From smooth sailing to dynamic driving with very sporty gear changes: the 8-speed M Steptronic sport transmission puts a wide range at your disposal. In addition to automatic gear selection, you also have the option of sporty manual gear shifts via paddles on the steering wheel. In SPORT mode and by actuating the electronic selector lever, you experience gear shifts that are configured for the best possible performance. The sporty character has two elements: the first is that the engine always maintains a high engine speed range at which it can access plenty of power output. The second element shortens the switching sequences even further.

The Launch Control function permits maximum acceleration from a standing start. When set to automatic mode, the gear selection adapts itself to suit individual driving styles. In manual mode, however, an optimum shift indicator gives you recommendations for efficient driving. The Shift Lights, integrated in the instrument cluster and on the BMW Head-up display, also help with highly dynamic driving in the upper engine speed range. At high speeds, the eighth gear reduces engine speed and fuel consumption. This is also where the powerful converter clutch comes into play. In short: the 8-speed M Steptronic sport transmission works together with the engine to deliver smooth gear shifts and top levels of power delivery and shift comfort as well as impressive efficiency.

The model-specific M Sport brake system comprises six-piston fixed-calliper brakes at the front and single-piston floating-calliper units at the rear. The system employs newly improved lightweight brake discs that strike an even finer balance between performance and weight and have been purpose engineered to handle the elevated dynamic performance capabilities of the BMW XM Label.

The M Sport differential delivers the best possible performance on the road. It distributes the driving power variably between the rear wheels and thus improves traction and driving stability in various situations – be it when accelerating out of bends, at high cornering speeds or with differing road conditions.

With M Setup, you can design the driving experience according to your own wishes. Configure driving dynamic parameters according to your individual requirements. The drive, running gear, steering, brake, energy recovery and the all-wheel drive system M xDrive can be adjusted. Retrieve your saved configuration easily using the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel.