2026 BMW XM Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims

Motor Trend

12-06-2025

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.