The BMW XM is big, brash, and an absolute bruiser of an SUV powered by a hybrid V8 but according to a new report, a slightly less powerful variant with a six-cylinder is in the works.
The XM is the first model developed solely by BMW’s M division since the famed M1 supercar and if you can look past its controversial looks, is quite the solid performer. Bimmer Today reports that to make the XM appeal to Chinese consumers, a new entry-level variant dubbed the XM 50e is in the works. It will have two fewer cylinders than the standard model but it won’t be a slouch.
Bimmer Today notes that the six-cylinder will be paired with a hybrid system and could pump out the same 571 hp as the BMW M760e. By comparison, the ‘standard’ XM with its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged and hybridized V8 delivers 653 hp.
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In addition to offering more than enough power for most customers, the XM 50e will sip through less fuel and apparently use just 2 l/100 km (117 mpg) over the combined cycle, thanks in part to the fact that it will be able to cover as much 80 km (49.7 miles) on electric power alone. It will also weigh a little less than the V8 model but this isn’t expected to have a significant impact on performance.
It is not yet known if BMW will sell the XM 50e in markets outside of China, such as Europe, the U.S., or the Middle East but we have no doubt the firm’s number crunchers have been doing the math to see if it makes financial sense in these regions.
