This time last year, Dell retired its performance XPS brand, but it appears that the company has had regrets and it's now bringing it back, at least to a pair of new laptops for now. The new models are simply named the XPS 14 and XPS 16 and although the design doesn't really scream XPS performance laptop, Dell has managed to pack in some interesting features. Starting with the display, the 14-inch models come with a 2.8K tandem OLED option with 20-120 Hz refresh rate, whereas the 16-inch models come with a 2K LCD option that offers 1 to 120 Hz variable refresh rate, where the 1 Hz mode is used for static content. The chassis is of course made from CNC aluminium and the screens are protected with a layer of Gorilla Glass Victus.

Under the hood, these first two models will be powered by Intel's range of Core Ultra Series 3 processors, with the base model being the Core Ultra X7 358H with Intel Arc B390 graphics. Currently no other CPU options are listed on Dell's website, but we presume other options will be offered later. The CPU is paired with 32 GB of 9600 MT/s LPDDR5X dual channel memory and a 1 TB NVMe M.2 SSD is currently the only storage option. Both sizes have three Thunderbolt 4 ports with DP 2.1 and power delivery support, as well as a single 3.5 mm audio jack. Other features include an 8 Megapixel, 4K capable HDR webcam, four speakers and dual microphones. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 support is also part of the package, alongside a 3-cell 70 Wh battery for both sizes, and a 100 W USB PD charger. The XPS 14 starts at US$2,050 with the XPS 16 at US$2,200 and both are available to order now. Dell is promising more options with lower prices at some time next month and later this year, Dell will offer Ubuntu 24.04 as an OS option. Dell will also be bringing the XPS 13 back later this year.