BMW has released images of the camouflaged XM undergoing final testing, while also revealing the production model’s peak outputs. The bad news is it makes less power and torquethan the crazyconcept that preceded it … for now, anyway.

Remember the BMW Concept XM revealed late in 2021? Well, the Munich-based firm has announced the production version’s peak power and torque figures, which are interestingly 70 kW and 200 Nm lower than those of the concept.

Yes, while the show car’s electrified V8 boasted a whopping 550 kW and 1 000 Nm, the production model – which will be the M division’s second standalone model after the M1 of the late 1970s – will settle for maximum outputsof 480 kW and 800 Nm. However, there’s always the possibility BMW M will unleash a more powerful version down the line.

Regardless, those are heady peaks (outpunching the new M60i versionof the related andupdated X7, for example) and will no doubt endow the initial version of the hefty SUV with a supercar-rivalling 0-100 kph time.

As a reminder, drive comes from what BMW describes as a “newly developed” V8 petrol engine, which is assisted by an electric motor. The German company claims the XM will benefit from an all-electric range of “around 80 km” on the WLTP cycle. Power is transferred to the road courtesy of BMW’s first hybrid-specific M xDrive four-wheel-drive system (complete with an electronically controlled differential lock in the rear axle transmission), which the automaker bills as “extremely spontaneous”.

BMW says the XM features “almost perfect” 50:50 axle-load distribution, with adaptive M Professional suspensionset to ship standard. The latter furthermore includes an electromechanical roll stabilising system with 48-volt technology, a first for an M product. Expect a model-specific M braking system to be part of the package as well, along with lightweight alloy wheels measuring up to 23 inches in diameter.

Of course, BMW is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, with models such as the M3 Touring and M4 CSL (and possibly even a Hommage version of the latter) also scheduled to be revealed in 2022. Expect to see the production version of the XM towards the end of the year, with the first units set to roll off the assembly line at the firm’s Spartanburg plant in the United States in December.

“With the debut of the BMW XM at the end of our anniversary year, we are looking into the future, where BMW M will continue to break with conventions and push boundaries,” said Franciscus van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH.

“Electrification gives us new opportunities to demonstrate that unmistakable M feeling in a fascinating way and transfer it to the road. Regardless of their drive technology, our performance and high-performance cars will continue to possess an unmistakable and authentic M character in the future.”