A fresh report out of the United Kingdom claims the rumoured BMW X8 M will offer around 560 kW, more than enough to make it the German firm’s most powerful model yet.

According to Autocar, a plug-in hybrid M-badged variant will arrive about a year after the launch of the standard X8, which is slated to be unveiled late in 2021.

The report claims the X8 M will feature a plug-in hybrid system combining the Munich-based firm’s familiar turbocharged 4,4-litre V8 with an electric motor and battery pack. “Insiders” at the company claim an output of up to 560 kW is on the cards.

The electric motor is expected to offer around 150 kW, while the all-wheel-drive system is likely to be “switchable” to full rear-wheel drive. Autocar says the plug-in hybrid system will allow BMW to “dramatically reduce” the vehicle’s emission rating.

The X8 is expected to employ the same platform as the X7. Interestingly, however, the latter range doesn't include a full-fat M model, with the X7 M50i and M50d M Performance derivatives topping the line-up.

In April 2020, BMW has filed an application to trademark the “X8 M” badge in Europe. The rumour of an X8 has been around for a few years, with Klaus Fröhlich, member of the board responsible for development at BMW, admitting in 2017 such a vehicle was under consideration.

Original article from Car