‘Base-spec’ BMW XM 50e Quietly Debuts With ‘Only’ 469 HP

Think the RM1.3 million+ BMW XM plug-in hybrid (PHEV) super-SUV, as well as the manic 653 HP Label Red version are a bit much? Well, fret not as BMW quietly rolled out an ‘entry-level’ version of the M-built PHEV super-SUV earlier this week, dubbed the XM 50e.

Considering the facts and figures we’re about to detail, as well as the i7 M70 xDrive’s debut in Shanghai this week, perhaps we can understand why the Bavarian marque opted not to create much hype surrounding this variant of the groundbreaking M product.

New XM 50e now stands as the 'entry-level' variant of the groundbreaking and controversial PHEV super-SUV.

For starters, the XM 50e serves up a ‘mere’ 469 HP and 700 NM despite employing the same twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line 6-cyl mill as found in the regular XM, along with its electrified setup driving all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic with multiple driving modes.

Though similar to the M-treated i7 mentioned, 0-100 KM/H takes 5.1 seconds, which is slower than the regular XM’s time of 4.3 seconds, or the peppier Label Red variant’s time of 3.8 seconds. In fact, the XM 50e is slower than the smaller X3 M40i sports SUV, which does the century sprint in 4.9 seconds instead.

In this from, the PHEV super-SUV packs 'merely' 469 HP and 700 NM.

Additionally, the claimed full-electric driving range of 84 KM granted by the 22.1 kWh battery pack this version of the XM packs is slightly less than the regular XM’s claimed 88 KM. Then again, this is still far better than the peppy Label Red flagship’s claimed 48 KM all-electric range.

Presently, the BMW XM 50e will enter markets in both Germany and Europe first, with no indications whether it will be available in either North America and Asia just yet. The question is… Would you still fancy a slightly cheaper and less quick version of BMW M’s first all-new model after mighty M1?