PALM SPRINGS, California, USA -- BMW decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its M performance division by giving the unit it's second-ever dedicated model, which will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The XM, which was previewed by the Concept XM unveiled in November 2021, joins a short list of stand-alone M cars that includes M1 coupe that was launched in 1978.
The XM's 4.4-liter, V-8 gasoline engine and electric motor provide a combined 644 hp of power, 800 newton meters (590 pounds-feet) of torque, and a 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) time of 4.3 seconds.
Power for the electric motor comes from an underfloor-mounted, 317-volt lithium-ion battery with 25.7 kilowatt hours of usable power.
The XM can travel for 82-88 km in electric-only mode at a top speed limited to 140 kph, based on WLTP testing guidelines.
BMW said the XM needs 1.5- to 1-6 liters of fuel per 100 km, equivalent of CO2 emissions of 33-36 grams per km, according to the WLTP.
For customers who want more power BMW will add 784-hp Red Label variant of the XM.