BMW makes second dedicated M model a plug-in hybrid

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.

The XM is a rebodied X7 large SUV. The two models sit on the same 3,105 mm wheelbase but the at 5,110 mm long the XM is 71 mm (2.8 inches) shorter than the X7, which has a bigger rear overhang to accommodate up to seven seats.

The XM will only be sold with five seats. At 1,755 mm tall, XM's sleeky roofline is 60 mm lower than the X7's.

The XM comes standard with full-time four-wheel drive and an adaptive M-tuned suspension featuring electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilization, the latter powered by a 48-volt electrical system.

Inside, the XM features BMW's new curved display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen central display. The same display can be found in the seventh-generation 7-Series flagship sedan and the updated X7 range.

Production of the XM will begin at BMW's U.S. factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, this month. The German automaker says the U.S., China and the Middle East will be the XM's top sales markets. The global launch of the car, which starts at 170,000 euros in Germany, is set to start next spring.

As a nod to the M1 coupe, which was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro and built for BMW at the design legend's former company Italdesign in Turin, there is a notable indent at the rear of the XM's roof.

Two BMW logos have been laser engraved into the rear window as an homage to the roundels on the mid-engine sports car.