BMW XM, struggling with sales in the U.S., adopts V-8 engine exclusively for the American market
BMW has announced the upcoming release of the 2026 XM Label, the sole remaining trim in the XM lineup. This high-performance SUV boasts a **4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain** that delivers an impressive **738 horsepower** and **1,000 Nm of torque**.
The 2026 XM Label, set to begin production in August 2025, combines a 577-hp V8 engine with a 194-hp electric motor, routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. This powerful setup allows the XM Label to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately **3.6 seconds**.
For the 2026 model year, BMW has introduced several updates to the XM Label. The exterior now includes a new BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic paint color, 23-inch wheels with an optional Jet Black finish, and a new welcome light animation that activates when the owner approaches and unlocks the vehicle.
Inside, there are three new BMW Individual Merino leather interior themes, which combine different hues with brown or black accents. These include two full Merino leather packages (Night Blue with Vintage Coffee accents and Black with Vintage Coffee accents) and one extended Merino leather package (Silverstone with black accents), covering most interior surfaces except some areas like the lower dash.
BMW has also upgraded the XM's onboard charging unit, allowing it to charge the battery from AC charging devices at up to **11 kW**, an increase from the previous 7.4 kW.
Pricing for the 2026 XM Label has not yet been confirmed, but the current model costs $186,700. The 2026 model is expected to be slightly more expensive due to its luxury features, which include leather upholstery, large 23-inch wheels, an advanced curved infotainment display, and various driver assistance technologies.
The 2026 XM will be built at the North American manufacturing site in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The XM Label is restricted to a top speed of 155 mph, but with the optional M Driver's Package, this limit can be increased to 175 mph.
First introduced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, the XM Label continues to embody BMW's commitment to performance and luxury. Despite initial poor sales performance, the 2026 XM is expected to be less expensive than the current model. The XM Label remains the most powerful street-legal vehicle ever produced by BMW's M department, thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- The 2026 XM Label, an electrified motorsport SUV from BMW, will be equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- The high-performance XM Label will deliver an impressive 738 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 3.6 seconds.
- In the automotive industry, the XM Label is notable for its use of a 577-hp V8 engine alongside a 194-hp electric motor.
- The 2026 XM Label will be available in a new BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic paint color, with optional 23-inch Jet Black wheels and a unique welcome light animation.
- Inside the luxury vehicle, BMW offers three new BMW Individual Merino leather interior themes, including two full and one extended package, all combining various hues with brown or black accents.
- To charge the battery, the XM's onboard charging unit has been upgraded to handle AC charging devices at up to 11 kW, an improvement from the previous 7.4 kW.
- Despite initial high prices, the 2026 XM is anticipated to be less expensive than the current model, yet it remains the most powerful street-legal vehicle ever produced by BMW's M department, boasting a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
