BMW XM

True to its luxury marque, the XM’s interior is nothing short of luxurious. It comes with its trademarked power-adjustable M multifunctional front seats that come with its own designated three-stage temperature control heating system and a pair of integrated headrests replete with a fully backlit XM logo. The XM even features a state-of-the-art memory system that remembers which position you prefer and use most often, so it’s always just the way you like it. Add to this an all-leather Merino upholstery, and you’re sitting in the literal lap of luxury inside the XM.

As with all current BMW models, the XM also showcases a fully digital instrument cluster with an extra premium touch. The XM boasts a one-of-a-kind 12.3” eponymous curved instrument display and a touch-capable 14.9” Control Display, integrated into the driver-side carbon fiber dashboard for ease of access and ergonomics.  The proverbial cherry on top is Bowers & Wilkins 20-speaker surround sound system, 100 LED units, four-zone climate control system, and comfort-oriented amenities.

The BMW XM epitomizes bold, brutish aggressiveness that is tastefully tempered by stylishly futuristic accents. Its most striking accent is the imposing kidney grill that catches the eye at first glance. Larger, and more robust than in other models, it features highly distinctive angled LED headlights and daytime running lights that are inset onto a muscular front bumper with large air intakes flanking each side. Lower black cladding adds even more rugged muscularity to the already imposing front fascia, while its 23-inch alloy wheels complete the powerful aesthetic.

Its side profile is no wilting lily either, with equally bold and muscular details, a high shoulder line, wedged door panels, and an equally high window line. It also carries touches of elegance – from the chrome trim surrounding the windows, the geometric D-pillar, and readily available customizable accents. 

The rear shows a more no-nonsense aesthetic, with classy, slim, extended taillights. The rear bumper also sports integrated quad-style exhausts, black cladding, and just a bare hint of a spoiler. The XM rounds out its exterior with a total of nine custom colors to choose from, among them Carbon Black Metallic, Melbourne Red, and Mineral White Metallic, just to name a few. 

With its driver-oriented specifications, the XM may be on the firmer side when it comes to handling, but does sacrifice ride comfort. There is a workaround however, as the XM does have a drive mode setting that allows for some adjustments between handling and ride comfort, although you will have to trade off one for the other each time you pick an option. With the XM, you can’t have both.

The BWM XM features a hybridized powertrain that combines a powerful gasoline engine with an equally powerful electric motor. While its engine comes in two options in the international market, the local market only features the flagship variant with a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 that can generate 738 lb-ft of torque and a total of 738 horsepower.

Its status as a luxury vehicle means it comes with more than your standard safety features. Aside from the default driver-assistance systems that come with all modern-day vehicles, the XM also comes with its own exclusive safety features, like the Surround View Camera System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems.

If you’re loaded and want to splurge on something that screams luxury, the BMW XM is up for grabs and won’t disappoint with its general features and bonus perks. If you’re just looking for a dependable, reliable, and affordable ride, you can give this one a pass.