The 2023 BMW XM Configurator Is Officially Live And Our Build Doesn’t Make It Any Less Offensive

BMW has wasted no time in launching the online configurator for the new XM, allowing us to see if the hybrid’s controversial design is salvageable with the right specifications and options.

The following two configurators are currently available on BMW’s German and UK websites and are pretty much identical. Like most online builders, the first thing you can select is the color and much to our surprise, there are only seven metallic options on offer. Six of the seven options come free of charge while Dravit Grey metallic commands a €1,250 ($1,210) premium.

More: The 2023 BMW XM Is A 644 HP Hybrid Super-SUV Born To Be Controversial

We’ve opted for Toronto Red, not because it looks good (it doesn’t), but simply because of how bizarre it looks with the gold accents around the front grille and windows. Curiously, it doesn’t appear as though the XM can be ordered without these gold trimmings unless you order it with the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line package free of charge.

Four intriguing wheels are also available in the UK (five in Germany), none brasher than the €3,060 ($2,962) 23-inch Bicolour with Night Gold accent alloy wheels.

Then we move to the interior which, thankfully, is more similar to other BMW models than the SUV’s exterior styling. Sakhir Orange BMW Individual Merino leather is one of the brave configurations available but the Deep Lagoon BMW Individual Merino leather is also quite striking.

As for available packages and options, there are plenty of them. These include the M Driver’s Pack which increases the top speed to 180 mph (290 km/h), the Comfort Package with front vented, massage, and heated seats, heated rear seats, and BMW’s heat comfort system.

The available options also include red or blue brake calipers, a towbar, Driving Assistant Professional, and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system. Customers can also order either a Solo 3 universal 7kW Smart Home Charger or a Solo 3 tethered 7kW Smart Home Charger.