The BMW XM is the M division’s flagship SUV and the brand’s first bespoke product since the M1, but it’ll get a base model with less power than an X5.
The company has now confirmed the XM 50e, teased yesterday, will use a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain with total system outputs of 350kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
That’s actually 10kW less peak power than the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid in BMW’s updated X5 range, albeit with the same amount of torque.
BMW Australia says there are no plans at this stage to bring the 50e to Australia.
Claimed WLTP electric range is 76-84km, roughly the same as V8-powered XMs’ 75-83km claim.
WLTP combined cycle fuel economy is 1.4-1.5L/100km, marginally thriftier than the 1.6-1.7L/100km of the V8 models.
BMW says the xDrive50e will still do the 0-100km/h dash in 5.1 seconds, though that’s almost a second slower than the standard XM’s 4.3-second sprint and, perhaps surprisingly, 0.3 seconds slower than an X5 xDrive50e.
The 50e’s outputs are down 130kW and 100Nm on the standard XM, which uses a twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Like its more powerful sibling, though, the XM 50e uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and an M xDrive all-wheel drive system with an M Sport differential.
The 145kW electric motor is integrated into the automatic transmission.
The Adaptive M suspension Professional set-up also features, which includes electronically controlled shock absorbers, active roll stabilisation, and BMW’s Integral Active Steering.
The latter sees the rear wheels turn parallel to the front wheels at high speeds to stabilise the vehicle; at lower speeds, they steer in the opposite direction to aid manoeuvrability.
The 50e looks much like the now mid-range XM, with standard 23-inch alloy wheels, a thick accent band running down the side of the car, and stacked quad exhaust outlets. More than 50 BMW Individual paint finishes will be available.
Inside, there’s the same BMW Curved Display seen on other XMs, comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen in the same assembly, as well as the intricate ‘sculptural’ headliner and plush M Lounge rear bench.
BMW has now revealed three members of the XM family, with the initial model bookended by the base 50e and flagship Label Red. The latter is also being produced in special edition guise, called the Label Red Edition.
MORE: Everything BMW XM
