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

• Most powerful BMW M car yet
• First standalone M model since M1
• Launching worldwide in 2023

BMW says the first-ever BMW XM is the first M original since the M1, which is to say that it isn’t based on a regular model like an X3 or 5 Series but a standalone model. It’s also the first M model to be a plug-in-hybrid (PHEV).

Everything about the BMW XM is huge; massive grille, lots of power, gargantuan size, and big numbers on the weighing scale.

Let’s start with the powertrain. It has 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.

On 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.

Come 2023, the BMW XM Label Red will be introduced and will be the most powerful BMW M car ever produced, with 748 PS/1000 Nm.

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 time in the 650 PS variant takes 4.3 seconds to complete.

If you’re wondering why it's slower than the less-powerful BMW M5 or X5M, it’s likely down to weight - the BMW XM weighs 2,710 kg. That’s more than even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Size wise, it’s similar to the BMW X7; measuring 5,110 mm long, 2,005 mm wide, 1,755 mm tall, with a wheelbase stretching at 3,105 mm.

As standard, it wears 21-inch wheels with staggered tyre sizes of 275/45 at the front and 315/40 at rear, while 22- and 23-inch wheels are optional. Behind those are six-piston callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear for stopping power.

Adaptive M suspension and active roll stabilisation come as standard, working on a setup with front double wishbones and five-link rear axle. Rear-wheel steering also comes as standard to improve manoeuvrability.

Now let’s get into the elephant in the room, the exterior. BMW says exterior design of the BMW XM is a statement of exclusivity, presence, and performance.

Also read: 20 photos to help you decide if the 2023 (G70) BMW 7 Series is forward-looking or just ugly

Headlights split into two separate units, a BMW kidney grille with gold-coloured surrounds and lighting, as well as large air intakes. As a homage to the BMW M1, BMW logos engraved into the flat rear window.

Moving inside, there’s a wide curved display comprising of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment display that runs on BMW OS 8. Head-up display and gesture control are fitted as standard.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are supported, while audio is supplied by the Harman Kardon sound system. A 1,500-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System is available as an option.

Safety wise, Driving Assistant is equipped as standard, with Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, the Evasion Assistant, Alertness Assistant and Speed Limit Info system.

The optional Driving Assistant Professional combines Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function with a host of other features, including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, traffic light recognition, automatic Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation.

Production of the BMW XM will get underway at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA in December 2022 before a worldwide launch starting in spring 2023. BMW says the key sales markets will be the USA, China and the Middle East.

Also read: BMW's big grilles, are the tastes of Chinese buyers that bad?