The New BMW XM Is a Plug-in Hybrid SUV with Refined Performance

• BMW says the XM is “the first-ever high-performance vehicle from BMW M with an electrified powertrain.”

• It has a 4.4-liter V8 mated to a single electric motor powering all four wheels.

• Pricing starts at a steep $159,995.

BMW will make the transition to electrification like every other carmaker on Earth, but it freely admits that its gasoline-fed internal-combustion engines will be part of the product line for many years to come.

“Some companies say (full electrification) is going to happen at a certain date, but for us there will be a transition. We will offer all kinds of drivetrains at the same time—there will be electric ones, combustion ones, and, of course, plug-in hybrids,” said BMW M’s affable chairman Frank van Meel.

Thus, let us introduce you to the 2023 BMW XM, a plug-in hybrid from BMW’s all-performance all-the-time M division.

The heart of the XM is BMW’s vaunted 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 mated to one of BMW’s latest eDrive synchronous electric motors. Combined, that powertrain makes 644 hp at 5400 rpm and 590 lb-ft of torque between 1600 and 5000 revs. That’s more than a Mercedes AMG GLE 63 4Matic. It’s a downright racy powertrain, really. Fully charged, the BMW XM will deliver 30 miles of all-electric range, before relying more heavily on the V8 for power delivery.

“The BMW XM shares its drive concept of an eight-cylinder combustion engine supported by an electric motor with the newly developed endurance racing car from BMW M Motorsport,” the company said.

This year, the racing version of that powertrain is competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where it finished a respectable sixth place in its first outing at the Rolex Daytona 24 and is roaring around Sebring as I write this. Next year look for it in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.