(September 29, 2022) As its 50th anniversary celebrations continue, BMW M GmbH brings its first ever high-performance car with electrified drive system. A plug-in hybrid system comprising a V8 gas engine and an exceptionally powerful electric motor endows the BMW XM with a captivating dynamic prowess.

The newly developed M HYBRID drive system, an extravagant design and the progressive luxury ambience inside the BMW XM come together to create a fresh interpretation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept for the high-performance segment that will open up that inimitable M feeling to new target groups and markets.

The highlight of the brand’s model offensive in its anniversary year, the BMW XM is also the first BMW M original since the BMW M1. Precisely crafted flourishes in the exterior design of the high-performance SAV recall the legendary mid-engined sports car. Production of the BMW XM will get underway at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA in December 2022 before it arrives at dealers worldwide in spring 2023. The key sales markets will be the USA, China and the Middle East.

The M HYBRID drive system in the BMW XM delivers an overall output of 653 hp (generated by the combination of the combustion engine with up to 489 hp and the electric drive system with up to 197 hp. It is underpinned by a newly developed, classically high-revving V8 engine with cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 4.4-liter unit features a cross-bank exhaust manifold and an optimized oil separation process.

The intelligently managed interplay between engine and motor delivers a well-resolved performance experience worthy of the M badge in all driving situations. It is defined by an immense build-up of power that begins instantaneously and is sustained throughout the rev range. The BMW XM sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds, accompanied by an energy-charged soundtrack of rare emotional appeal for an eight-cylinder unit. This originates from its sports exhaust system featuring electronically controlled, continuously adjustable flaps and hexagonal dual tailpipes arranged one above the other for the first time on a BMW M model.

The M Hybrid button on the centre console is used to select one of three operating modes, including an ELECTRIC setting for cruising with zero local emissions at speeds of up to 87 mph and over a maximum distance about 30 miles. This is thanks to the lithium-ion high-voltage battery mounted in the car’s underbody and the 25.7 kWh of usable energy it provides. The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW XM enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW.

The BMW IconicSounds Electric developed in a collaboration between the BMW Group and film score composer Hans Zimmer also create  a suitable backing track for the electric motor’s power delivery. The M-specific electric drive sound provides authentic feedback to every movement of the accelerator pedal when driving in the locally emission-free operating mode. And if the Sport or Sport Plus setting is selected while the drive system is operating in HYBRID mode, a boost sound will underline the electrical assistance being provided to the combustion engine.

The power generated by the drive duo is channelled to the road via the all-wheel-drive system M xDrive, whose rear-biased setup is particularly noticeable in 4WD Sport mode. Drivers can also select 4WD Sand mode, which has been conceived specifically for driving over dunes and similar surfaces. Operation of the M Sport differential in the rear axle is also fully variable.

The BMW XM LABEL RED will be added to the model range in autumn 2023. The most powerful road-legal series-produced car in the history of BMW M GmbH will summon up system output of 748 hp (generated by the combination of the combustion engine with up to 585 hp and the electric drive system with up to 197 hp and maximum system torque of 737 lb-ft .

The 2023 BMW XM is expected to start at $160,000.