Heavier than a Cullinan, the 683 PS/800 Nm BMW XM PHEV is set to launch in Malaysia soon
Arvind · Oct 4, 2022 12:07 PM
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Just weeks after its global debut, BMW Malaysia has dropped a not-so-subtle teaser of the 2023 BMW XM PHEV on its website, suggesting that the local introduction of the M division’s first PHEV is definitely heppening.
Besides being the first 'M' PHEV, the 2023 BMW XM is the first M original since the M1, which is to say that it isn’t based on a regular model like anX3or 5 Series, but a standalone model.
A large ad on the BMW Malaysia website confirms the upcoming XM
Powering the BMW XM is a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that makes 489 PS/650 Nm on its own, supplemented by an electric motor with 197 PS/280 Nm to give a combined output of 653 PS/800 Nm.
In full-electric mode, the BMW XM is capable of travelling up to a WLTP-rated range of 88 km from its 25.7 kWh (usable capacity) battery pack mounted on the floor. Maximum AC charging power is up to 7.4 kW.
Drive goes to all four wheels, courtesy of the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, via an 8-speed automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h sprint takes 4.3 seconds to complete.
If you’re wondering why the BMW XM is slower than the less-powerful BMW M5, it’s likely down to weight - the BMW XM weighs 2,710 kg - more than even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
However, the 2023 XM measures 5,110 mm in length, 2,005 mm in width, and 1,755 mm in height, with a wheelbase stretching at 3,105 mm, putting it closer in terms of size to the BMW X7.
In terms of design, the XM features the 'Iconic Glow' illuminated grille with night gold trim accents, complimented by the subtle 'XM' logo. The headlights are split into two separate units, mimicking the same design language as the BMW i7.
Along the flanks, the XM 'coupe-SUV' proportions are highlighted by 21-inch wheels as standard. Further up, the night-gold trim features again around the lower edge of the windows. The XM also features the darkest windows ever installed on a BMW.
Round the back, the XM features hexagonal tailpipes, arranged vertically, flanking a sculpted rear diffuser. The XM gets laser-etched logos on both rear windows drawing inspiration from the BMW M1.
Moving inside, there’s a wide curved display comprising of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment display that runs on BMW OS 8. Head-up display and gesture control are fitted as standard.
Safety-wise, the XM features the Driving Assistant suite equipped with Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, Evasion Assistant, Alertness Assistant and Speed Limit Info system as standard.
Production of the BMW XM will get underway at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA in December 2022 before worldwide launches start in Q2 of 2023. The Malaysian market launch will likely follow in due course.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
