BMW’s M performance division dreams up a potent plug-in hybrid luxury SUV On sale Spring 2023 Price from £144,980
Steve Huntingford Steve.Huntingford@haymarket.com
FIRST LOOK
IF YOU’RE THE sort of person who thinks bigger is better, you’re going to love the new BMW XM plug-in hybrid. Developed by the brand’s M performance division, it’s not only physically huge, at just over 5.1m long, but will also have the largest price tag and offer the most power of any BMW SUV you can buy.
Its design sticks closely to that of the XM concept that was shown last year, with angular lines, squared-off wheelarches and ultra-slim LED headlights.These flank a split front grille that’s big enough to have its own postcode. And to make doubly sure you don’t miss it (if you’re looking at it from space, perhaps), the outer edges are coloured gold and the inner edges are illuminated.
Behind that grille sits a 4.4-litre V8 engine that works with an electric motor to produce 644bhp in total – enough for 0-62mph in 4.3sec. Or, alternatively, you can run purely on electric power for up to 55 miles (officially) and at up to 87mph. A full charge of its 25.7kWh (usable capacity) battery takes 4hr 15min.
To put those numbers into context, the rival Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is slightly quicker, hitting 62mph in 3.8sec, but it can manage only 25 miles on electric power between charges. And while the Cayenne’s battery can be topped up in less time, that’s only because it’s smaller; both cars have the same 7.4kW maximum charging speed.
Four-wheel steering is standard on the XM, with the rear wheels moving in the same direction as the fronts at high speeds to enhance stability, and in the opposite direction around town to reduce the turning circle.
You also get four-wheel drive to maximise traction; power is usually distributed evenly between the front and rear axles, but there’s a 4WD Sport mode that biases power in favour of the rear wheels for a sportier feel.
Those who value sportiness will also be interested to know that in the autumn of 2023, BMW will expand the XM line-up to include a 738bhp model, called the Label Red. However, there are currently no plans to introduce any conventional petrol or diesel versions – or indeed a fully electric XM.
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