BMW unveils 644-hp XM hybrid SUV

BMW recently announced the arrival of its upcoming XM hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV). According to the German automotive marque, the BMW XM can deliver as much as 644 horsepower (hp) and around 800Nm of pulling power.

The output is derived from the Munich-based marque's newly-developed plug-in hybrid drivetrain — the M Hybrid system — which consists of a new 483hp V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and a 194hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.

Per BMW, this setup produces immense, instantaneously available power sustained throughout the rev range. The M Hybrid system, BMW adds, also enables purely electric driving with an anticipated range of 30 miles (m) or about 48.2 kilometers (km).

The M Hybrid system was made by BMW M, the brand’s high-performance division. The 4.4-liter engine has been extensively updated and utilizes the thermodynamic benefits of a cross-bank exhaust manifold. In addition, it features a reinforced crankshaft drive, a new vane-type oil pump, and a weight-minimized plastic oil sump, which in unison, increases the engine’s overall efficiency. An optimized oil separation process with a variable impactor enhances the engine’s emissions performance.

As a testament to its performance-based design, the aforementioned drive concept is also used on BMW M Motorsport’s International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship-bound Hybrid V8.

Despite sharing the same drive concept with a track-only machine, the BMW XM is still an SUV at heart. It features a progressive front-end design showcasing a fresh interpretation of the BMW M kidney grille and its twin headlights. Also found at the fore are large air intakes as well as sensor and camera systems that are seamlessly integrated into the BMW XM’s front apron.

High-gloss black accents further enhance the BMW XM’s elegant appeal. These are found on the border of the kidney grille, the windows, and the wheel arches. Black high-gloss accents can also be found on the diffuser elements in the rear apron.

Seven paint shades are available for the exterior of the BMW XM, including three shades exclusive to M models and one BMW Individual finish. Four colors are expected to be added in mid-2023.

The BMW XM can be ordered with NightGold Metallic exterior trim. If this option is specified, the accent band along the sides of the vehicle, the BMW M kidney grille’s outer border, and the surrounds for the diffuser elements at the rear are finished in NightGold.

It is fitted with 23-inch M light-alloy wheels. Available as an option are 22-inch M aerodynamic wheels with inserts that reduce both weight and drag. Customers may also choose 23-inch bi-color M light-alloy wheels. These are finished either in Black or Night Gold and feature a unique hub cover with BMW lettering.

Coming as standard in the XM are the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which brings with it an M-specific version of the latest generation of iDrive. The information display’s newly designed graphic layout and the M-style content shown there support the driver with a focused, performance-led driving experience.

Furthermore, the BMW XM proves that it’s as much of a passenger’s car as it is a driver's car. While the driver and the front passenger get to enjoy the generously-sized BMW Curved Display enhanced with carbon fiber elements, the rear occupants get to experience the comfort of sitting on exclusive M Lounge chairs.

The BMW XM is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2023 with production slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022 at BMW’s Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. Price will start at $159,000 (P9.372 million).

Photos from BMW

Also read: 

BMW Group shares details of new development site in Sokolov

BMW M begins concept testing for all-electric high-performance models

BMW ramps up e-mobility strategy