BMW XM vs Toyota C-HR

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the BMW XM. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW XM features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota C-HR gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW XM stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota C-HR. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW XM gets merino leather upholstery while the Toyota C-HR offers cloth. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW XM and 2-zone in the Toyota C-HR.

Drivetrain

The BMW XM uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 550kW and 1000Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.

The Toyota C-HR responds with a Petrol making 103kW and 142Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.

The BMW XM has the clear power advantage at 550kW vs 103kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW XM is 6.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW XM measures 5,110mm long on a 3,105mm wheelbase, 748mm longer than the Toyota C-HR at 4,362mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW XM generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 527L in the BMW XM and 388L in the Toyota C-HR, giving the BMW XM a 139L advantage.

For towing, the BMW XM leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 725kg. That 1,975kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Toyota C-HR's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 10.4 m against 11.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW XM costs about $3,648 a year (12.8 L/100km as a hybrid) and fuel for the Toyota C-HR about $1,140 a year (4 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $2,508 a year less for the Toyota C-HR. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW XM) and 5 years / Unlimited (Toyota C-HR).

Where each one leads

The BMW XM: more power (550kW against 103kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (527L against 388L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 725kg).

The Toyota C-HR: the lower starting price ($46,940 against $309,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,140 a year against $3,648).

The Verdict

Toyota C-HR scores higher, 80 vs 58

The Toyota C-HR scores 80 to the BMW XM's 58 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Toyota C-HR ahead by 80 points), performance (BMW XM ahead by 70 points), value (Toyota C-HR ahead by 52 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Toyota C-HR costs about $2,508 less (4 L/100km against 12.8 L/100km as a hybrid, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 527L in the BMW XM, 388L in the Toyota C-HR.

Common questions