BMW XM Will Come In A Range Of Flavors

Though it arrived as a concept, the BMW XM is slated for production later this year and will arrive with just one engine under the hood, a twin-turbocharged V8. We initially thought it would be the S63 4.4-liter V8 that's shared with other M models like the X5 M and M5, but a recent rumor suggests the XM will use a new S68 engine displacing just 4.0-liters. This same rumor suggests the XM will arrive with three different power outputs.

BMW revealed the XM Concept with a plug-in hybrid system, producing a total output of 750 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. According to new information posted on Bimmerpost, BMW will offer two variants below the 750-hp model with different states of tune.

This information is purely speculative as of this writing, but leaked information from this site has proven to be true in the past. The post claims a 650-hp XM will arrive first, sporting the S68 engine and hybrid setup promised by the concept. A luxury-focused model with 600 hp will slot below the intro model and the XM Competition will top the range with 750 hp.

Judging by a a patent filing from late last year, we may already know the names of the upcoming XM variants. The least powerful version may go by "Red Label" while the mid-level model could be called "Black Label." Yes, those names are shared with Johnnie Walker whisky, so it's unclear if BMW will stick with them to production.

The other details mentioned in the post are less notable, but worth mentioning. The XM will reportedly come well-equipped with M parts, including a limited-slip differential, blue brake calipers with red or black as options, M seats, M stripe seat belts, and carbon fiber trim. Wheel sizes will range from 21 to 23 inches and the XM will recieve "next level driving assist" (possibly hands-free) later in 2023.

The production XM should launch in December 2022, so we have until the end of the year to find out if these rumors are accurate.