BMW has finally launched the XM 50e plug-in hybrid in its home market, Germany, following its debut everywhere else almost a year ago. This is going to play the part of the new entry-level version in the XM lineup.
Entry-level is synonymous with less power and lower price. With the XM sitting at 653 metric horsepower (644 horsepower), the new XM 50e will have to settle for 476 metric horsepower (469 horsepower) and 700 Newton meters (516 pound-feet) of torque, coming out of a six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine, instead of the 4.4-liter V8, and an electric motor.
The output is split like this: 313 metric horsepower (308 horsepower) and 450 Newton meters (332 pound-feet) are provided by the internal combustion petrol engine, while the electric motor, integrated in the eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission, adds 197 metric horsepower (194 horsepower) and 280 Newton meters (207 pound-feet).
The car takes 5.1 seconds to run from 0 to 100 kph (0 to 62 mph). That is way under what its V8-powered sibling can do: 3.8 seconds for the same run.
The top speed of the entry-level XM is electronically limited to 250 kph (155 mph).
A lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 22.1 kWh, the same which operates in the M760e, for instance, enables the XM 50e to drive for up to 84 kilometers on electric power only, according to the WLTP testing cycle. 140 kph (87 mph) is the top speed the car can reach when driving electric.
Photo: BMW
The XM 50e plug-in hybrid is easy to identify in traffic. It comes with black accent stripes running along the sides. Meanwhile, the BMW illuminated kidney grille surround and the rear diffuser clip feature a pearlescent chrome finish.
The XM exclusive accent band is also black. The dual exhaust tailpipes, protruding through the air diffuser, are trimmed in a Black high-gloss finish, and the model lettering is outlined in silver. The model rides on 23-inch light alloy wheels as standard.
BMW has come up with a brand-typical premium interior for the entry-level version as well. New BMW Exclusive vintage leather covers the upper area of the dashboard and door panels. The one-piece BMW Curved Display integrates the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch touchscreen, which controls most of the features of the car.
As expected, the XM 50e plug-in hybrid is more efficient, with a fuel consumption between 1.3 to 1.7 liters per 100 kilometers. But it is not an impressive gain compared to what the V8-powered XM comes with: 1.5 to 2.0 liters.
The XM 50e is not available in the United States, and BMW shows no intentions of bringing it here any time soon. In its home market, Germany, it starts at 132,400 euros, which is way below the price of the V8-powered version of 178,000 euros or that of the XM Label, which kicks off at 203,000 euros.
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