Watch The BMW XM Struggle Around The Nurburgring

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Whenever a new BMW M car breaks cover, it’s always a pretty big deal, especially when it’s the first standalone M car in 40 years. The BMW XM is an electrified powerhouse that redefines what it means to be an M car, and despite its massive size and intimidating looks, BMW plans for this lumbering SUV to be light on its feet and reasonably fun to drive. In order to achieve that goal, BMW goes to one place, and one place only: the Nurburgring. Just last week, we caught the upcoming M3 Touring Wagon and the BMW M4 CSL setting some seriously quick lap times around the Green Hell, and now it’s the turn of the XM. In the short YouTube clip posted by Automotive Mike, we get to see the XM taking to the Nürburgring wearing full camouflage armor.

We already have a pretty solid understanding of what this new M car will look like, but it seems like BMW is set on concealing the final design as far as possible before it’s launched. As the XM quietly bombs around the track, we cannot help but notice its lack of exhaust sound. This is despite the fact that it’s hiding a big V8 engine under the hood. At least those stacked quad exhaust tips look cool. The clip shows some Mercedes-AMG models effortlessly blasting around the track, and the BMW M3 Wagon even makes an appearance and looks equally at home on the track, but the same can’t be said for the XM. That characteristic tire squeal that always accompanies understeer is ever present when the XM takes a corner, and the car just looks ungainly.

The XM might seem to struggle around the tighter bits of the Nürburgring, but when it officially hits the road, most won’t be taking it to the track. This BMW is destined to be a highway bomber and city cruiser, and its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, assisted by an electric motor, will do most of the talking. This powertrain generates 750 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels, making it the most powerful production BMW ever. We expect 0-60 mph times in the three-second range. Add to that a 30-mile all-electric range and you’ve got yourself one cool SUV. Just don’t try to follow your friend’s Porsche Boxster through a set of turns.