BMW to launch revised XM at Le Mans

A slimmed-down lineup for BMW M's XXL SUV, with just one 748hp V8 option going forward

By Matt Bird / Thursday, 12 June 2025 / Loading comments

BMW is dropping an XM variant, with two models to be offered from now on instead of three. Typically the demise of a V8 M car would be a cause for some disappointment, but it’s hard to imagine that sentiment being strongly expressed by anyone reading this. The announcement suggests it hasn’t been a smash hit commercially. Can't think why.

At any rate, it’s the standard 653hp/590lb ft model that’s being discontinued, leaving the XM range as the 476hp/516lb ft, straight-six 50e and the flagship XM Label. Which, in case you’d forgotten, ‘combines stupendous power and an advanced drive concept.’ Even with the M5 having arrived since the Label’s debut, it remains the most powerful roadgoing M car in history, thanks to 748hp. Like the saloon, it combines the 4.4-litre, twin-turbo, 585hp V8 with a 197hp electric motor. Peak torque is 738lb ft, for 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and an optional 180mph top speed; even with a few years having passed, and no shortage of silly SUVs, the XM Label remains just as mad as ever. Oh yeah, and it can AC charge at up to 11kW, so that might be handy.

Marking out a new Label over an original (assuming one is ever seen) are standard 22-inch wheels, where previously the factory-fit rims were a mere 21-inch in diameter. One of a few new options is a set of 23-inch 1096 Ms in black, because of course. Also on the extras list from now on are Frozen Tanzanite Blue, Individual Night Blue Merino Leather and Vintage Coffee Brown interior surfaces; the infamous cushions are now included when buyers plump for the merino leather. This XM is even more XM than before, basically.

Normally this is where the soundbite from a BMW M bod would be inserted, but such a quote was noticeable by its absence in the latest press release. Instead there’s a video from Carl Cox, who’s made a track using XM sounds. Yes, really. Expect the revised model to be on sale soon after the Le Mans debut. Might be a good time to pounce (no, really) on an original, then - especially with early V8s not far from half-price already.