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Plug-In Hybrid 2023 BMW X8 M Competition Spied Testing at the Nurburgring

As you’re well aware, the AMG performance division is currently working on two electrified bi-turbo V8 powertrains dubbed 63 e and 73 e. The latter will produce more than 800 horsepower, which is why the Bavarian rivals at BMW decided to electrify its bi-turbo V8 mill.
Plug-In Hybrid 2023 BMW X8 M Competition 22 photos
Photo: Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien
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The first nameplate to receive the all-new powertrain is the X8 M Competition, which is expected to launch for the 2023 model year to mark the 50th anniversary of Motorsport GmbH. Clearly a PHEV based on the charging port door, the go-faster colossus may also get a brand-new engine.

Based on the N63 from 2008, the S63 can trace its roots back to the X5 M and X6 M from 2010. BMW has already pushed the 4.4-liter motor to 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet (750 Nm) of torque, which is more than adequate for the M5 CS mid-size sedan. But two years ago, sources told Auto Bild that a smaller-displacement S68 is under development with 4.0 liters of displacement to circumvent the higher taxes enforced in China.

Originally expected to launch in the M5 CS, the S63, in combination with a plug-in hybrid electric motor rumored to develop 200 horsepower, could take the X8 M Competition to 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet (1,000 Nm) of torque. Those are serious output figures for an imposing SUV, more so because BMW internally refers to this heavyweight as Project Rockstar.

Apparently codenamed G99, whereas regular versions of the X8 bear the G09 moniker, the non-competition X8 M will rival the likes of the Audi RS Q8 and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 without PHEV assistance. The M50i will purposely use the milder N68 engine, according to sources. Just like the 7er and 5er, the X7-based coupe utility vehicle should also get split headlights, the 8.0 operating system, and an M Performance variant in the guise of the M45e PHEV.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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