New BMW XM Driven - What were M Thinking?!

This video is sponsored by Ridge! Go to www.ridge.com/rbr and save up to 10% OFF, or use code "RBR"!
The last PURE #bmwm model, was the legendary M1. Wedge shaped sports car, focusing on the sporting heritage of #BMW M. #THEXM, is the first purely BMW M model since that cat. Born solely in Munich, with no standard BMW version, it’s a really strange car to make M only… Being a huge luxury SUV, that’s seemingly much slower than the X5M.
This is also the first Hybrid M car, so BMW link the car to their BMW Hybrid V8 race car - but we all know it was an inevitable move, given the industry, and where AMG and Porsche have gone with their hybrids.
So the XM features V8 Hybrid Power, and it’s important because something like this may end up in the next M5!
The system consists of an updated 4.4 V8 engine with 489HP, and a battery powering the Electric motor adding 197HP - so a total output of 653BHP, and 800nm.
The tech is the latest 5th Gen BMW Hybrid tech - like new IX and i7 etc, and pairs the V8 with a Permanently excited synchronous motor inserted inside the 8 Speed - BMW M developed an extra pre gearing stage between the two, allowing the unit to give much more power in a much smaller unit - impressive! The 25.7 kw battery is good for over 50 miles of sole electric drive too, but takes 4 hours to charge at 7kw.
All the power goes to the M xDrive which sprints at a sluggish 4.3 Seconds - since this car is well over 300kg heavier than the X5M! Some we will discuss, and something the XM red label may fix… 🌶️
Suspension features Active engine mounts, and the M adaptive pro set up with electronic dampers and anti roll system. And finally, Rear wheel steering which they call “integral active steering”.
Inside features the super looking “M Lounge” - a bespoke rear seat arrangement with back tests that extend to the side, and a closed roof with lighting animations.
If you spec it right, you’ll get Vintage leathers and materials, and it all looks rather special.
Hans Zimmer Iconic Sounds add to the V8 sound when forcing hybrid, and the rest of the front is very reminiscent of the X5 and X6.
Topping the range will be the BMW XM LABEL RED - the most powerful BMW M model ever made at 748 hp and 1,000 Nm. Again, a strange proposition.
But this car really confuses me: why is a pure M car looking to be the slowest and least dynamic of the range? Are they aiming for G Wagon and Urus? Can it ever hope to achieve that level of heritage and lifestyle appeal? Let’s try and answer some of these questions!
Up next on on RBR is the new Mercedes E Class Unveil, and then a surprise video at Top Gear! Subscribe to support us and see them first. :)
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Driving disclaimer:
Please note all driving shots have been filmed either by professionals in a safe environment, or sped up for dramatic effect, or on closed roads. Please drive safely!

[@Mike-rm1vw]

“M coloured strap on” I was crying… 😂

[@Tobore]

This car is like a modern-day Frankenstein's monster, piece together from various parts… Come on BMW

[@razorraysolarsavings70]

Lol yup, it is ugly.

[@maisapique6176]

Why the ring what doesit stands for

[@8xus_]

@@razorraysolarsavings70 it really isnt

[@franciscoc345]

I feel so weird since this came off and I’ve seen comments like this. I actually like this car a lot. I would give it a 9/10. Infotainment design still is weird on these bmws

[@adi8216]

@@razorraysolarsavings70 if you think this car is ugly, you can always buy MB S class which shares the same outdated design.

[@jakes5530]

BMW was trying to make a Urus/DBX competitor for $50k less, what they ended up making was a BMW X6M competitor for $50k more...

[@pedrorodrigueztube]

Is more like Camaro / mustang Mach 1 suv fused

[@jjjj8039]

If it had new steering, auto doors auto shades nice rear cup holders, big tv and Center caps weighted like RR then be great luxury suv...but BMW lack of attention to detail amd failing to deliver even items that promised at demo will make this car failure....really sad how bmw totally messed this up...agoukd have released their one version like red label then splitting in two laughable models....can’t even get Matt colours on XM....it’s a joke

[@G0ddEityawesome]

Well said

[@Tomoyo0827]

Make the normal version 3.5s 0-100km, red label 3.2s. Keep everything the same, people will flock to them. It’s not even that hard, they had same engine in the x6m developing 625hp, plus 200hp EV motor, that’s 825hp right there. Red label could reach 950-1000hp. Now that’s an M car.😅

[@click1click1click]

X5m

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

I drove the XM at a BMW EVENT. They are CRAZY to think this thing deserves $160,000+. It’s big, it’s heavy, it isn’t much more luxurious than an X7 and it’s ridiculously overpriced.

[@JonnyBeoulve]

It looks cool but that's just about all it has going for it. I'd rather save up more money and get a Urus.

[@SKBSKBSKBSKBSK]

@@JonnyBeoulve or even better a g63.

[@UhOhUmm]

So it's the balenciaga of cars.

[@SKBSKBSKBSKBSK]

@@UhOhUmm Where did that idea come from?

[@UhOhUmm]

@@SKBSKBSKBSKBSK overpriced, obnoxious, but it's supposed to be a flex on the plebs. Similar type of item.

[@markpomerhn76]

$160,000 for this design debacle! The complicated driveline will bring some hefty repair bills in the future.

[@quix99]

Fyi…most people who own BMW’s lease

[@feifeihydro6282]

A friend of mine replaced his suspension in less than 1000 miles.

[@DANGERDi]

​@@feifeihydro6282 on a XM? Still under warranty

[@craigorlikowski2507]

I work on these Overhead Systems and good luck come time to replace the led strip lights!! You will need a whole new headliner! There is absolutely no way to get them replaced without removing the whole overhead and remove the 20+ pale nuts holding the two headliner pieces together. Total nightmare. The numbers are down due to transmission problems as we speak. Hopefully they get that cured.

[@craigorlikowski2507]

​@@feifeihydro6282 that would not surprise me with all that weight! Minus well put tracks on it and list it as a tank.

[@_Chev_Chelios]

The rear seating seems to be well engineered for taking a trip to Pound Town.

[@mattmanley7118]

Lmao 😂😂😂😂

[@tbe-chop9791]

😂😂😂

[@cbotten106]

Maybe that was what BMW was thinking?

[@B3rk82]

I kinda like the looks 😮

[@fyurex8969]

The XM reminds me alot of the i8 in the sense that it seems like a concept car that was made to show off possible future tech/cars. At 160k this is such a gimmick car that doesn't make a lot of sense but what I love about BMW is that they're one of the few car brands still pushing the envelope so hopefully we're going to see cool stuff in the future build on top of this.

[@brandonchism6960]

I saw one of these in person while in Central Florida. I walked away thinking 2 very clear points. The first being the X5/6M make more sense in every way as performance SUVs. And if an "M showcase" was the aim for BMW to include hybrid tech and the new v8, a better application would have been a wagon format. This car lowered, on slightly smaller wheels, and designed as a wagon would've been great.

[@musa7582]

Or if they just replaced the i8 with a true supercar....the M1

[@brandonchism6960]

@@musa7582 i8 production ended a couple of years ago

[@theanonymousone9668]

This is the biggest insult and scam and crime BMW has ever committed against its loyal M customers. Starting with de-tuning the base engine. Then by limiting the top speed. Then by not including cross-drilled, ventilated brakes. Then by giving it THE SAME interior as the X5M and X6M. WTF?!

[@cbotten106]

They needed to keep something in the goodie bag for the XM Label (formerly Red). The rear seat is a large and comfy though, so not exactly the same interior, especially the X6M is really tight.

[@Yukon6255]

"spacious and ugly, just like me" so funny, me 2 these days, tough getting old, lol. You're rock star buddy!

[@timonxDlol]

I don‘t hate it as much as most other people, but I think this will be a flop. It misses this heritage and classyness of the G Wagon, is not particularly well performing and in a market with much nicer cars: Urus, Cayenne Turbo, Bentayga, DBX. I would take all of those (including the G63) over the XM even though I like it‘s interior.

[@Hope-dp8qz]

The Chinese and Arabs will gobble these up.

[@vise5224]

This has a nice interior and has an imposing presence. Will def turn heads and I think most ppl only want to stand out so it might do well in China and Russia.

[@rg6982]

G Wagons are anything but classy😂 they are extremely chavy

[@Hope-dp8qz]

@@rg6982 xm is better than a g wagon

[@AntoniusTyas]

XM is a proof that _sometimes_ designers, engineers and accountants should not listen to the customers' demand. BMW already made stinking amount of money without XM, this is unnecessary. X5M is cheaper and does not lose 150hp when the battery runs out of charge. G63 has a history behind it (however little it was, no one uses AMG G-Class for war campaign), and it also does not lose 150hp when the battery runs out of charge. If C63 made us question the purpose of getting AMG, XM made us question the purpose of getting M.

[@harrisr1018]

I don’t even think any customers demanded this, BMW are trying to supply and hope that demand gets created

[@gaara4667]

⁠@@harrisr1018no company would make a product(this expensive)out of the blue and hope it sells. Research must be done. So there is a market for this thing.

[@BinaryBlueBull]

Great video, once again. I agree across the board. Don't understand it either, at least not under the "XM" name. Small correction in the video: at 4:13 you list the HP of the electric motor (197HP) in stead of the one from the V8 (489HP) that you are talking about at that moment. Later in the video when you talk about the electric motor, the HP number is correctly displayed, so it repeats the 197HP number again

[@yexoro6068]

At 4:12 the engine produces 197 hp in the visual

[@alykassam9550]

I wish they had just called it X8M60e or something instead of making it a stand alone M car, too shite to be the only M only product since the M1. I think they’re aiming for the GT53/GT63 vs E53/E63 type effect with XM and X5M, where you pay more to be different, since the GT is technically an AMG only product and this is technically an M car only.

[@emunah3436]

Homer Simpon on the design team again?

[@ardonjr]

That Raiden intro was awesome ❤

[@grayknight836]

Love that there’s no unnecessary heavy panoramic moonroof! The interiors actually pretty darn cool, premium BMW, but they NEED to redesign those cheap plastic air vent nipple-knobs.

[@ace41367]

It’s a status symbol that is somewhat fun to drive yourself occasionally. Best feature is the rear seats in my opinion, I would much prefer to be in the back and driven around town in it, then take it on occasional cross country jaunts.

[@triple777seven]

Listen, anytime you need a driver I'm your guy👊🏽

[@pm6483]

It’s so nouveau riche, ifmyou want to be driven around in a SUV, better get a range rover

[@rodyinjapan]

You sir and Yutaka Yamagishi make the best automotive content!

[@obsessedcloset2638]

My guess is this is an exercise in design language and tech / components will be used in future revisions of all models. BMW are doing a great job doing “out there”

[@_Chev_Chelios]

8:29 I am pretty sure that I heard the plasticky grill creek when he barely touched them with his head. That’s what I’m looking for in my bazillion dollar, tall wagon.

[@jajahmal8780]

Hearing and seeing what ppl are sayin about this car reminds me of when BWM introduced the X6 , everybody hated the dang thang, (not me because I’ve always loved them) lol but as we look around today every car company have their own X6 inspired vehicle! I think it’s just like any other NEW BMW it gets big hate when introduced but it starts a trend thru out the market that every other company soon follows!

[@tayoanchor2467]

The bag is likely to sell quicker on second hand market than the the vehicle itself 😮

[@SHK_T]

Its incredible the cheaper X5M looks better and is probably more practical than the top of the range LOOOOL

[@theRappinSpree]

In Ireland the X5M base price is €30k more expensive than the XM. Fully optioned XM is about €205k, fully optioned X5M is €260k

[@richardmesser1091]

Another hit from the BMW blind stylists

[@ASpectreOfSorts]

Is it bad that I'm waiting for the charge cable bags to start popping up online? It'd make for an absolutely killer overnight/weekend trip bag. But talking about the actual car, the XM seems interesting on paper but, in reality, is a rare misstep in a line of otherwise excellent M-cars

[@cwx8]

I dunno. I got a bmw carry on luggage when I bought my m2c. I felt compelled to cover up the brand logos whenever I went anywhere in south America.

[@ASpectreOfSorts]

@@cwx8 Yeah, that is a good point. Granted, I have *actual* carry-on luggage that's significantly more discreet. But I figure for a local getaway, the XM bag would probably be fine.

[@sog1272]

This looks better than the X5. Normal X5 defo still has the soccer mom vibes or the general upper middle class vibe of wanting a luxury SUV. This XM, again on looks, is HARD for people who can afford a luxury SUV and really consider the look/vibe of being hard. IMO!

[@benjaminfroussos7466]

When you look at a design and slowly your mind changes. Thats a damn good Design. In full black this Car gets me. Definitly.

[@DJNAVENDU]

18:38 On the left side of the screen you can see the top view of BMW M1 I love that little easter egg Did anyone else notice it ?

[@rekaarnes]

BMW M‘s first turbocharged V8, the S63, and AWD and torque converter automatic gearbox in a M car debuted in the X5M E70/X6M E71. BMW M‘s new S58 debuted in the X3M F97/X4M F98. BMW M‘s new S68 debuted in the X7 M60i. And now the S68 + hybrid powertrain combo debutes in the XM. There’s a pattern here. As much as I hate the XM, great things are to come

[@joebloggs4191]

This should have been the flagship BMW and not a flagship M car, for that they should have built a successor to the M1.

[@mikediazArtist]

This is how bmw tests an all new plugin hybrid platform + riskier design choices in plain site. New vehicle derivatives will emerge from this. User testing and customer feedback at its best.

[@brucesieverts1236]

bring on the red label xm , I can't wait to feel the raw power of BMW.

[@deebee3174]

Still slower than X5-X6M models. Too heavy.

[@TheOfficial_AW]

I've driven one before, and man are they a crazy drive. The Charging ports do break tho

[@BMW-lu1pp]

It's a vehicle you drive occasionally. The coil spring suspension is not as comfortable as the air suspension in X5 or X7. It has adaptive cruise control, but it doesn't do the lane centering. It doesn't equip with spare & jacks. You need someone to save you once you have a flat on your 23" low profile Pirelli.

[@watsonanthony8438]

The car has run flats

[@LickVIP]

Wowwwww. This is by far the best car review channel I’ve ever seen. The way this video is edited is incredible. Nobody takes this much time and car as this video. I have now subscribed and turned on all notifications!!!!

[@robovac3557]

This reads like a bot post. Are you a bot? How many bycles are in this picture?

[@LickVIP]

@@robovac3557 what kind of dumb comment is this? Bicycles 🚴 really? You couldn’t come up with anything better? You must be one of this woke Biden 72 genders peoples

[@bentontramell]

The Pitch Meetings guys needs to start a channel with Designers and Engineers pitching cars.

[@ErLeuchten]

its made for american customers i assume. only they would buy that thing for 150k.

[@anitajerkin]

The audio level inconsistency is killing me.

[@NetMillionaire]

Good honest review but like all battery cars far too heavy and cumbersome… not for me I’ll stick with my 5 litre V8 SVR!

[@jamesdavidholland1469]

That red label version at 11:52 reminds me of the A Team van.

[@sunnybeachwalks4k2022]

Just picked up a 2023 X1, they’re amazing cars

[@stonenft9783]

It’s like the BMW design team has been cursed for over 10 years.

[@luwisethapane]

Coolest videos on KZbin mate great work!

[@tosunabi1664]

Screen bezel at the driver front is so big/outdated that conflicts the modern design of the car.

[@rlstrad2059]

You’re the first reviewer to equate the XM with Benz’s G Wagon from a market positioning perspective, believe you’re right.

[@3LNO]

The front is an absolute banger, but the back is a little bit wierd.

[@lilbuddylee131]

I can get a X7 Alpina for less but I’d get a X5M competition.

[@rotcoke652]

Do you mind sharing which roads you were driving on? That would make for a fun road trip in my C63S

[@MegaRetr]

whyse the left of the dash pixeled out?

[@santana9537]

Should’ve been a standard BMW with a 60i badge instead of being an M model Still prefer this over the g wagon though Saw one the other day and it had more presence than a hummer

[@nafnaf0]

Some people do think it looks cool, but I would take the nice 2024 X5 50e PHEV for basically half the price anyday. The 50e has air suspension too

[@MrTresto]

This is not about logic this is about excess. Also it looks stupid ha ha.

[@carlendar4022]

Raz not loving this as much as that G87 M2! Can't blame him lol

[@TheWhooah]

Cushions in an M car? I think they’ve officially lost the plot

[@aneebaba06]

Even I am confused by the XM being a BMW driver. But other than this car, yeah M have been on fire. with the 3.0 CSL, M4 CSL, M2, M3

[@aneebaba06]

Also again, a shame you're not based in the US #Exhaust

[@CalvinK225]

The X5M competition is faster than the XM, and priced 30K less. Just as luxurious but more sport as well.

[@matthisalbert]

Cool car but a bad deal. Give it a pure 700hp V8 4.4 with no hybrid (weight saving), a soft suspension, the 7 series interior and sound system with that screen and tech. And it’s a better deal already. Utimate X and utimate M

[@whosdondada]

For the price, they should have added the big screen like The 7 Series

[@Cosmopolitm]

Great and easy Review

[@drhassan6892]

Its a test mule for new BMW hybrid tech.

[@Unc_Talks]

M Branded strap.. on.. Hmmm.... Nice touch.

[@Octocoupler]

Looks great in that colour

[@guidovanhauwermeiren3667]

Total monstrosity that will damage the M brand… Alpina would never do something like this

[@owenabrey1433]

I think you will see this car armoured. Heavily tinted, it will be an option to Cadilac and Esplanad (sp)

[@antoneladervishaj1749]

Looks like a cyberpunk car

[@truthprevails4200]

Exactly the reason I’m buying it

[@DanWill121]

I still like it! It is so bulky. Love it. Though I am a fan of delicate old school design.

[@chrishaley2133]

We have all become spoiled with there M body styles of all models from the past

[@dean827]

It loks like you are in Bartlett lake AZ. I used to prepare for the bike racing season there during spring training, going up and down from Cage Creek to the Lake. Nice setting, weird and unnecessary SUV.

[@inuralakranda2274]

i hope bmw m has a proper direction for xm.if this showcase future upcoming m5 powertrain ,rip

[@johnleslie8734]

Display bezels r so huge

[@0brand0brand34]

As a BMW fanboy, I think its clear this is a car for BMW fanboys with money. They have tried to do a G-Wagon - no doubt. But they cannot replicate that car's history, so it's a huge gamble. They're probably relying on low numbers keeping the price high to build status. What normal people don't realise is that 'trucks' over a certain weight are considered commercial vehicles and are therefore tax deductible in certain markets. Those with good accountants are told to purchase these cars and slowly write them off. Even after fully written off they still have value - so whilst the sticker price is high, ownership actually costs less than a car half its sticker price. They then laugh at people who simply buy the same vehicle simply for status (really - they're proving how dumb they are). So there is method with BMW - giving this niche market a second vehicle to chose from.

[@tre655]

I am with you , this is more 60k not 160k

[@cecilia3335]

Luv ur channel ❤🎉

[@izik3kowaduku732]

Have you actually wondered why BMW is gradually dominating in the market space in terms of sales? The Australian market is a clear example of what Im actually referring to. I believe they have manged to create attention everywhere including the social media to boost their sales. I really commend them and I think the other companies have lots to learn from the BMW team

[@reinhardtkk]

This car is the summation of the reason I don’t own any bmw s any longer

[@seanwalsh7241]

Can you get it with a sunroof? How would that ceiling work with a sunroof?

[@user-fxw6k7Da4]

You can’t. The headliner is alcantara with ambient lightnimg. Has some 3d effect to it.

[@MA-pp9hx]

Good PHUKEEING luck with repairs once the warranties are over 😂

[@labrador8544]

What’s Frankenstein??))) What are smoking BMW’s designers?))

[@PhatTok]

I absoutely love this.

[@agustinliden6189]

BMW XM with bi-turbo V8 and one electric engine and together They have 750 horsepower.

[@ErLeuchten]

Why is the XIIM Logo off center BMW? Ahh i got it, cause you removed the Badge later on after you realised 3 Badges are maybe too much ,-)

[@richrich876]

Anyone who says they like this design loses some credibility...... Just feels like a paid ad at that point. Disguised as journalism

[@bjbg6838]

It's exclusive. It's not competing.

[@minimax9452]

As a German: the german car industry is lost

[@Bob.martens]

M were thinking €€€€€.

[@KOSOVA-IS-Albania]

Can’t wait to see how fast the new red label will be

[@DrBroncanuus]

I preferred the Citroën XM

[@SSergey222]

This new Kia EV9 looks great!

[@Treyttt000]

Honestly its a car that doesn't make sense, BMW has the tools to make a plug in Hybrid X5/X6M Or X7 M50e but they put it in the wrong car and attached a wrong badge. The luxury comfort treats you get in the rear and the lights should've been a trim level for the X7. What bothers me the most is that they are charging customers extra for a stage tune and a exterior decals trim on the Label red. I'm only hoping BMW starts testing and production on the Vision M next concept car before 2030 or 2035( If I'm honest I wouldn't mind if it came with I6 Hybrid system or a Full EV). Also the market for the XM is mainly Asia and North America at this point. btw great review

[@henryhealy]

They marketed this as an 'M specific' vehicle yet they have just announced the XM 50e about two weeks ago, completely rendering that marketing as useless. BMW have lost the plot big time.

[@karlInSanDiego]

that red version looks like someone got a Batmobile model for Christmas and had to apply the red stickers after they opened the box. Garrish.

[@Freddy_Confetti]

Looks sick in black. Better than a x5 imo

[@koreanfriedchildren]

I just don't get excited when I hear the words "plug-in hybrid" and "charging"

[@the-boring-car-guy]

Great intro

[@didntmeantobeasian598]

They probably will come out with a different color label after the Red. And they will have a line of high performance suvs like Dodge did. This is supposed to be their challenger of SUV

[@user-fxw6k7Da4]

Maybe. There’s a 6-cylinder XM coming, not sure if also for the US market. It’s called XM 50e, 475 hp total. Same colors and trim as the regular XM, except for the Nightgold Trim. Will be high gloss black and silver.

[@samcas707]

Hybrid sounds like a great idea, until you’re out of battery and lugging around 500kg worth of conflict mined dead weight

[@SenszR]

How do you run out of battery if the petrol engine is charging it?

[@samcas707]

@@SenszR you use it in ev mode

[@SenszR]

@@samcas707 yea and then when it runs out you can put it back in hybrid mode. What’s the problem?

[@DayyyumSon]

Love it, wish had the money tho😔

[@congoleseyouthnetworkc.y.n1803]

It looks good, it's a fashion thing

[@dragosalex9277]

Skoda kodiaq is that you from behind?