Registering just 1,974 units in 2024, the BMW XM is the company’s lowest-selling model in the U.S. lineup. The plug-in hybrid SUV entered production in December 2022 with high expectations and the weight of the ‘M’ division behind it, only to be outsold by the Z4 convertible in its second full year of sales. Globally, it is the same story, and things aren’t all that great for the large performance SUV.
Regardless of how bad the sales chart is, the BMW XM, particularly in this Sao Paulo Yellow, is the car to drive up in if you want to steal everyone’s attention. Manufactured at the BMW Spartanburg Plant in South Carolina, the quality, fit, and finish are of the highest order, and I haven’t seen an SUV that combines the sheer size and sportiness of the XM in such an evocative fashion. Though the yellow is a non-metallic option, I wouldn’t configure my XM in another color!
The example I spent time with in Bangkok this week is the XM 50e Shadow Line variant, specified with BMW Individual leather ‘Merino’ Black interior, and M interior trim finishers in carbon fiber. It comes with gloss black accents, 23-inch blacked-out Star Spoke wheels, dark chrome exhaust tips, and illuminated kidney grille, which I felt took its outrageous look to the next level.
The XM 50e is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine delivering 313 hp, paired to 197 hp/280 Nm (206.5 lb-ft) electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission. Together, the system develops 476 hp and 700 Nm (516.2 lb-ft) of torque, delivering a 0-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds. Its 29.5 kWh battery offers a range of up to 101 km (62.7 miles) in the NEDC method.
The XM is equipped with features including the BMW Head-up Display and Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch Control Display. BMW IconicSounds Electric generates driving sound during electric driving. Wireless smartphone integration supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the SUV is fitted with 4-zone climate control. The Shadow Line model shown here, was introduced specially with the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system.
In Thailand, the BMW XM 50e Shadow Line is priced at 6.99 million baht, or roughly USD 205,940. When I tried building a similar spec on the U.S. configurator with the 3-year service package, the MSRP came to USD 165,675.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
