What you can expect to pay for the BMW XM super SUV in South Africa

BMW has announced the indicative South African pricing for its upcoming XM super SUV, which made its debut at the BMW M Fest at Kyalami Raceway earlier this year.

In South Africa, the high-performance luxury vehicle will have a starting price of R3,400,000 and is scheduled to go on sale during the second quarter of 2023, alongside the new M2.

What’s included

In a first for a vehicle with the German automaker’s M designation, the SUV will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine working in tandem with a 25.7kWh battery and electric motor.

Left to its own devices, the combustion engine is already capable of 360kW and 650Nm, but combined with what BMW describes as an “exceptionally powerful” electric motor, this power output is raised to a staggering 480kW and 800Nm.

This power is then distributed to all four wheels using the xDrive all-wheel system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The result is that, despite weighing roughly 2,700kg, the XM will do 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds and continue up to an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.

Other tricks in the SUV’s arsenal include rear-wheel-steering as standard – a first for an M car – as well as adaptive suspension, active roll control, and various driving modes.

As a plug-in hybrid, the BMW will also be able to travel for up to 88km at a maximum speed of 140km/h before needing a recharge.

Those who are lucky enough to bring home the XM will additionally get to experience a number of features including four-zone climate control, a heads-up display, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, M-branded multifunction seats, a model-exclusive leather steering wheel, heated seats, ambient lighting, and 21-inch alloy wheels.

It will also be one of the cars to receive the automaker’s new Live Cockpit dual-screen system, comprising a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display as well as a 14.9-inch infotainment unit.

Furthermore, the BMW will be fitted with a wide array of assistance features, ranging from front and rear parking sensors to a 3D view camera, front collision warning, lane departure warning, evasion assist, driver alert assist, and a speed-limiter.

If all this is not enough, customers will have the option to add a vintage leather finish to the upholstery, active cruise control, and a Bowers and Wilkins audio system.