2023 BMW XM globally unveiled with a V8-hybrid

BMW will also introduce a more powerful "Label Red" variant sometime next year with nearly 735 BHP and 1000 Nm.

BMW has taken the wraps off the new XM SUV. The new BMW XM carries forward the angular design from the concept, which was showcased last year. The XM is the first standalone model from BMW's M division since 1981 - when the original M1 was discontinued.

The XM comes with a large angular kidney grille at the front with illuminated surrounds, flanked by a set of sleek LED daytime running lights and headlamps. The front bumper houses a large air dam and intakes. The BMW XM gets 23-inch wheels as standard, while 22-inch alloy wheels are offered as optional. The rear features sleek yet extended LED tail lights, along with quad-exhaust tips at the rear and a large diffuser.

On the inside, the BMW XM comes with a dual-tone theme with Vintage Coffee Merino leather combined with Soft Nappa leather. The headliner has 100 LEDs. Other features include a digital instrument cluster, large touchscreen infotainment head-unit with BMW's latest iDrive 8 software, a head-up display and plenty of connectivity tech and driver assistance systems. The XM comes with a five-seater configuration.

The XM is offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The SUV comes with a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 644 BHP and 800 Nm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. BMW claims the XM is capable of sprinting from 0 - 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, which can be extended to 270 km/h with the M Diver's Package. The XM also comes with a 25.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which allows the SUV to run on electric-only mode for around 50 km with a top speed of 140 km/h.

The BMW XM measures 5,110 mm in length, 2,005 mm in width, 1,775 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 3,105 mm. The SUV tips the scale at 2.75 tonnes making it the heaviest production BMW to date.

The XM is expected to go on sale in the US early next year with a price tag of US$ 159,000. BMW will also introduce a more powerful "Label Red" variant sometime next year with nearly 735 BHP and 1000 Nm.