All-new luxury SUV packs a huge punch and a 55-mile electric range On sale Spring Price from £144,980
LIKE A TALENTED young chef being told that, finally, they’ll be making a menu-topping meal by themselves, the XM marks the first time BMW’s famed M performance sub-brand has been allowed to create a model from scratch. And while it’s mostly stuck to the SUV recipe book, it’s also added plenty of strong flavours.
Chief among those is a plug-in hybrid set-up that combines a 4.4-litre V8 engine with an electric motor to produce 644bhp.That’s enough to hit 62mph from a standing start in just 4.3sec. And while the rival Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is slightly quicker still (3.8sec), that model has an official electric range of just 25 miles, compared with the XM’s 55 miles.
Want even more power? No problem, because an even hotter XM with 738bhp will follow later in the year. However, whichever version you choose, you’ll get four-wheel steering to enhance stability and make the car easier to manoeuvre around town.
Inside, the XM features seating for five and two large digital screens – one for instrumentation and the other for infotainment.The latter can be controlled through touch, voice or with a rotary controller, and our experience of current BMWs suggests it should set the standard for usability.
True, you’ll pay more for the XM than you would for most rivals, but, to compensate, the list of standard equipment is vast. From the summer, you’ll even be able to watch your favourite TV shows and movies while the car charges, thanks to a video on-demand service. In short, the XM sounds very tasty indeed.
Aston Martin Valhalla
The Valhalla is Aston Martin’s first plug-in hybrid, but the main reason for electrifying it is to boost performance rather than efficiency.The looks are pure concept car, while learnings from Aston Martin’s F1 team are said to have inspired the aerodynamics.
Ford Ranger Hybrid
Ford’s latest Ranger pick-up truck has just gone on sale with diesel power, but a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid will follow next year. Expect it to get the same convenience features as the diesel, including a tailgate with built-in clamps for securing a workbench.
Lamborghini Urus PHEV
While we know that a plug-in hybrid version of the Urus SUV is coming next year, no details have been confirme
