BMW has been caught lying once more. But this one is good if there is such a thing as a good lie. The insane XM is no exception to the German luxury brand’s practice of purposefully understating the performance of its M and M Performance automobiles. The M mastodont can make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in an astonishing 3.85 seconds while having an official rating of 4.1 seconds.
A Toronto Red XM driven by Carwow’s Mat Watson completed the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds. This isn’t bad for a huge SUV that weighs over 6,000 pounds or 2,700 kilograms. Remember that the Label Red will be released soon with more horsepower and torque. It produces 748 hp and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) instead of 644 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm).
The BMW XM is the M division’s inaugural plug-in hybrid. It underwent an intriguing pure electric acceleration test following the standard 0-60 mph sprint. The XM relies solely on its 194 hp, 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) e-motor when the twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 is inactive. As a result, this hefty SUV clocked a respectable 10.24 seconds in EV mode.
You won’t reach the 30 miles (almost 50 kilometres) of the electric range BMW projected based on EPA test procedures, especially if you drive it aggressively while the V8 rests. The first dedicated M model since the mid-engined M1 will continue to be a V8-only vehicle. But a future entry-level model will have an inline-six plug-in hybrid system.
It’s important to note that performance-focused PHEVs are becoming more popular. Mercedes already offers a V8-powered GT 63 S E Performance and a plug-in hybrid AMG C63 with a four-cylinder engine. Years of electrified V8 Turbo S E Hybrid cars from Porsche will be reciprocated by BMW in 2025 when the next M5 will adopt the XM’s layout. The flagship 5er, available as a sedan and wagon, is anticipated to have around 700 horsepower.