BMW took to the internet with not one, but two reveals yesterday: the 2023 Z4 roadster and the all-new 2023 XM crossover utility. Originally reported on as the Concept XM, the XM is the first-ever plug-in hybrid to don the M badge. Slotted above the X7 in the overall lineup, the XM’s basic, highly chiseled, two-row only utility design is exclusive to the BMW performance sub-brand, at least for now.

The XM is driven by a new 4.4-liter V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, capable of 484 horsepower on its own. Internal combustion meets electrification by way of an electric motor and 25.7 kWh battery; when the two systems work in harmony, BMW claims a total system output of 644 horses and 590 lb-ft of torque, pulling together for a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. 

As is the case with plug-in hybrids, the XM is capable of some light electric-only driving, currently estimated at 30 miles of pure EV ability. Channeling power to the standard xDrive all-wheel drive system is an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. Additional drive-goodies include a launch control function, three drive modes and a model-specific rear with an M Sport differential. Integral Active Steering is included as standard for the first time in an M model.

Luxury is arguably equal parts of the “M” equation, and the XM delivers with a polished treatment of carbon fiber elements and pearl-effect chrome trimmings. The BMW Curved Display is proudly upfront, utilizing the latest BMW iDrive 8 interface system. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional is standard with an M-specific version– a Head-Up Display with M specific readouts.

Production is currently slated for the fourth quarter of 2022 at Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. As of now, the starting price of the new XM is $159,995 with destination.

The XM is a glimpse into the crystal ball of BMW’s future, perhaps, but the German automaker hasn’t cast aside its roots in full. The Z series of roadsters is a memorable nameplate in their lineup, and the Z4 is getting a well-deserved refresh for its 20th anniversary.

Having entered its third generation back in 2020, the bread and butter of the original is still there: two seats, a long hood and a retractable top. Under the hood of the sDrive30i is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, packing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, whereas the M40i punches higher with 382 ponies and 369 lb-ft thanks to a larger 3.0-liter inline-6, also turbo. For us in the states, transmission selection is limited to an 8-speed automatic, sending power to the rear wheels.

The front end is gussied up by a new twin kidney grille, better matching BMW’s current design language. Emphasizing width and stance is a more common trend in vehicle aesthetics as of late, and doing so for the Z4 is the now-standard M Sport Package. It adds three-section air intakes in the front apron, side-sill contouring, and a rear apron with bolder edges. Outside, three new exterior colors are available: Thundernight metallic, Portimao Blue metallic and Skyscrapper Gray metallic. The two-seater cockpit is updated with an abundance of M accouterments: leather steering wheel, sport seats, pedal and a SensaTec upholstered dashboard, all courtesy of the standard M Sport Package.

The 2023 BMW Z4 sDrive30i will start at $53,795 with destination, with the M40i starting at $66,295. A worldwide market debut is currently scheduled for November 2022.