As a fusion of style, luxury, and speed garnished with electrification, the 2023 BMW XM takes some time to digest. Being a plug-in-hybrid SUV, it’s already an acquired taste. Yet as the new flagship of the company’s M performance division—not to mention its first bespoke model since the M1 supercar of the 1970s—the XM has raised eyebrows since it debuted as a concept in 2021, and not only for its illuminated kidney grilles and dazzling body jewelry. We’ve been anxious to sample a production version ever since we drove a development prototype last year. Now we have, and we’re left wondering if there are a few too many ingredients in its mix.

You’ll need to stomach a steep $159,995 base price to dine with the XM. This is a fat-rich two-row SUV, weighing an estimated 6100 pounds, which is several hundred pounds more than the last three-row X7 we tested. Mechanically related to that model and the smaller X5 and X6, the XM shares its 122.2-inch wheelbase with its larger sibling yet is 2.4 inches shorter, a smidge wider, and with a roofline 3.1 inches lower. This is a big vehicle, though it manages its visual heft well, especially if you choose a darker color and forgo the no-cost NightGold Metallic exterior trim.

Despite its flashy photos and range of BMW Individual paint options, the XM can look attractively subdued if you want. Staggered-sized summer tires wrapped around massive 23-inch wheels, which also can be finished in gold, are standard, with 22-inchers optional. As on other M models, all-season tires are not offered.