BMW unveils its new XM, a large plug-in hybrid SUV with insane power, but a somewhat disappointing range in 100% electric mode.
If BMW had until then been a little behind some of its rivals with regard to the electrification of its range, the German firm has been working hard for a few years to catch up. And achieve your goals. Indeed, it provides that half of its range to be electrified by the end of the decadewith a third of 100% electric models.
Crazy performance on paper
If the brand with the propeller today offers a wide range of electric cars, with the i3, i4, iX, iX3 or even i7, it also continues to believe in the rechargeable hybrid. This is in particular why it unveiled the XM concept in November 2021, a large electrified SUV announced as the most powerful model in the range.
A few months later, the production version finally sees the light of day, revealing its rather interesting performance. Judge for yourself: a 4.4 liter gasoline V8 and an electric motor developing no less than 653 horsepower, for a torque of 800 Nm. Everything is then sent to the four wheels via an eight-speed M gearbox. But if the 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 4.3 seconds, the top speed is still limited to 140 km/h… in 100% electric mode. In hybrid mode, this is electronically limited to 270 km/h.
BMW’s most powerful production car
An even more efficient version will also expand the range in autumn 2023. Called BMW XM Red Label, it is announced as the most powerful production car in the history of BMW Mwith an output of 748 horsepower for 1,000 Nm of torque.
Whatever the version, the SUV is equipped with the BMW IconicSounds Electric system, developed in partnership with composer Hans Zimmer. This allows the driver to enjoy a new sound when the car is running in electric mode. This is then amplified in Sport and Sport Plus mode, as explained in the brand’s press release.
Gargantuan consumption
On paper, the large SUV therefore has almost everything to please. Especially since it is equipped witha large battery with a gross capacity of 29.5 kWh (25.7 kW useful), which could suggest a significant autonomy. But this one is however displayed between 82 and 88 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle, which remains somewhat disappointing.
Another disappointment is the power consumption, displayed between 28.93 and 30.1 kWh/100 km. A very high figure, which we owe in particular to the elephantine weight of the car, displayed at 2,710 kilos according to the technical sheet. For its part, fuel consumption fluctuates between 1.5 and 1.6 l/100 km WLTP. But these numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, because the tests are generally carried out under optimal conditionsnot at all close to reality as far as plug-in hybrid cars are concerned.
The problem with plug-in hybrids
Moreover, as detailed in a recent study, the figures for the approvals of rechargeable hybrid models are generally much more optimistic than in reality, because the tests take place mainly in electric mode. The data is therefore considerably biased. From 2027, the share of electricity used for the consumption test should then be reduced following a decision by the European Union, which should lead to an increase in the fuel consumption indicated on the technical data sheets.
A measure which could then precipitate the decline of the rechargeable hybrid, which will no longer be eligible for the ecological bonus of 1,000 euros from next year. If BMW still continues to believe in this engine, the German firm is also developing its electric range, when it unveiled a prototype last August equipped with four high-performance electric motors, which could foreshadow a future M sports range.
Europe has just passed new legislation regarding plug-in hybrid cars. This could lead to the early end of this type of motorization.
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