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Motor Trend
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 BMW XM Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Not quite the M5 of SUVs, the 2026 BMW XM is a 738-hp middle finger to playing it safe. When we think of V-8 engines, plug-in hybrids, or automotive icons, the XM isn't the first model we consider, but in fact the BMW aims to be all three. And for 2026, the XM lineup simplifies with more standard power and a few other enticing updates. There's nothing quite like the 2026 BMW XM, but other flashy and powerful luxury SUVs include the Mercedes G-Wagen, BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and Lamborghini Urus. What's New Some may see the same strange and aggressive design, but there's more to the 2026 XM than meets the eye. Here are the changes: Basics The standard 644-hp model is gone, leaving only an XM Label model for 2026. Horsepower from the V-8 plug-in hybrid comes to 738. Charging is now quicker, as the charge rate is up from 7.4 kW to 11 kW Exterior New paint option: BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue, a great dark blue with hints of purple The XM has a new light sequence that begins when the driver approaches the car The 23-inch alloy wheel style 1096 M is now offered with a gloss black finish Interior Three new interior color schemes are available: BMW Individual Night Blue in Merino leather with Vintage Coffee accents, black in Merino leather with Vintage Coffee accents, and Silverstone Extended in Merino leather with black accents. What We Think Step out of the 738-hp 2026 BMW XM and we bet your reaction will either be "Wow," or "What?" Simply put, there's nothing quite like the BMW XM, from its unique design to its V-8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain. BMW's minor adjustments for 2026 don't dramatically change our opinion on this one: It's an interesting effort that would be improved with a better driving experience. Let's start with why the XM exists. The 2026 XM Label is the most powerful production BMW ever made, and this SUV is ultra-exclusive, with a price closing in on $200,000. Think of this M-performance car as BMW's modern interpretation of a flagship car that could turn into an icon over time, like the Mercedes G-Wagen has. The XM lacks the heritage of the Mercedes, however, though it is more spacious and capable. We also urge folks to look beyond the big power numbers and MotorTrend -tested 3.4-second 0–60 time, and more toward how the car feels to drive. The throttle is too touchy, making it harder to trust the SUV during quick maneuvers on a winding road or track. There's also no getting around the fact that this thing weighs over 6,000 pounds. Ultimately, the 2026 BMW XM Label is one good retuning away from being both odd and brilliant. In the meantime, those intrepid few who want something different from the Urus, Cayenne, and G-Wagen SUVs clogging the country club parking lot will find an interesting cruiser in the XM. Top-Ranked Competitors MotorTrend Tested Formerly offered in a 644-hp regular-strength model, the 2026 BMW XM now comes only in "Label" form, with 738 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque from its V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. For those keeping track, that's a tad more than even the M5, which uses basically the same powertrain but has merely 717 hp. In our testing of a 2024 BMW XM Label, the 738-hp SUV hit 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, beating the automaker's 3.6-second estimate. Top speed is 155 mph, but if you need more bragging rights than having the most powerful BMW M production model ever made so far, get the M Driver's Package that ups the top speed to 175 mph. Range and Charging The XM is a performance beast first and a plug-in hybrid second, but we can still appreciate a 738-hp SUV with 31 miles of all-electric range. Because the XM has a powerful V-8 under the hood, however, you won't get much farther after that range is depleted. Combined with the gas engine, total electric and gas range is 300 miles. Those numbers are from the 2025 model and we expect the 2026 XM to follow suit. By comparison, the 2025 BMW M5 sedan has a 27-mile electric range, or 25 miles if you get the wagon. The XM's mpgs come in at 14 in combined city/highway driving, but if that bothers you, perhaps a fully electric car like the electric G-Class or Lucid Gravity would be a better fit. As for charge speed, BMW improved it from 7.4 kW to 11 kW for 2026. This means faster home charging, which we appreciate. Safety Features The 2026 BMW XM comes with lots of standard driver-assist features: Front collision warning with automatic emergency braking Lane departure warning (and the SUV will nudge you back into your lane if the vehicle is veering) Evasion Assistant, which can boost the steering when the driver is engaging in an evasive steering maneuver BMW's adaptive cruise control with a lane-change function is also offered, as is a cross-traffic warning. Cargo Space The 2026 BMW XM is more of a statement than a grocery-getter, but you can definitely do both in this big and bold SUV. Having said that, you'll find more cargo space in the competition. Cargo Space (behind the rear seats) 2026 BMW XM: 18.6 cubic feet 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 37.4 cubic feet 2025 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid: 21.9 cubic feet Technology Infotainment The 2026 BMW XM houses the driver display and central infotainment system under one glass housing, making it look like one enormous screen when the SUV is off. The driver display is 14.9 inches, and we like its sense of digital style, in the way you can customize how it looks. The infotainment is shown on a 12.3-inch display, and that's where you'll find the on-screen temperature controls. Sound System The available Bowers & Wilkins sound system is a 20-speaker set-up with 1,475 watts of power. Value With an SUV this expensive, some might think there's no sense of value to the 2026 BMW XM. But they'd be wrong. Even with the XM Label's base price hovering closer to $200,000 than $100,000, there's value in how the SUV makes its owner feel. Some drivers will appreciate the interesting interior design complete with a distinctive sculpted headliner, the unique exterior with tons of customization options, and simply knowing they have the choice between incredible power and quiet plug-in hybrid efficiency. Until the XM's powertrain is retuned, we're not completely sold on its value, but understand why some might like it.
Car and Driver
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 BMW XM Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview Some letters carry a lot of weight in BMW nomenclature, with "X" and "M" being two of the most significant badges in all of Bimmerdom. Xs are reserved for SUVs, while Ms mark the touch of the fabled BMW Motorsport division; put them side by side and you end up with the BMW XM super-SUV. With all-wheel drive and ample space for five passengers in a seriously lavish cabin, the X holds up its end of the bargain. The M is where things get tricky; its 738-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain makes the XM Label a certified rocket, but it lacks the overall finesse expected of Bavaria's motorsport maestros. The sole trim on offer is a pricey proposition, especially considering the BMW X7 is more practical and nearly as capable for far less money. What's New for 2026? BMW has whittled down the XM lineup for 2026, ditching the entry-level XM and leaving the XM Label as the sole trim. The XM Label gets a few fresh exterior options, including a new BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue paint color, a revised welcome light animation, and a Jet Black finish for the 23-inch wheels. There are also new interior themes to choose from, combining three new hues of Merino leather with either brown or black accents. AC charging speed has also been increased, up to 11 kW from 7.4 kW previously. BMW says that production for the 2026 XM Label will begin in August. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 BMW XM is expected to start around $187,000. XM Label $187,000 (est) 0 $50k $100k $150k $200k $250k $300k The removal of the base XM trim from the lineup takes the guesswork out of selecting a trim. The 738-hp XM Label is the only option, and with a starting price of over $186,000, it's a pricey one. However, it does come loaded with luxury features, including leather upholstery, huge 23-inch wheels, a cool curved infotainment display, and a host of driver-assistance features. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Engine, Transmission, and Performance A twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 isn't new to the BMW powertrain portfolio, but in the XM Label, it's partnered with an electric motor and a battery pack to create 738 horsepower. The XM uses a coil-spring suspension system that's augmented by adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars. The resulting ride isn't as compliant and composed as we'd like, but in comfort driving mode it is acceptably absorbent. When set to sport, the XM's handling is responsive, but the ride gets stiff-legged. 0–60-MPH Times We haven't had a chance to sample the XM Label's acceleration yet, but when we tested a standard XM with 94 fewer horsepower, it delivered a 3.4-second sprint to 60 mph. BMW claims that the XM Label is capable of 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, but with even the standard model besting that claim, we wouldn't be surprised if the Label's sprint time was closer to 3.2 seconds. We'll update this section when we have a chance to test it for ourselves. View Photos BMW Range, Charging, and Battery Life The XM's 25.7-kWh battery pack is said to be good for about 31 miles of electric-only range per charge, according to the EPA. BMW says the XM's onboard charger is now capable of juicing the battery at up to 11 kW on an AC charger, up from just 7.4 kW previously. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 XM yet, but last year's Label model received unspectacular ratings of 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway despite its plug-in hybrid system. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, a standard XM bested its EPA estimate by returning 20 mpg when driving solely on the gasoline engine; when factoring in the 29 miles we drove on electric power, its result is an even more palatable 49 MPGe. We'll update this section when the EPA releases information on the 2026 model. For more information about the XM's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Everything about the XM's cabin is high-end, including its optional vintage-look leather upholstery, which was first shown on a concept version of the SUV. The XM's cabin is strictly a two-row affair, and in place of a large panoramic sunroof, the XM can be had with a geometric-patterned faux-suede headliner that features dramatic fiber-optic lighting. An optional audio upgrade adds a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with tweeters that illuminate. View Photos BMW Infotainment and Connectivity A large, curved display stretches across two-thirds of the dashboard. The display serves as both a digital gauge cluster as well as an on-board infotainment center, and it runs BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system are included as well. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Basic features such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are standard on all XM models, but more advanced tech, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, is available too. For more information about the XM's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Standard lane departure warning with lane keeping assist. Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage BMW offers a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is bolstered by above-average complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Edmunds
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Edmunds
Tested: 2025 Volvo V60 Polestar Says a Quick Goodbye
Thanks to that 14.9-kWh battery, the V60 Polestar is good for an estimated 41 miles of electric-only range, and during our testing, it was also capable of accelerating to 60 mph under electric power in 11.2 seconds and finishing the quarter mile in 18.4 seconds at 76.5 mph. Hardly thrilling numbers, but it proves the V60 Polestar is capable of moving itself around up to and at freeway speeds without disturbing its internal combustion engine. But you're here for the quick stuff, so here it is. Selecting the Power drive mode and briefly overlapping the full throttle and full brake pressure (we call it powerbraking) activates the Volvo's low-key launch control system. This results in the V60 Polestar sprinting to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds with a quarter-mile dash done in 12.6 seconds at 109.3 mph. Our test driver tells us what it's like: "The V60 moves away quickly, but without drama, and simply piles on the speed. It's so powerful that we nearly hit the car's 113-mph speed limiter before the end of the quarter mile. Not bad for a station wagon. The engine doesn't sound nearly as exotic as you'd think (and hoped) it would, but it's generally pleasing and refined. Shifts from the transmission are quick enough but never feel too aggressive." Secure your belongings Adding a plug-in hybrid powertrain with two electric motors definitely incurs a weight penalty. All in, our V60 Polestar tipped the scales at 4,488 pounds — 341 pounds more than a V60 Cross Country we tested a little while ago. Combine that extra weight with relatively modest 235 section tires (the same width as we had on a recent Hyundai Sonata) and our expectations for decent braking and handling numbers were a bit low.
The Herald
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald
Jaecoo J7 SHS plug-in hybrid confirmed for South Africa
Jaecoo has confirmed its J7 SHS plug-in hybrid will go on sale in South Africa in June. The J7 SHS is powered by a 1.5 l turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. According to the Chinese manufacturer, the system — dubbed 'Super Hybrid System' — delivers fuel consumption of under 5 l /100km, placing it among the more efficient vehicles in its segment. An 18.3kWh battery enables up to 90km of electric-only range and when connected to a 40kW DC charger the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in about 20 minutes. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, 19" alloy wheels, wireless charging, a 10.25" digital instrument cluster, 360° camera system, an electric tailgate, an eight-speaker Sony sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A comprehensive suite of driver assistance features is also included, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic assist with automatic braking. Local pricing and detailed specifications will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
Auto Express
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Posh Passat plug-in hybrid estate for just £235 a month is a steal
High-spec Elegance model Plug-in hybrid; 77-mile EV range Just £234.49 a month The Volkswagen Passat has always been a sensible choice for both company car drivers and family buyers over the past 50 years on account of its mature image, high-quality build and practical interior. You can now add strong value for money to the mix, too, judging by this deal, because First Vehicle Leasing is offering the Passat for just £234.49 a month right now. That means it's cheaper than its supposedly more downmarket sister, the Skoda Superb, by around £30 a month. There's a £3,112.90 initial payment to sort first, and this is a two-year deal with mileage limited to 5,000 a year. You can, however, nudge this cap up to 8,000 miles annually for just under £25 extra a month, should you need more flexibility. Advertisement - Article continues below The latest Passat so nearly didn't happen thanks to the popularity of SUVs and crossovers, but at the last hour Volkswagen gave the long-running model a reprieve. It now only comes as an estate, though, which will please those after SUV-like levels of interior space, with a massive 530-1,760-litre boot being a highlight. This deal nets you the posh Elegance model. It comes with a range of luxuries as standard such as matrix LED headlights, sports comfort seats that have a 13-feature massage function, a tilting and sliding panoramic roof, a pair of screens up front, and an electric tailgate with hands-free functionality. Plus, it gets fancy LED rear lights that can dance in different ways, which will really impress the neighbours. Under the bonnet you'll find a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid petrol combo. With 201bhp, performance is brisk enough, with 0-62mph taking 8.1 seconds, and you won't be visiting the petrol station often if you keep the car's 19.7kWh battery pack topped up, because it will give you 77 miles of pure electric power. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Volkswagen Passat leasing offers from leading providers on our Volkswagen Passat hub page. Check out the Volkswagen Passat deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here…
