2023 BMW XM - Images, Specifications and Information

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.

The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission also has a Launch Control function to enable traction-optimized acceleration off the line with maximum thrust. The engine control unit governs both the release logic of the Launch Control system and the slip-optimized limitation of drive torque. The shift points are carefully calibrated help to ensure the best possible acceleration for all environmental conditions, e.g., outside temperature and road surface.

The interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor in the BMW XM can be adjusted by selecting specific driving modes. The driver can call up the relevant menu using the M HYBRID button on the control panel in the center console and access it on the control display.

HYBRID driving mode is the default setting and gives the driver access to the full system output of combustion engine and electric motor in tandem. The amount each drive source contributes to the performance experience depends on the drive configuration selected from the M Setup menu. In the Comfort setting, the electric motor is used without engaging the combustion engine as often as possible, optimizing the efficiency of the BMW XM. If the battery is at a very low state of charge, the generator function raises the engine’s load point to feed additional power into the high-voltage battery. In the drive system’s Sport and Sport Plus modes, the combustion engine is always active.

In the ELECTRIC driving mode, the BMW XM uses only the power from the electric drive system up to its 87 mph top speed. In this mode, the combustion engine is only activated under kickdown or when switching into the transmission’s manual mode – using either the gear selector or one of the shift paddles on the steering wheel.

eCONTROL mode tells the system to maintain the charge of the high-voltage battery during a journey or to increase it by means of energy recuperation. In this way, battery capacity can be saved for pure-electric driving in urban areas later in the journey, for example.

In the BMW XM, M xDrive splits the power generated by the combustion engine and electric motor between all four wheels precisely, quickly, and as required at all times. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch ensures fully variable distribution of power between the front and rear axle.

The rear-biased setup of M xDrive enhances the agility of the BMW XM. The system’s default mode is 4WD, but two other modes can be selected via the M Setup menu. In 4WD Sport mode, more power is sent to the rear wheels for sporty, M-typical handling in dynamic driving situations. To activate 4WD Sport, the driver must first switch to M Dynamic Mode or turn DSC off. And only when DSC has been fully deactivated can 4WD Sand mode be used. This setting initiates a traction-optimized program of the all-wheel-drive system and engages the locking functions of the M Sport differential specifically for driving over dunes or similar low-traction surfaces.

Furthering the performance of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system is an electronically controlled differential lock in the rear axle. The M Sport differential brings a need-based and fully variable distribution of drive torque between the left and right rear wheels. This helps to send maximum drive power to the road without any losses, especially when the vehicle is being pushed hard or has less grip on one side. Shifting power to the wheel on the outside of the corner mitigates understeer without the need for brake inputs.

The M xDrive system and M Sport differential are coordinated with DSC to ensure they all work together precisely as the driving situation demands. The BMW XM has a model-specific rear axle differential specially tuned to the high system torque of its M HYBRID drive system.

With its long wheelbase and wide tracks, the vehicle concept underpinning the BMW XM is well-suited to delivering a balanced blend of high performance and comfort. High degrees of wheel camber at the front and rear axle enhance the handling, as do the nearly 50/50 weight distribution and the very rigid body and chassis mountings. The positioning of the M HYBRID system’s high-voltage battery in the vehicle floor gives the BMW XM a low center of gravity, which has a positive effect on its agility and cornering dynamics.

Its double-wishbone front axle boasts high levels of longitudinal and lateral rigidity, while the use of aluminum components reduces unsprung weight. The design includes a second level of control arms for wheel guidance, which means the dampers are almost completely isolated from lateral forces, improving damper response.

The five-link rear axle ensures precise wheel guidance and outstanding straight-line poise, together with impressive ride comfort thanks to its elastic mounting. The sheet-steel construction of its links helps to reduce weight, as do the aluminum wheel carriers and forged upper control arms. The rear-axle subframe made from aluminum offers high structural rigidity and features a large supporting base along with additional thrust arms. The camber arms with aerodynamically optimized paneling on their underside form an integral part of the completely sealed underbody, thereby helping to lower aerodynamic drag and substantially reduce rear axle lift.

The BMW XM is equipped with steel springs that have been designed to meet the requirements of a high-performance model’s handling dynamics and offer high levels of roll and vertical stabilization while also minimizing weight. Linear springs are fitted at the front axle and progressive springs at the rear. The progressive springs offer very long rebound travel combined with high oscillation rates, benefiting not only traction, but ride comfort for passengers in the rear.

The BMW XM comes standard with Adaptive M Suspension Professional.

An important factor in the inspiring handling of the BMW XM is its active roll stabilization technology. The version of the electromechanical roll stabilization system found on the BMW XM uses a 48V electric motor as an active connection between the two halves of the anti-roll bar at both the front and rear axle. A dedicated 48V electrical system made up of supercapacitors supplies energy to the electric motors for the active anti-roll bars.

The active roll stabilization also increases comfort when driving in a straight line by decoupling the fixed connection of a conventional anti-roll bar between each axle’s wheels. This has the effect of correcting body roll when driving over surface imperfections on one side of the vehicle, also lessening the associated acceleration forces and the obtrusive ‘head-toss’ they can cause.

The Active Roll Comfort function goes further by enabling the system to actively suppress rolling movements caused by bumps in the road on one side of the vehicle rather than just reduce them. This allows any loss of ride comfort on rough roads to be minimized more effectively.

For the first time in a BMW M model, Integral Active Steering is fitted as standard equipment. Turning the rear wheels as well as the fronts makes light work of tight, low-speed maneuvers, increases agility at moderate speeds, and enhances poise and assurance at high speeds, especially when changing lanes. The rear wheels are turned in either the same or the opposite direction to the front wheels, depending on road speed. And in very challenging driving situations, stabilizing steering inputs at the rear wheels can help to keep the BMW XM safely on track.

The superb traction and precisely controllable handling of the BMW XM in any situation are enhanced by means of the very latest, intelligently interconnected control systems. The near-actuator wheel slip limitation maximizes directional stability even when driving in adverse road conditions. This traction control system is integrated into the engine management, eliminating the long signal paths to the DSC control unit. This allows corrective inputs to be applied up to ten times faster than in conventional systems and with exceptional precision. Because the near-actuator wheel slip limitation function manages any loss of traction, especially when accelerating hard or taking corners at speed, the DSC system has to intervene far less frequently to maintain composed and assured handling with selective applications of the brakes at individual wheels.

Standard on the BMW XM are 23-inch M light-alloy wheels fitted with mixed-size high-performance tires measuring 275/35 R23 at the front and 315/30 R23 at the rear. M light-alloy wheels in 22-inch diameters are optional.

The progressive front-end design developed exclusively for the BMW luxury class has been given a unique adaptation for the BMW XM, announcing both its presence and remarkable performance equally. Smooth surfaces and sharp edges bring clarity and confidence to the front end. Alongside the fresh interpretation of the twin headlights and BMW M kidney grille, the large air intakes are a defining feature of the front end. The sensor and camera systems required for the driver assistance tech are integrated discreetly into the front apron.

The BMW XM is equipped as standard with Adaptive LED Headlights, whose light functions are split into two separate areas. The daytime driving lights, side lights and turn indicators are integrated into the ultra-slim, crisply contoured upper elements, each consisting of two LED units. The low-beam and high-beam headlights are positioned in the lower, darkened area of the headlight units deeply embedded in the front apron.

The two elements of the grille stand out clearly from the surrounding surfaces. Within them are the horizontal grille bars that have become a hallmark feature of the high-performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH, while the double surrounds of the kidneys emphasize their octagonal contours. The outer border of each kidney is finished in high-gloss black, while the inner surround provides contour lighting in the form of a sharply drawn, unbroken light ring.

The side window shape is bordered by a high-gloss black accent band. Another black accent band emerges from the front wheel arches, and as it approaches the D-pillar the band turns upwards in a fresh imagining of the Hofmeister kink.

There is a prominent depression at the rear of the BMW XM’s roof and BMW logos have been engraved into the rear window below the right and left rails. A special laser engraving technique ensures the logos stand out against the dark glass surface.

The flat, near seamlessly fitted rear window and prominently flared wheel arches together accentuate the width and powerful stature of the BMW XM. The slim rear lights have a sculpted design and project out from the body. The rear lights only become visible through the dark lens covers when they are activated. Three diagonal light strips on the flanks reference the style of the BMW M GmbH tricolor logo.

Vertically arranged reflectors border the rear apron at either side. The diffuser elements integrated into the lower section of the rear apron are painted in Black high-gloss and framed by high-gloss black surrounds. The black model badge on the tailgate is outlined in gold. A pair of tailpipes from the double-sided, dual-branch exhaust system protrude from either side of the diffuser. This familiar design cue of M models has been reimagined for the BMW XM, with the hexagonal tailpipe trims stacked vertically. Model-specific air-directing elements in the underbody provide additional cooling for the exhaust system, enabling an optimal operating temperature at all times – even when the engine is working under high loads for sustained periods.

Seven paint shades are available for the exterior of the BMW XM, including three shades exclusive to M models and one BMW Individual finish. Further options are expected to be added in summer 2023, at which time customers also will be able to choose from more than 50 BMW Individual paint finishes.

The BMW XM can be ordered with NightGold Metallic exterior trim. If this option is specified, the accent band along the sides of the vehicle, the BMW M kidney grille’s outer border, and the surrounds for the diffuser elements at the rear are finished in NightGold.

The BMW XM is fitted as standard with 23-inch M light-alloy wheels. Available as an option are 22-inch M aerodynamic wheels with inserts that reduce both weight and drag. Customers may also choose 23-inch bi-color M light-alloy wheels. These are finished either in Black or Night Gold and feature a unique hub cover with BMW lettering.
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