BMW employed a clever strategy by initially unveiling the polarizing XM sport activity vehicle in its most powerful forms to generate attention. Now, the automaker is introducing the entry-level model in Europe, and it arrives with less power than one might anticipate for an M flagship, especially given its substantial size and heft.
But fear not, BMW knows you’re here for the price tag, and it doesn’t disappoint, starting at an eye-watering £109,825 (approximately US$139,800 at current exchange rates) in the UK. Because who needs excessive power when you can have that impressive price, right?
As we’ve covered before, the XM 50e features a hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine with an electric motor integrated directly into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Together, they produce 469 hp (350 kW/476 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.
Thanks to this powertrain, the XM 50e can reach a maximum speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), and the brand has previously revealed that it will be able to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in as little as 5.1 seconds. While that’s nothing to sniff at, it is a pretty big number for an M branded vehicle.
The 653 hp, V8-powered XM can accomplish the same sprint nearly a second faster at 4.3 seconds, while the range-topping 748 hp XM Label edition can run from 0-62 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
In fact, the XM 50e is slower than a diesel-powered X3 M40d, which can reach 62 mph from a standstill in just 4.9 seconds, and it starts at £65,250 (around US$83,100). Heck, even the 4-cylinder, 302 hp M235i Gran Coupe that costs $48,300 in the States can do it in 4.9 seconds, and these aren’t even full-blown M models; they belong to the entry M Performance series.
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Scanning through the entire lineup of M and M Performance models, the only vehicles in the range to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) slower than the base XM are the X1 and X2 M35i, both standing at 5.4 seconds.
On the other hand, BMW is promoting the XM 50e as the most efficient model in the lineup, and its plug-in hybrid powertrain will certainly help there. The model is capable of traveling 52 miles (83 km) on electric power and is rated at up to 217 MPG (1.3 L/100 km) on the WLTP test cycle.
The XM 50e will also get its own design cues, so that everyone knows you bought the entry-level model. They include a black accent band along the side of the vehicle, and Pearl-effect chrome trim around the massive grille and the rear diffuser. The tailpipe will also be finished in high gloss back and silver borders.
If that all sounds good to you, then you’ll be excited to hear that the XM 50e goes into production in March.
