BMW has taken the wraps off the first electrified vehicle to wear its legendary ‘M’ badge.The controversially-styled BMW XM uses a cutting-edge plug-in hybrid drive system, which combines a new V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine with electric motor, to produce a whopping 653hp and 800Nm of torque. 

Performance looks set to be every bit as electrifying as you would expect from any ‘M’ model, and perhaps as talked-about as the looks.Despite the XM’s bulk, BMW says it will hit 62mph from a standing start in just 4.3 seconds and onto 124mph in 14.3 seconds. 

Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, but this rises to 168mph if the model is specified with the optional M Driver’s Package.

The XM will be eligible for 8% benefit-in-kind tax ratings for company car drivers

The XM’s pure-electric performance is equally impressive, with a range of between 51-55 miles and a top speed of 87mph possible on battery power alone. In hybrid mode the SUV can achieve a combined fuel consumption of 188.3 mpg, meaning it will be eligible for 8% benefit-in-kind tax ratings for company car drivers.

And, as if all that weren’t enough, an even more powerful variant – the 748hp BMW XM LABEL RED – will join the line-up in 2023. 

The new BMW XM is available to order now for £144,980.

The XM is pure XS, but the Oli is the antidote

An even more powerful XM LABEL RED will join the line-up in 2023