2023 BMW XM

For all the criticism BMW has faced regarding its design choices over the last couple of years - or decades, if one goes back to the Bangle era - people continue to buy them in droves. So despite the BMW XM's outrageous appearance, we have little doubt that this milestone M car will be yet another resounding success. The XM, revealed here in concept form for now, will be the first standalone M car since the M1. It needs to make a statement, and the XM does just that from its intimidating face to its 750-horsepower V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. It's an M car unlike any other.

The Concept XM provokes only intense reactions. It's simply impossible to remain unmoved by this SUV's audacious lines - it has all the subtlety of a machine gun. Some think it's awesome and many think it's hideous, but we haven't yet run into anyone who has dared to call it beautiful.

The traditional double grille is canyon-sized. If your eyesight is particularly poor and you run the risk of missing it, BMW has also added contour lighting. Like the M3 and M4, the hood has raised bulges. In contrast to the grille, the headlights are curiously small, although another pair of LEDs incorporated into the A-pillars are found higher up. For added flair, the Concept XM gets a two-tone paint finish with matte gold-bronze on top and Space Grey Metallic lower down. Along the sides, there are 23-inch wheels clad in low-profile tires.

Not everyone will agree, but the XM's rear aspect might just be its best. The cool-looking taillights are elaborate strips that are entirely black when not lit up. Instead of a central BMW logo, two roundels have been placed higher up on either edge of the rear window, harking back to the M1. Lower down, there are vertically-stacked quad tailpipes.

It remains to be seen to what extent BMW will tone down the production model, but the Concept XM will be spoken about for months to come.

Inside, BMW forgoes racy elements like carbon bucket seats and Alcantara for a much more opulent look and feel. This is a mighty powerful M car, but it's also a large SUV that prioritizes comfort over track exploits. A familiar-looking steering wheel and shift knob have been retained, but most other aspects of the cabin are different from what you'll find in the brand's other models. We love the look of the vintage-style Brown leather found in the front of the cabin. It's contrasted with copper and carbon-fiber trim elements that have a technical, high-quality appearance.

Ahead of the driver is a wide curved display that combines key driver information and infotainment functions. However, physical controls have been retained lower down, as has the traditional iDrive rotary dial. BMW continued experimenting with interesting materials at the back. Here, the lower section of the seats are finished in a chintzy velvet with diamond quilting. The color is a deep aquamarine shade called Petrol. Combined with a multi-color ambient lighting system and a headliner with a three-dimensional prism structure, the interior is flamboyant but easier to appreciate than the exterior.

From the start, BMW engineered the Concept XM to employ the use of its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Here, the V8 is assisted by an electric motor and plug-in hybrid system. Combined outputs are exceptional - the Concept XM produces 750 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. It instantly becomes BMW's most powerful car ever, although it remains to be seen if it will be the fastest considering it likely weighs a lot more than an M5 CS. We expect the XM to dip below the four-second mark quite comfortably for the 0-60 mph sprint. All-wheel drive is expected to be standard as that's just about the only way to contain all that power.

The Concept XM can travel around 30 miles on electric power alone, another advantage of going with a PHEV powertrain.

The upcoming BMW XM is a clear step up from any existing M-badged SUV. While the X5 M and X6 M continue doing battle with the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and GLE 63 Coupe, the XM aims even higher. It's got significantly more power than the Lamborghini Urus as well as Porsche's Cayenne Turbo GT and Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid models. In terms of luxury and interior appointments, the BMW also appears to be a cut above.

With all this in mind, this could very well turn out to be the priciest BMW ever. Although we can only speculate at this point, the production XM could end up exceeding $150,000 and possibly top $200,000 with enough options. We'll know more when the XM goes into production in South Carolina at the end of next year.