BMW’s XM 50e Will Be Brand’s Entry-Level Electric SUV

The BMW XM is a polarizing SUV with undeniable performance appeal, but a face that takes some getting used to. On top of that, the SUV sports a sky-high price tag, though that is changing – slightly – with the introduction of the new XM 50e. BMW quietly introduced the new trim via a short product information page on its German website, and its specs are a little more entry-level than many expected.

The American XM comes with a twin-turbo V8 and plug-in hybrid system that combine for 644 horsepower, 46 MPGe and a 4.1-second zero to 60 mph time. The XM 50e gets a twin-turbocharged inline-six that produces 469 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

That setup adds a second to the V8-powered XM’s zero to 60 time, as BMW claims a 5.1-second zero to 100km/h (62 mph) time for the SUV. It gets an M-tuned all-wheel-drive system with an M differential and an eight-speed M automatic transmission.

The XM 50e still features the outlandish styling of its more powerful and expensive counterparts but lacks some flashier accents. It wears gloss-black exterior trim pieces instead of the gold accents from the standard XM and the red touches seen on the XM Label Red.

We don’t know the SUV’s pricing or release date details, but as BimmerToday pointed out, it’s targeted primarily at the Asian market. Here in the United States, many have derided the XM for its outrageous $160,000 starting price and somewhat middling performance compared to its rivals.

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is more expensive to start, but is a full second quicker to 60 mph and doesn’t have the same cosmetic challenges. The base Bentley Bentayga V8 starts at around $191,000 but brings more luxury and upscale features. At the same time, electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X Plaid outrun all of their gas-powered counterparts for far less money.