Whether you like or hate the looks of the BMW XM, it is undoubtedly a rather unique product, as it is the first standalone BMW M car since the BMW M1 made its debut over 40 years ago. However, it seems like this generation of the XM will be the first and also the last as the Munich-based carmaker is reported to end the production of the performance SUV at its Spartanburg factory by November 2028, according to a report by Automotive News.
BMW initially had plans to introduce an all-electric successor for the XM as well, which was set to make its debut in late 2028, but it seems like this has also been axed, according to sources from the brand’s suppliers in the US. If all things were to go as planned, production for this supposedly all-electric XM would also be carried out at the brand’s Spartanburg plant.
Although a piece of sad news for fans of the XM, this is no surprise as BMW is aiming to have electric vehicles (EVs) account for half of its sales by 2030. Therefore some sacrifices and changes have to be made to achieve that goal, especially with a low-volume seller such as the XM.
Although the XM will be no more, its powertrain’s legacy will carry on though. In fact, it is now at the heart of the 2025 BMW M5 which just made its global debut yesterday (June 26).
RELATED: BMW XM Label Red launched in Malaysia, RM1.6m – Most powerful M model
The BMW XM is offered here in Malaysia with two variants, namely the regular XM and the even more aggressive XM Label Red. The former is retailed at a starting price of RM1,425,500 (with extended warranty and service package), while the latter can be yours from RM1,629,150 (with extended warranty and service package) onwards.
Powering the XM lineup is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, consisting of a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor. This results in a combined system output of 653 hp and 800 Nm for the “regular” XM, while the XM Label Red makes even more power at 748 hp and 1000 Nm.
Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.3 seconds with the normal XM, and just 3.8 seconds with the XM Label Red. Thanks to a 29.5 kWh and a 25.7 kWh battery pack on the XM and XM Label Red, the two performance SUVs (or SAVs as BMW prefers to call them) can travel in pure electric mode as far as 88 km and 83 km respectively.
With the BMW XM to be discontinued with no successor in sight, does this mean it will be the first and last of its kind from the German marque? Well, we sure hope BMW is actually cooking some kind of surprise for us behind the scenes.
