Simply put, it’s the first BMW M car with an electrified drive system and the first standalone model developed by BMW’s high-performance division since the M1 supercar of 1978.
This seems to give BMW a reason to go all-out, so not only do they put a V8 in this car, they add a hybrid drive system, and for a bit of comfort? How about an “M Lounge” in the rear of the car.
The plug-in hybrid drive system brings together newly the developed 4.4-litre M TwinPower V8 engine and electric motor to deliver 480kW and 800Nm, surely enough grunt for most BMW drivers. That powerhouse will get the car to 100km/h in 4.3-seconds. Under pure-electric driving, top speed is up to 140km/h and the range is 82-88km, says BMW.
Then we get to the XM LABEL RED, that BMW says is the most powerful BMW M car ever made with 550kW/1000Nm – it’s set to launch late next year.
The BMW XM shares its drive concept of an eight-cylinder combustion engine supported by an electric motor with the newly developed endurance race car from BMW M Motorsport. The BMW M Hybrid V8 will go racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America in 2023 at venues including Daytona. In 2024 it will power BMW M Motorsport’s return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The first-ever BMW XM, which had its world premiere this week, will launch in New Zealand in the first half of 2023.
BMW XM Hybrid V8: One engine, one electric motor, three operating modes and four driven wheels
BMW says that the interplay between engine and motor enables the BMW XM to deliver an elevated performance experience worthy of the M badge in all driving situations. The BMW XM sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, accompanied by an energy-charged soundtrack. This originates from its sports exhaust system featuring electronically controlled, continuously adjustable flaps and hexagonal dual tailpipes arranged one above the other for the first time on a BMW M model.
The M Hybrid button on the centre console is used to select one of three operating modes, including an ELECTRIC setting for cruising with zero emissions at speeds of up to 140km/h and over a maximum distance of 82–88 km in the WLTP cycle. This is thanks to the lithium-ion high-voltage battery mounted in the car’s underbody and the 25.7kWh of usable energy it provides. The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW XM enables AC charging at up to 7.4kW.
The BMW Iconic Sounds Electric developed in a collaboration between the BMW Group and film score composer Hans Zimmer also creates a suitable backing track for the electric motor’s power delivery. We’ll reserve judgement on this sound until we actually hear it.
The power generated by the drive duo is channelled to the road via the all-wheel-drive system M xDrive, whose rear-biased setup is particularly evident in 4WD Sport mode. Drivers can also select 4WD Sand mode, which has been conceived specifically for driving over dunes and similar loose material surfaces.
Operation of the M Sport differential in the rear axle is also fully variable.
BMW XM Hybrid V8: Distinctive design as expression of presence and performance
According to BMW, the exterior design of the BMW XM is a “statement of exclusivity, presence and performance”. Defining elements of the front end include headlights split into two separate units – which also feature on the new BMW 7 Series and X7 – as well as large air intakes and a BMW kidney grille with gold-coloured surrounds and continuous contour lighting.
The side design is characterised by an accent band in gold that delivers a prominent styling touch while also evoking the black strip running along the body of the BMW M1. Further nods to the past come in the form of the BMW logos engraved into the flat rear window and the eye-catching louvred structure of the sculptural rear lights.
M light-alloy wheels, which are available in a variety of sizes up to 23-inch (!) in diameter, also boast a highly distinctive design.
BMW XM Hybrid V8: Interior: driver-focused cockpit and luxurious M Lounge in the rear
Standard specification includes M multifunction seats, model-specific M leather steering wheel, M-specific graphics including shift lights for the BMW Curved Display and a BMW Head-Up Display.
Heated backrests extending well into the sides of the rear compartment and specially designed cushions offer passengers luxurious levels of comfort, claims BMW. There is a sculptural headliner with its three-dimensional prism structure, photo mount-style border and 100 LED units for illumination.
Ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, the Travel & Comfort System and the acclaimed Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 1500-watt amplifier and four additional speakers in the roof area represent standard equipment on New Zealand delivered BMW XM models.
BMW XM Hybrid V8: Chassis: ultimate balance between dynamism and long-distance comfort
The unique blend of driving pleasure and wellbeing offered by the BMW XM cabin is mirrored by the driving experience. Sophisticated chassis systems with M-specific tuning enable the car to offer the widest possible spectrum between signature BMW M dynamics and a high level of ride comfort.
Drivers can also customise the vehicle settings via the M Setup menu. The integrated application of all powertrain and chassis systems on varying types of road – from urban driving to country roads to freeways – has resulted in supremely assured, well-resolved handling at all times. The chassis design comprises a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle with specially tuned kinematic and elastokinematic properties.
It‘s the first BMW M model to feature Integral Active Steering, which enhances manoeuvrability by steering the rear wheels in the opposite direction. This will be part of the standard specification set for locally delivered XM models.
Traction, agility and directional stability all benefit from both the near-actuator wheel slip limitation and the networking of all control systems within the integrated transverse dynamics management.
BMW XM Hybrid V8: XM LABEL RED: the most powerful BMW M model ever made
The BMW XM LABEL RED will be added to the model range at the end of next year. The most powerful road-legal series-produced car in the history of BMW M will summon up system output of 550 kW and maximum system torque of 1000 Nm. Further details about this model, including launch pricing and specification for New Zealand, will be announced in 2023.
BMW XM Hybrid V8 at a glance
| Powertrain | 4.4L M TwinPower Turbo V8 petrol engine with M HYBRID system incorporating BMW eDrive technology with synchronous electric motor and lithium-ion battery |
| Drive | All-wheel (M xDrive) |
| Combined output (kW) | 480 |
| Torque (Nm) | 800 |
| 0-100km/h (sec) | 4.3 |
| HV battery (net kWh) | 25.7 |
| EV range (WLTP, km) | 82-88km |
| Consumption | TBC |
