver and occupants in a Merino leather interior, which can be had in four different shades including - Leather Merino Deep Lagoon with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Silverstone with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Black, and Leather Merino Sakhir Orange.

Above the seats is the Alcantara headliner with its prismatic 3D structure, creating a visual highlight that contributes to a unique sense of space.

BMW's mega-long Curved Display – combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen – runs BMW's Operating System 8. Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) is supported. Live Cockpit Professional is standard; giving you navigation and head-up display (HUD).

Comfort features include four-zone air-conditioning, temperature-controlled cupholders, and Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system. The boot can hold 527 litres of cargo as it is, up to 1,820 litres when the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats are folded.

The BMW XM is equipped with Driving Assistant Professional, which includes Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, Evasion Assistant, Alertness Assistant and Speed Limit Info system. There's also Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Limit Assist, and Lane Keep Assist.

Parking Assistant Plus is available as well, bringing automated parallel/perpendicular parking functions, along with 3D views, and a Reversing Assistant, aided by cameras.

Customer deliveries of the BMW XM for Malaysia will commence in June 2023.

Also read: Price equals to RM 1.89m - BMW XM PHEV launched in Thailand