BMW XM Delivers More Power Than Advertised

The XM joins the list of BMWs that deliver more power than what's advertised from the factory.

IND Distribution dyno'd the XM and found that the "output at the crank is around 768 hp (573 kW) and 712 lb-ft (965 Nm). For reference, BMW advertises the model with 644 hp (480 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque."



The IND Distribution team did four runs at the dyno at Performance Eurowerks in Illinois and the highest numbers that can be seen in the video are 614.84 horsepower (458.48 kilowatts) and 569.14 pound-feet (771.65 Newton-meters) of torque. This is the output at the wheels and if we assume an approximate power loss of around 20 percent (which might be a little too high, honestly), this would mean the output at the crank is around 768 hp (573 kW) and 712 lb-ft (965 Nm). For reference, BMW advertises the model with 644 hp (480 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque.

The team that performs the measurement admits it is a little difficult to figure out exactly how the hybrid system is functioning while the XM is in dyno mode. Apparently, the electric power gauge ramps up during the dyno test but spikes earlier than expected. It’s also unclear at the moment whether BMW's dyno-mode employs the electric motor differently from its standard operation, which could potentially mean more power remains hidden and unleashed.

Regardless of the actual output, the XM is very quick. According to the factory numbers, it can perform the 0 to 60 miles per hour (0-96 kilometers per hour) sprint in just 4.1 seconds. The second standalone M model in history is electronically capped at 155 mph (250 kph), but the M Driver’s Package unleashes the vehicle’s full potential and a top speed of 168 mph (270 kph).