2025 BMW XM Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

8.5/10

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Overview

That big SUV with the angry-looking snout hurtling up the highway in your rearview mirror isn't Peppa Pig's moody older brother but rather the 2025 BMW XM—a plug-in hybrid loaded with both power and luxury but not quite refined enough to compete with the best of its elite class. A twin-turbocharged V-8 combines with the XM's plug-in hybrid system to produce 644 horsepower in standard models and up to 738 in the XM Label version. Our testing of the standard trim returned a 3.4-second sprint to 60 mph, though the XM proved to be less adept at going slow than fast. There's a modestly sized battery pack onboard for when you want to putter around town on electric power alone, which you can do for 29 miles according to our testing. Inside the cabin, the XM is richly adorned, comfortable, and spacious. There's a curved dashboard display up front and all the latest driver-assistance systems are at your disposal. Plus, BMW even includes a set of throw pillows for the back seats. That about sums up the XM: a less-than-perfect mix of poshness and performance in a size-XXL SUV that can run silently or pin you to the seat with a roar from its twin turbo V-8. Exciting for sure, but several other expensive performance SUVs, from BMW's own X7 to the Mercedes-AMG GLS63, do the same thing with more finesse.

What's New for 2025?

While last year saw the addition of the 738-hp XM Label variant, changes to the model for 2025 are minor. Highway Assistant, part of BMW's Driving Assistance Professional Package, is being added as a standard feature on all 2025 XM models. The technology allows for hands-free driving up to 85 mph on highways and includes an eye-activated lane change feature.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The XM's starting price is high, but it does come loaded with luxury features, including leather upholstery, huge 23-inch wheels, a cool curved infotainment display, and a host of driver-assistance features.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 isn't new to the BMW powertrain portfolio but in the XM it's partnered with an electric motor and a battery pack to create 644 horsepower. The XM uses a coil-spring suspension system that's augmented by adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars. The resulting ride isn't as compliant and composed as we'd like but in comfort driving mode the is acceptably absorbent. When set to sport, the XM's handling is responsive but the ride gets stiff-legged.

0–60-MPH Times

During our first test drive, we noted the powertrain's immediate punch, and when we got it on our home turf for testing it delivered with a 3.4-second leap to 60 mph. Still, that puts the standard XM at a disadvantage—albeit only a slight one—when compared to other performance SUVs such as the Lamborghini Urus and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, both of which delivered zero-to-60-mph times of 3.2 seconds in our testing.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The XM's 25.7-kWh battery pack is said to be good for about 30 miles of electric-only range per charge, and we managed to get close in our testing, travelling 29 miles before the battery was depleted. BMW says the XM's onboard charger is capable of juicing the battery at up to 7.4 kW and should be able to charge up to 100 percent in a little over three hours.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA, the XM is good for only 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway despite its plug-in hybrid system. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the XM bested its EPA estimate by returning 20 mpg when driving solely on gasoline engine; when factoring in the 29 miles we drove on electric power its result is an even more palatable 49 MPGe. For more information about the XM's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Everything about the XM's cabin is high-end, including its optional vintage-look leather upholstery, which was first shown on a concept version of the SUV. The XM's cabin is strictly a two-row affair, and in place of a large panoramic sunroof, the XM can be had with a geometric-patterned faux-suede headliner that features dramatic fiber-optic lighting. An optional audio upgrade adds a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with tweeters that illuminate.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A large, curved display stretches across two-thirds of the dashboard. The display serves as both a digital gauge cluster as well as an on-board infotainment center, and it runs BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system are included as well.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Basic features such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are standard on all XM models, but more advanced tech, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, is available too. For more information about the XM's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
• Standard lane departure warning with lane keeping assist.
• Available adaptive cruise control with a lane centering feature.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW offers a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is bolstered by above-average complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

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