In a surprise to almost nobody, BMW has now unveiled a new entry-level variant for the controversial XM in Europe. The BMW XM 50e is still a behemoth of an SUV, and it’s still also a full-blown M model (apparently) – but it’s now jettisoned the hybrid twin-turbo V8 powertrain for a hybrid 3.0-litre inline-six in a bid to hopefully attract more buyers.
To that end, it’s at least not as eye-wateringly expensive as before, with the entry-level variant of the BMW XM now starting at EUR132,400 (approx. RM679k) – a massive reduction over the price of the V8 XM (EUR178,000, RM1.4 million in Malaysia) and the range-topping Label Red (EUR203,000, RM1.6m in Malaysia).
Like its elder siblings, the new BMW XM 50e is also a plug-in hybrid, but the discount on pricing (and two lesser cylinders) does mean it’s quite a bit lower on power – now just 476 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Together with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and an all-wheel drive system, the new baby XM can go from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds – 0.8 seconds slower than the standard car.
It’s still not a number to scoff at, mind you, but it does make the BMW XM 50e one of the slowest full-blown M models ever. The same powertrain is also used in the X5 xDrive50e (which was just launched in Malaysia recently), and despite the X5 not even being an M Performance model, it’s also already quicker to 100 km/h than the new XM 50e.
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So it’s not the fastest M model, nor the most powerful (a title reserved for the Label Red), but BMW says it’s at least the most efficient one to date. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of travelling up to 83 km (at speeds of up to 140 km/h) on electric power alone, and thanks to the now-smaller engine running on the Miller combustion cycle, the BMW XM 50e has a rated fuel consumption as low as 1.3 L/100 km.
It’ll also still have the same love-it-or-hate-it looks, including the light-up kidney grille in front, massive 23-inch alloy wheels, and the unique vintage leather upholstery is also available to be optioned. That said, those who know will still be able to tell immediately that you’ve got the cheapest car, as all of the trims on the outside are finished in standard gloss black, chrome, and silver, rather than the unique Night Gold hue (or red on the Label Red).
At this point, we’re not entirely sure what even is an M model any more. That said, it appears the BMW XM has certainly found its fans here in Malaysia, and we’re sure that if they were to introduce the new entry-level model here, it’ll sell even better…
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