2023 BMW XM Coming With 644 Hp Of Electrified V8 Power And A 50-Mile Range In Base Form

BMW has published a gallery of photos showing a camouflaged prototype of the upcoming XM, while revealing some of the specifications of the performance-focused SUV flagship – including power and torque outputs of the base model. The high-performance crossover is completing the last leg of development before its imminent debut later this year.

Starting with the most important news, the standard version of the production XM will produce a combined 644 hp (480 kW / 653 PS) of power and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque from a “newly developed” V8 and an electric drive. It will be followed later on by a higher output variant, the name of which has not been communicated yet, but which will mirror the 738 hp (550 kW / 748 PS) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of the Concept XM from last year. Both versions will be powerful enough to provide the luxury SUV with a sportscar-rivaling performance.

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Power will be sent to all four wheels through “the first hybrid-specific M xDrive four-wheel-drive system” with an electronically controlled differential lock at the rear axle.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain will allow a fully electric range of around 80 km (50 miles) in the WLTP cycle, and about 30 miles (48 km) in early EPA estimates. BMW didn’t specify the battery capacity or charging times, but confirmed other technical specifications of the XM.

The model will come standard with the Adaptive M Professional suspension, which for the first time will include a 48-volt electromechanical roll stabilizing system and an Active Roll Comfort function, aiming to reduce body roll while cornering and on uneven surfaces. The Integral Active Steering will also be standard equipment, as with a model-specific M brake system.

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BMW will offer optional M light-alloy wheels measuring up to 23-inches in diameter. Beyond the massive wheels, the official shots of the lightly camouflaged XM pre-production prototype show the vertically-stacked hexagonal quad exhaust pipes,  split headlight design treatment at the front, a massive grille and a sculpted body. The interior is mostly covered, hiding the digital cockpit. However, we can still see the red leather upholstery and a few carbon-fibre accents on the centre console.

Testing continues all around the world as our readers have spotted prototypes of the XM in Germany, and in South Africa. The world premiere of the BMW XM will take place this year, as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH. Production of the SUV will commence in December 2022 at the Spartanburg plant in Germany.