BMW has quietly revealed the power figures for the entry-level version of its new flagship SUV, the XM, and although they aren’t exactly bad, they aren’t very impressive either. The big M-branded, plug-in hybrid SUV that gets a turbocharged inline-six will have to make do with just 469 hp (350 kW/475 PS).
Perhaps reflecting the deeply middle-of-the-road figure, BMW opted not to reveal the specifications with a press release. Instead, the power figure were buried within a product page that was first noticed by Bimmertoday.
While it may seem harsh to describe 469 hp as “disappointing,” it’s significantly less than earlier rumors had suggested the XM 50e would be capable of. Before its release, the base XM was expected to feature a beefed-up version of the six-cylinder hybrid powertrain found in the 563-hp M760e, potentially producing as much as 592 hp.
Read: Troubled Waters For The BMW XM? Massive $10K Discounts Reported As Label Red Shows Up
Like the M760e, the XM 50e combines a 197 hp (147 kW/200 PS) electric motor with a 3.0-liter inline-six gasoline engine. However, while the M760e’s turbocharged unit delivers 375 hp (380 PS), the XM 50e’s straight-six appears (on paper, at least) to produce less than 300 hp. Consequently, the XM 50e’s total system output is just 469 hp (350 kW/475 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque, compared to the 7-Series’ combined 563 hp (571 PS) and 591 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque.
That means that the supposedly performance-oriented model, with both an engine and an electric motor, makes less power than some vehicles that have only the 3.0-liter engine, such as the M3.
0-62 MPH In 5.1 Seconds. Ouch.
This leads to rather unexceptional performance figures for the XM 50e. According to BMW, it can accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.1 seconds, which is significantly slower than the V8-powered 644 hp XM’s 4.1 seconds or let alone the 738 hp Label Red edition that can do the same in just 3.7 seconds. In fact, the XM 50e’s acceleration is 0.2 seconds slower than both the Euro market 335 hp (340 PS / 250 kW) diesel-powered X3 M40d and petrol-powered 355 hp (360 PS / 265 kW) X3 M40i, both of which complete the sprint to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.9 seconds. The North American-specification 382 hp X3 M40i is even faster, achieving 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.4 seconds.
At least the XM 50e will get a little more electric range. It is expected to go up to 52 miles (84 km) per charge, whereas the Label Red can only go 30 miles (48 km). Unlike that model, and other higher-power XMs, the new entry-level trim will only be fitted black exterior trim, which, frankly, is the best thing it’s got going for it.
The revelation of these power figures comes as a report emerged that a BMW dealer is offering hefty discounts on the XM in the U.S., indicating that the controversially-designed SUV may not be selling very well. Rumors suggest that BMW has no plans to offer the base version of the XM in the US, though the brand has yet to make an official announcement.