The BMW XM stands as a bold testament to the German automaker’s ability to blend luxury, performance, and innovation into a single package. Launched on December 10, 2022, as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of BMW’s M Division, the XM is not just another SUV—it’s the first standalone M model since the iconic BMW M1. Unveiled in September 2022, this plug-in hybrid SUV redefines what a high-performance vehicle can be, combining a muscular V8 engine with cutting-edge electric technology. It’s a vehicle designed for those who crave power without sacrificing sophistication, offering a unique mix of aggressive styling, advanced features, and electrified efficiency.
The BMW XM is more than a car; it’s a statement. With its polarizing design, luxurious interior, and jaw-dropping performance, it caters to a niche audience that values exclusivity and engineering prowess. Positioned as BMW’s range-topping SUV, the XM competes in the ultra-luxury performance segment, taking on rivals like the Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, and Land Rover Range Rover. Its hybrid powertrain delivers a staggering 653 bhp in its base form, while the top-tier XM Label variant pushes the envelope further with 748 bhp, making it the most powerful road-legal BMW ever produced. Available in limited variants and adorned with premium materials like quilted leather and carbon fibre, the XM is a showcase of what happens when BMW’s M Division is given free rein to innovate.
In metro cities across India, where luxury cars are a symbol of status and success, the BMW XM has quickly garnered attention. Its on-road price starts at approximately ₹2.98 crore in Delhi and climbs higher in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore due to varying taxes and registration costs. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of New Delhi or cruising the highways of Mumbai, the XM promises an unparalleled driving experience. This article delves into the technical specifications, variants, pricing in metro cities, and a comprehensive look at what makes the BMW XM a standout, along with how it stacks up against its competitors.
Technical Specifications of the BMW XM
The BMW XM is a marvel of engineering, blending a traditional combustion engine with an electric motor to deliver exceptional performance and efficiency. Below is a detailed tabular breakdown of its technical specifications, sourced from CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4.4-litre V8 Twin-Turbo Petrol + Electric Motor (Plug-in Hybrid) |
| Displacement | 4395 cc |
| Max Power | 653 bhp (Base Variant) / 748 bhp (XM Label) |
| Max Torque | 800 Nm (Base Variant) / 1000 Nm (XM Label) |
| Transmission | 8-speed M Steptronic Automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Battery Capacity | 25.7 kWh |
| Electric Range | 82-88 km (ARAI Claimed) |
| Top Speed | 270 kmph (Base) / 290 kmph (Label) |
| 0-100 kmph | 4.3 seconds (Base) / 3.8 seconds (Label) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 litres |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 61.9 kmpl (Hybrid Mode) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 (Base Variant) / 4 (XM Label) |
| Length | 5110 mm |
| Width | 2005 mm |
| Height | 1755 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3105 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 2785 kg |
| Tyre Size | 275/35 R23 (Front), 315/30 R23 (Rear) |
| Suspension (Front) | Adaptive M Suspension with Double Wishbone |
| Suspension (Rear) | Adaptive M Suspension with Five-Link Axle |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated Discs (M Compound Brakes) |
| Charging | 7.4 kW AC Fast Charger (No DC Fast Charging) |
These specifications highlight the BMW XM’s ability to balance brute force with electrified efficiency, making it a versatile performer in both urban and highway settings.
Variants of the BMW XM
The BMW XM is offered in two distinct variants in India, each catering to different levels of performance and exclusivity. Below is a tabular representation of the variants, based on data from CarWale and CarDekho.
| Variant | Key Features | Power Output |
|---|---|---|
| XM (Base) | 4.4L V8 + Electric Motor, 653 bhp, 800 Nm, 5-seater, 23-inch alloy wheels, Bowers & Wilkins audio | 653 bhp / 800 Nm |
| XM Label | Enhanced 748 bhp, 1000 Nm, 4-seater layout, exclusive Frozen Carbon Black colour, premium trim | 748 bhp / 1000 Nm |
The XM Label, launched in September 2024, is a limited-edition model that elevates the XM’s performance and luxury quotient, positioning it as a collector’s item for enthusiasts.
Price of the BMW XM in Metro Cities
The BMW XM’s pricing varies across India’s metro cities due to differences in RTO charges, insurance, and taxes. Below is a table detailing the on-road prices in key cities, sourced from CarWale and ZigWheels as of March 12, 2025.
| City | Variant | Ex-Showroom Price | On-Road Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | XM (Base) | ₹2.60 crore | ₹2.98 crore |
| New Delhi | XM Label | ₹3.15 crore | ₹3.60 crore |
| Mumbai | XM (Base) | ₹2.60 crore | ₹3.08 crore |
| Mumbai | XM Label | ₹3.15 crore | ₹3.73 crore |
| Bangalore | XM (Base) | ₹2.60 crore | ₹3.28 crore |
| Bangalore | XM Label | ₹3.15 crore | ₹3.95 crore |
| Chennai | XM (Base) | ₹2.60 crore | ₹3.10 crore |
| Chennai | XM Label | ₹3.15 crore | ₹3.75 crore |
| Kolkata | XM (Base) | ₹2.60 crore | ₹3.00 crore |
| Kolkata | XM Label | ₹3.15 crore | ₹3.63 crore |
These prices include ex-showroom costs, RTO, insurance, and additional taxes like TCS, reflecting the premium nature of the BMW XM in India’s luxury car market.
About the BMW XM
Design and Styling
The BMW XM is a visual spectacle, embodying a design philosophy that’s both futuristic and divisive. Its exterior features a massive kidney grille—larger than anything seen on previous BMW models—flanked by sleek, laser-sharp headlights. The gold-on-green finish, exclusive to certain trims, adds a touch of flamboyance, while sharp character lines and 23-inch aero wheels enhance its aggressive stance. The rear is equally striking, with a quad-exhaust setup and M-specific diffusers that scream performance. Critics may call its styling polarizing, but that’s precisely the point—BMW wants the XM to stand out in a sea of luxury SUVs.
Inside, the BMW XM is a sanctuary of luxury. The cabin is adorned with quilted leather upholstery, carbon fibre elements, and a 3D headliner featuring 100 unique LEDs that create a starry-night effect. The dashboard houses a curved display that integrates a 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering seamless access to BMW’s latest iDrive system. The four-zone climate control ensures personalized comfort, while the 1,500W Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers an immersive audio experience. The XM Label variant takes this further with a four-seat layout, emphasizing exclusivity and rear-passenger luxury.
Performance and Powertrain
At the heart of the BMW XM lies a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, paired with an electric motor to form a plug-in hybrid system. In the base variant, this powertrain churns out 653 bhp and 800 Nm of torque, allowing the SUV to sprint from 0-100 kmph in 4.3 seconds—remarkable for a vehicle weighing nearly 2.8 tons. The XM Label ups the ante with 748 bhp and a colossal 1000 Nm, shaving the 0-100 kmph time down to 3.8 seconds. Power is delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, ensuring precise handling and relentless acceleration.
The 25.7 kWh battery provides an electric-only range of 82-88 km, making the XM surprisingly efficient for short commutes. In EV mode, it can reach speeds of up to 140 kmph, offering a silent, emissions-free drive. However, the lack of DC fast charging is a minor drawback, with the 7.4 kW AC charger taking several hours to replenish the battery. The XM’s Adaptive M Suspension and four-wheel steering enhance its agility, making it feel more like a sports car than a hulking SUV. With a top speed of 270 kmph (or 290 kmph in the Label variant), it’s a beast that thrives on both twisty roads and open highways.
Features and Technology
The BMW XM is packed with cutting-edge technology designed to elevate the driving experience. The head-up display projects critical information onto the windshield, while the curved display offers intuitive control over navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. The XM also boasts M-specific diffusers and a quad-exhaust system that amplify its sporty character, both visually and acoustically.
For audiophiles, the Bowers & Wilkins sound system is a highlight, delivering crystal-clear sound through 20 speakers. The four-zone climate control ensures every passenger enjoys their preferred temperature, while ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof add to the cabin’s opulence. The XM’s hybrid system is seamlessly integrated, with modes like Electric, Hybrid, and Sport allowing drivers to tailor the experience to their mood or environment.
Driving Experience
Driving the BMW XM is an exercise in contrasts. In electric mode, it’s whisper-quiet, gliding through city streets with effortless grace. Switch to Sport mode, and the V8 roars to life, unleashing a torrent of power that pins you to your seat. The Adaptive M Suspension strikes a balance between comfort and performance, though the ride can feel stiff over rough roads—a trade-off for its razor-sharp handling. The four-wheel steering makes this massive SUV surprisingly nimble, shrinking its size in tight corners and urban traffic.
Owners rave about the XM’s commanding road presence and confidence-inspiring dynamics. The hybrid powertrain delivers instant torque, while the AWD system ensures grip in all conditions. However, its 2785 kg kerb weight is noticeable, particularly when pushing the limits, and fuel economy takes a hit when the V8 is fully engaged. Still, with an ARAI-claimed 61.9 kmpl in hybrid mode, the XM offers a compelling blend of efficiency and exhilaration.
Practicality and Maintenance
Despite its performance credentials, the BMW XM is a practical SUV. Its 390-litre boot is adequate for weekend getaways, though smaller than some rivals. The five-seater layout (four in the XM Label) offers ample space for passengers, with generous legroom and headroom. However, its size—5110 mm long and 2005 mm wide—can make parking in congested metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi a challenge.
Maintenance is a consideration for any luxury performance vehicle, and the XM is no exception. Service costs are high, reflecting its advanced technology and premium components. BMW offers extended warranty packages (e.g., 3 years at ₹2.65 lakh in Bangalore), but repairs for the hybrid system or M-specific parts can be pricey. Fuel consumption is another factor—while the electric range offsets costs for short trips, the V8’s thirst becomes apparent during spirited driving.
Close Competitors
The BMW XM operates in a fiercely competitive segment, where luxury, performance, and prestige are paramount. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest rivals:
Lamborghini Urus Performante
The Lamborghini Urus Performante is the XM’s most direct rival in terms of performance and exclusivity. Priced at around ₹4.18 crore (ex-showroom), it’s powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 657 bhp and 850 Nm. It’s lighter than the XM at 2150 kg, enabling a blistering 0-100 kmph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 306 kmph. The Urus lacks a hybrid system, sacrificing efficiency for raw power, and its design is unmistakably Lamborghini—sharp, angular, and extroverted. Inside, it offers a fighter-jet-inspired cockpit but trails the XM in rear-seat comfort and tech refinement. The Urus edges out the XM in outright performance, but the BMW counters with hybrid versatility and a lower price point.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, priced at ₹2.57 crore (ex-showroom), is another formidable contender. Its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivers 631 bhp and 850 Nm, propelling it from 0-100 kmph in 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 300 kmph. Weighing 2220 kg, it’s more agile than the XM, thanks to Porsche’s legendary chassis tuning and rear-axle steering. The interior is driver-focused, with premium materials and a slick infotainment system, though it lacks the XM’s opulent flair. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a hybrid option, but its superior handling and lower price make it a strong alternative for performance purists.
Land Rover Range Rover SV
For those prioritizing luxury over outright performance, the Land Rover Range Rover SV (starting at ₹2.40 crore ex-showroom) is a compelling choice. Available with a 4.4-litre V8 producing 523 bhp and 750 Nm, it’s less powerful than the XM but excels in refinement and off-road capability. Its 0-100 kmph time of 4.5 seconds is respectable, and the top speed is capped at 250 kmph. The Range Rover SV offers a plush interior with unmatched comfort, a 13.1-inch touchscreen, and superior ride quality. It lacks the XM’s hybrid efficiency and M-tuned dynamics but appeals to buyers seeking a more traditional luxury SUV experience.
Comparison Summary
The BMW XM carves its niche with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering a unique blend of performance and efficiency that rivals can’t match. The Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT outpace it in raw speed and agility, appealing to those who prioritize track-ready dynamics. Meanwhile, the Range Rover SV caters to buyers valuing comfort and versatility over outright power. The XM’s higher weight and polarizing design may deter some, but its 653-748 bhp output, luxurious cabin, and electrified range make it a standout in this elite segment.
Final Thoughts!
The BMW XM is a bold leap forward for BMW’s M Division, merging the ferocity of a supercar with the practicality of an SUV and the efficiency of a hybrid. Its technical specifications reveal a powerhouse capable of thrilling performance, while its variants—the base XM and the exclusive XM Label—cater to different tastes within the luxury market. Priced between ₹2.98 crore and ₹3.95 crore in metro cities, it’s a significant investment, but one that delivers unmatched exclusivity and innovation.
For buyers in India’s bustling metros, the XM offers a commanding presence and a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and refined. Its close competitors push it to prove its worth, and while it may not outrun the Urus or outclass the Range Rover in comfort, it strikes a rare balance that few can replicate. Whether you’re drawn to its aggressive styling, cutting-edge tech, or sheer power, the BMW XM is a vehicle that demands attention—and delivers on its promises.
