2023 BMW XM

As its 50th anniversary celebrations continue, BMW M GmbH unleashes high performance in a form never experienced before. Innovative drive system technology, a unique vehicle concept, a door opened into a whole new market segment and the ambition to attract new groups of customers - the first-ever BMW XM wraps all these elements in a confidently dramatic exterior design that exudes power and emotion and an interior that is at once intensely driver-focused, boldly modern, and indulgently sybaritic.

Powertrain - The first plug-in hybrid drive system from BMW M

The all-new BMW XM is fitted with a newly developed plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The M HYBRID system in the BMW XM consists of a new 483-hp V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and a 194-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. Together, they generate a maximum system output of 644 hp at 5,400 RPM and 590 ft-lbs of torque between 1,600 and 5,000 RPM. Power is channeled to the road via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The combination of an electric motor and eight-cylinder engine produces immense, instantaneously available power sustained throughout the rev range. The M HYBRID system also enables purely electric driving with an anticipated range of 30 miles (estimated range of up to 30 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA's test procedure standards). The BMW XM shares its drive concept of an eight-cylinder combustion engine supported by an electric motor with the newly developed endurance racing car from BMW M Motorsport. The BMW M Hybrid V8 will go racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America in 2023 at venues including Daytona. The following season, it will power BMW M Motorsport's return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Power electronics

The coordination of the combustion engine and electric motor is handled by the M HYBRID system's power electronics. Intelligent energy management allows the battery's charge level to be regulated so that the final stretch of a longer journey through a built-up area can be covered using only electric power, for example. The HV battery's low installation height allows it to be mounted in the underbody of the BMW XM. The lithium-ion battery offers high energy density at a cell and battery pack level. It provides a constant flow of power across a wide temperature range and under the heavy loads of performance driving. It has a net usable energy content of 25.7 kWh (29.5 kWh gross).

8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, integrated hybrid module and Launch Control function

The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic is also a first from BMW M. It channels not only the power generated by the combustion engine, but also the drive torque from the integrated electric motor as required to enhance either efficiency, comfort or power delivery. The hybrid module also acts as an integrated drive-off element and allows the car to creep at walking pace without the driver pressing the accelerator and firing the combustion engine. A wet multi-plate separation clutch manages the smooth engagement and disengagement of the combustion engine during a journey. Its low drag torque allows the clutch to be open when driving in pure-electric mode. Furthermore, the separation clutch can eliminate torsional vibrations generated by the combustion engine using micro-slip control. In combination with the integrated torsional vibration damper system, this helps to ensure high levels of acoustic comfort at low revs.