• The BMW XM was revealed as a part of the carmaker’s 50th anniversary celebration of its M badge.
• The hybrid plug-in system features a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 and electric combination.
• The hybrid SUV can do 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds.

BMW is currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of its M badge, which is synonymous with the high performance division of the German carmaker and the rapid cars it produces.

To mark the occasion, it has announced something a little different in the form of the BMW XM. This as it as a luxury hybrid plug-in SUV, which also happens to the first vehicle of this nature from the company that fall under the M category.

We will touch on the electric aspect of its hybrid capabilities shortly, but on the high performance side, the BMW XM features a 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Paired with a single electric motor, the combination yields a total of 480 kW of power.

This sizeable output means the XM is understandably quick, mustering a 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds. Added to this is, the M HYBRID drive system produces maximum overall torque of 800Nm.

“The eight-cylinder engine is assisted in its task by an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The motor’s propulsive power is instantly on tap when pulling away, delivering unhesitating response to every movement of the accelerator,” adds BMW regarding the powertrain of the XM.

“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 local emissions at speeds of up to 140 km/h (87 mph) and over a maximum distance of 82 – 88 km (51 – 55 miles) in the WLTP cycle. This is thanks to the lithium-ion high-voltage battery mounted in the car’s underbody and the 25.7 kWh of usable energy it provides. The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW XM enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW,” adds the company regarding some of its electric features.

If you are wanting to pick one of these up, those in the US can start ordering from December this year, although recommending pricing is still in the offing. Closer to home, however, we will need to hear from BMW South Africa on the status of the new XM.