BMW has quietly introduced the XM 50e during the festivities for the new XM Label Red. Sitting at two different ends of the spectrum, the XM 50e is slated to be an entry-level variant and it’s expected to trade the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 for a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.
Details on the model are scarce, but BMW has confirmed that it is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain providing an electric-only range of 47-52 miles (76-84 km) in the WLTP cycle.
We attempted to gather more information, but oddly, despite the fact that the video was released on the official BMW M channel, a U.S. spokesperson told us that, “We cannot speculate on future models, so I can’t confirm or deny anything about what might be in the YouTube clip.”
More: We Get Up Close To The 2023 BMW XM Plug-In Hybrid
If the rumors about the base six-cylinder XM having 592 hp (441 kW / 600 PS) are true, we suspect that it could use a tweaked version of the powertrain found in the new M760e. The electrified 7-Series pairs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 375 HP (380 PS) and 383 lb-ft (520 Nm) with a 197 hp (200 PS) electric motor sandwiched between the automatic transmission and the engine for a combined output of 563 hp (571 PS) and 591 lb-ft (800 Nm). This enables the M760e to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.3 seconds and travel 50-52 miles (80-84 km) on electricity alone.
BMW is keeping full details of the XM 50e under wraps for now, but previous reports suggest that the entry-level model won’t be offered in North America.
