BMW XM previewed in Malaysia – first-ever plug-in hybrid M car, RM1.4m



Ahead of its official arrival in the Malaysian market, the BMW XM has now made its debut in Malaysia in a preview event today. Scheduled to reach Malaysian shores starting June 2023, the XM will be the first standalone M car since the iconic M1, and – for the first time ever for an M car – powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Despite being priced at RM1,398,800 (inclusive of the five-year extended warranty and service package), it has been reported that there are now already more than 10 bookings for the XM here in Malaysia – so here’s a first look at what will soon dominate our roads!

The BMW XM’s design is… controversial to say the least – not just because it has a massive illuminated kidney grille up front on its tall and flat front fascia, but also because it’s now taken the form of an SUV the size of an X7. No matter what you think of the its design, though, there’s no denying that the XM has definitely got presence.

As a tribute to the M1, several of its exterior styling touches are inspired by its spiritual predecessor, including the borderless rear windscreen with the two BMW logos etched onto the top corners. But it’s the standard-fit Night Gold accents all throughout the exterior that truly takes the XM’s loud and flamboyant persona to the next level.

Not a fan of the gold accents? You can instead opt for a Shadow Line trim package at no extra cost. However, the M Aerodynamics package, alongside the (gold) 23-inch style 923 M wheels, and Adaptive LED headlights (with high-beam assistant) are all standard equipment on the BMW XM.

The true party piece of the BMW XM, though, is actually on the inside – specifically, the unique M Lounge rear seating quarters. A patterned and illuminated roof, alongside the wraparound lounge seats (with two M-branded pillows) all try to mimic the ambience of a nightclub, but your first impression sitting inside will most definitely be just how comfortable these seats are.

READ MORE: 2023 BMW XM V8 hybrid price revealed for Malaysia – from RM 1.3m

The front cabin of the XM is fairly standard for a BMW M model, with a dashboard design that reminds us of the BMW iX. Although, if you’re planning on getting one of these, we strongly suggest you to opt (read: pay) for the Vintage Leather dashboard topper.

Not only does it elevate the entire feel of the cabin to something a little more premium rather than ‘just another BMW‘, it also makes your BMW XM truly unique, as the minimally treated leather surface with all of its natural bug bite marks means no two units will ever be the same.

Underneath the bonnet is the first-ever plug-in hybrid M powertrain, made up of a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine, alongside a 145 kW electric motor. Together, they make a total of 653 hp and 800 Nm, with power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic M Steptronic transmission and an M Sport differential. Century sprint takes 4.3 seconds, onward to a top speed of 270 km/h thanks to the Driver’s Package that comes as standard on our Malaysian-spec model.

The electric motor is juiced by a 29.5 kWh battery pack, which can be recharged via an on-board 7.4 kW AC charger, taking 4 hours and 15 minutes for a full charge. And just so your neighbours don’t complain every morning when you start your car, the XM can also be driven in fully electric mode at speeds of up to 140 km/h. Fully charged, the XM can travel up to 88 km on electric power alone.

Unlike most of its other competitors, the BMW XM here rides on Adaptive M Suspension steel springs as standard, instead of air suspensions to help with the 2.7 tonne SUV’s handling performances. To stop, the BMW XM employs a set of M Sport brakes, although actual braking performance also utilises regenerative braking that recharges the batteries.

The BMW XM is available in seven exterior colours, including Cape York Green, Carbon Black, Marina Bay Blue, Toronto Red, Mineral White, Black Sapphire and Dravit Grey. Pictured here in its hero launch colour Cape York Green and Marina Bay Blue, the XM will certainly be a very unique addition to our Malaysian roads.

And if you’re wondering how it drives, be sure to check out our first drive review in Arizona!


GALLERY