BMW is positioning the XM as a significant release, hoping to make a lasting impression. This new model, the first of its kind since the iconic M1, has some lofty expectations to meet.
Yet, it has caused quite a stir due to its unconventional design, substantial weight, and high price tag. It’s safe to say that it couldn’t be more different from the M1, even if it attempted to be. However, there is one similarity between the two—the presence of an inline-six engine.
While the majority of global markets exclusively offer the XM with a V-8 engine, there are select regions that also have access to a base variant called the 50e. These visuals clearly demonstrate that the 50e bears an uncanny resemblance to its more powerful counterparts equipped with the larger powertrain.
Although the entry-level model has been available for some time, it remains relatively unknown unless you possess a deep passion for BMW. This particular iteration happens to be the slowest M car currently available for purchase.
While the XM 50e remains a plug-in hybrid, its power output is slightly reduced to 469 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. To provide some context, it has 14 fewer horses than the X5 xDrive50e, but matches its torque figure. However, the comparison between their technical specifications becomes less favorable when considering the weight of the XM, which tips the scales at a hefty 5,776 pounds. This makes it a substantial 441 pounds heavier than its counterpart.
Designated as an exclusive M car, the XM 50e achieves a speed of 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. In comparison, the electrified X5 we previously mentioned accomplishes this feat in just 4.8 seconds. However, it falls short when compared to various M Performance models, including the Z4 M40i with its manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, which reaches 62 mph in 4.6 seconds.
Surprisingly, it is even slower than the M135, a compact car equipped with a four-cylinder engine and a front-wheel-drive-based platform, although this particular version comes with standard xDrive. This impressive hatchback completes the sprint in 4.9 seconds.
Even disregarding the technical specifications, the XM 50e remains a substantial investment despite its lower price compared to the V-8 models. Priced at €132,400 ($143,500) in Germany, it demands a staggering premium of €35,100 ($38,000) over the X5 xDrive50e. The question arises: what motivates someone to purchase a vehicle that is pricier, less potent, and slower? It becomes challenging to find a rational justification unless one is captivated by the XM’s captivating aesthetic.
In certain countries, the 3.0-liter inline-six engine is expected to face lower taxes in comparison to the 4.4-liter V-8. However, the XM benefits from a plug-in hybrid configuration, which allows it to avoid significant charges in numerous regions, especially in Europe. Remarkably, this massive SUV stands out as the sole M car currently available that provides the choice of two different engines, a rarity within the lineage of M models.
Not only does the XM 50e face stiff competition from the X5 xDrive50e, which offers a superior electric range, but it also comes with a higher price tag compared to the X5 M60i and the full-fat X5 M, both equipped with powerful V-8 engines. For those who prefer a traditional approach, the high-performance SUVs eliminate the electric components, which may be seen as a benefit. Interestingly, the full-fat X5 M is available at a €13,800 ($15,000) lower price in its home market.
It seems BMW has made the wise choice of not introducing the XM 50e to the American market. In an effort to boost sales of their V-8 models, they have slashed prices by a staggering $17,500. Unfortunately, the numbers don’t lie – only 1,078 XMs were sold in the US during the first half of this year, marking a 7.9 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2023.
