Production of the BMW XM has kicked off at the automaker’s factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where it will be brought to life alongside the X5, X6, and X7.
The BMW XM is the first model developed from the ground up by the BMW M division since the mid-engined M1 supercar of the late 1970s. It is also the first proper M car with an electrified powertrain and will arrive at dealers in major markets starting in the spring of 2023, including the United States, China, and the Middle East.
Read: 2023 BMW XM Is A 644 HP Hybrid Super-SUV
“We are excited to add the first-ever BMW XM to our plant’s portfolio,” president and chief executive of BMW Manufacturing Dr. Robert Engelhorn said. “The modern, future-oriented design and powerful performance of the BMW XM has generated a lot of enthusiasm. As the center of competence for X models, BMW Plant Spartanburg is prepared to build this vehicle with the highest premium quality that our customers deserve.”
Powering the ‘regular’ XM is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 pumping out 483 hp and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque while coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels. Hidden within the transmission is an electric motor providing an extra 194 hp, resulting in a combined 644 hp at 5,400 rpm and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque between 1,600 – 5,000 rpm. The flagship XM Label Red model ups this to 735 hp and 735 lb-ft (997 Nm).
BMW says the XM can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.1 seconds and continue through to a 168 mph (270 km/h) top speed with the M Driver’s Package or a limited 155 mph (250 km/h) without. While it isn’t the quickest SUV that BMW sells, its performance figures are impressive considering it tips the scales at a cool 6,062 lbs (2,750 kg).
U.S. pricing for the 2023 BMW XM kicks off at a cool $159,000 plus $995 destination and handling. The XM Label Red starts at $185,000.
