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 (US$ 139,800) in the UK.
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 and 700 Nm of torque. Thanks to this powertrain, the XM
50e can reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h, and the brand has
previously revealed that it will be able to accelerate from zero to 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 (US$ 83,100).
Heck, even the 4-cylinder, 302 hp M235i Gran Coupe that costs US$ 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. Scanning through the entire
lineup of M and M Performance models, the only vehicles in the range to hit 100
km/h 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 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.
