As soon as the BMW XM showed up in its concept form, the critics came out en masse and tore it apart. The immediate hatred for this new SUV was evident, but we’re not entirely sure why. The new BMW XM celebrates 50 years of the Motorsport division of BMW (aka M-Division), but it was met with the ire of many. What do you think about this new BMW SUV?

What makes the BMW XM an SUV that brought so much criticism?

The new XM is only the second vehicle from BMW that’s made specifically for the M-Division, the first being the M1, which was a serious sports car. According to Inside EVs, the main points of contention for this new BMW were:

• The unusual styling
• Its Name
• The electrified powertrain
• That it’s an SUV

It seems that many critics expected a vehicle that only wears an M badge to be a sports car, not a big, brawny, and bulky SUV.

How much power does this luxury sport SUV produce?

Wait, doesn’t the BMW XM have a plug-in hybrid powertrain? Shouldn’t that make some critics happy? Well, the problem with this new powertrain is the foundational element. The engine for the PHEV system in the XM is a massive V8 engine. This doesn’t seem very fashion-forward of this luxury brand.

That said, the big V8 PHEV system of this BMW SUV produces 653 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. After the initial launch, a new Red Label model should deliver more than 750 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. These numbers might make some of the performance enthusiasts happy.

Thankfully, the hatred for the BMW XM has dissipated

Now that we’ve gotten used to this new BMW SUV, many opinions seem to be shifting toward the positive. This new bold sporty SUV is headed to the North American market, but some models should be sold in Europe, where SUVs are still popular.

Is this BMW SUV a fitting celebratory vehicle?

Those that initially criticized the XM for being the model chosen to celebrate 50 years of M-Division excellence may have new opinions.

This big SUV offers futuristic blue leather seats offset by vintage brown leather on the dashboard. The traditional V8 engine pairs with the PHEV system. The size reminds us of a traditional SUV, while the style is certainly futuristic.

Overall, the BMX XM seems to be a fitting way to bring old and new together to deliver a high-powered luxury SUV worthy of 50 years of performance excellence from the M-Division.

Now, to answer a few simpler questions.

How much will the BMW XM cost?

The starting price for this new BMW SUV is $185,000. In traditional BMW fashion, we should see several upgrades and options packages that could bring the price over $200,000. The Label Red model should enter production in the latter part of Summer 2023.

How fast will the BMW XM be?

The top speed of this massive SUV is limited to 155 mph, with the M-Drivers package models taking things up to 168 mph. This is a seriously fast SUV, but not quite on the same level as the 190 mph top speed of the Lamborghini Urus. Of course, the Label Red model might reach Urus numbers.

Where will the BMW XM be built?

BMW will produce U.S. versions of the XM at the BMW U.S. Manufacturing Company plant in Greer, South Carolina. Production begins near the end of 2022, with deliveries expected for the early part of 2023.

Will you love or hate this new BMW SUV?

The BMW XM is only the second M-Division-specific model, bringing unique styling and power levels. The original reactions to this SUV were possibly based on most critics hoping for a high-performance sports car, but the XM has a lot to offer.

This BMW SUV is what we’re getting to celebrate the 50 years of the M-Division; whether we love it or hate it, it’s an impressive SUV worthy of our respect and admiration.