Mammoth 1000Nm output for BMW XM confirmed

The performance outputs of BMW’s first dedicated M-car in more than four decades have been confirmed and they bode frighteningly well for the forthcoming all-new BMW M5.

Due to be revealed later this year, the 2023 BMW XM will be an all-new SUV powered by a monstrous plug-in hybrid V8 developing 550kW of power and 1000Nm of torque – comfortably making it the most powerful series production BMW to date.

It’s so powerful that BMW M CEO Frank van Meel described the new halo car as a “complete re-imagining of the high-performance car segment”.

“The BMW XM blends expressive design and progressive interior luxury with an incomparable driving experience that serves up both sublime performance and the ability to glide along in near silence in all-electric mode,” he said.

“In so doing, it provides an inimitable expression of poise and assurance, and at the same time points the way to the future of our brand.”

Further powertrain specifics including engine size, performance and battery capacity are all yet to be announced, but a single ‘high-performance’ electric motor will provide the emissions-free shove.

For the time being at least, the general consensus is that the petrol V8 at the heart of the BMW XM will be an evolution of the current twin-turbo 4.4-litre unit doing service in the M5 and M8 portfolios.

However, BMW recently revealed new-generation six- and eight-cylinder engines were under development.

Either way, the XM’s time at the top of the BMW power tables could be short-lived if reports out of Europe suggesting the next-gen M5 super-sedan will up the ante further prove accurate.

It should be noted that the GT 63 and M5 operate in completely different segments and price points, but there’s nothing to stop AMG turning the wick down a bit and installing the same powertrain under the bonnet of the next-gen E 63 S.

For the time being though, a 130kW/250Nm-plus jump in outputs would elevate the next M5 from supercar scarer to all-out supercar slayer, and more than likely see it dip below the three-second mark for the 0-100km/h sprint.

For reference, the current 460kW/750Nm M5 Competition stops the clock in 3.3sec.