BMW M GmbH has unveiled the flagship and most powerful BMW M model ever made, with a system output of 550 kW, the BMW XM Label Red is for a customer with a taste for an extroverted lifestyle and a passion for ultimate performance. Production will begin in August 2023 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA, and an exclusive edition of the range-topping model limited to 500 examples will also be available with an exterior paint finish in BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black metallic. The BMW XM Label Red will have its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai international motor show in April 2023, and will be sold in China, the USA, and the Middle East.
The M HYBRID system in the BMW XM Label Red combines an electric motor with a V8 engine with a concept similar to the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance racing car that debuted in the 24 Hours of Daytona race in 2023 and will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024. The BMW XM Label Red has a system output of 550 kW, 70 kW more than the standard BMW XM, and system torque is increased to 1,000 Nm. The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a unique composition of chassis technology and powertrain and chassis control creates a new level of performance experience with agility and dynamism.
The V8 engine in the BMW XM Label Red features M TwinPower Turbo technology and a classic high-revving character while also being future-focused with its integration into the M HYBRID system. The latest generation of the V8 engine is efficient, emits minimal emissions and delivers rapid power delivery. It has a reinforced crankshaft drive, an electrically controlled blow-off valve, optimised oil supply and oil separation, and a cross-bank exhaust manifold. In the BMW XM Label Red, the V8 engine produces a maximum output of 430 kW at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 750 Nm across a wide rev range from 1,800 to 5,400 rpm. The sports exhaust system features two electronically controlled and continuously adjustable flaps that provide an emotionally rich engine sound with a unique quality, which is accompanied by the two pairs of dual tailpipes arranged one above the other.
The electric motor in the BMW XM Label Red's M HYBRID system offers instantaneous power delivery and contributes up to 145 kW to the system's maximum output. It has a nominal torque of 280 Nm, which is increased to an effective maximum of 450 Nm at the transmission input for the motor through a pre-gearing stage patented by BMW. This makes it more efficient and provides a torque boost that is normally only achievable with a larger and heavier unit. The electric motor also supports the combustion engine to increase its efficiency, resulting in an average petrol consumption of 1.7 – 1.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle, combined electric power consumption of 34.5 – 33.0 kWh per 100 kilometres, and CO2 emissions of 39 – 35 grams per kilometre. The BMW XM Label Red can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h, which rises to 290 km/h with the M Driver’s Package.
The BMW XM Label Red eDrive technology provides an electric range of 75-83 kilometers and a top speed of 140 km/h. It also comes with BMW IconicSounds Electric for an added soundtrack. The M HYBRID system includes a Combined Charging Unit that enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW, with the high-voltage battery able to recharge from zero to 100 percent in 4.25 hours.
The BMW XM Label Red has a rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system that distributes power quickly and precisely to all four wheels. It has a 4WD Sport mode that enhances agility and a 4WD Sand mode for driving on dunes and similar surfaces. The car also features an electronically controlled differential lock in the rear axle and the M Sport differential, which offers a fully variable distribution of drive torque between the left and right rear wheels, further improving traction, agility, and directional stability.
The XM Red Label takes its design accents from the 4 door Coupe SUV XM. It does get differentiating design touches including an accent band in Toronto Red metallic, although a black accent band also can be specified. The use of red also extends to the model badges and the wheel inserts. The BMW XM Label Red is fitted as standard with 22-inch light-alloy wheels for South Africa. The surrounds for the BMW M kidney grille and diffuser elements come in Black high-gloss. Toronto Red metallic for the BMW M kidney grille surround and rear diffuser insert create additional design cues that combine with a body paint finish in BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black metallic. The contrast of the gloss colour accents against shimmering matt surfaces ensures the exterior of the BMW XM Label Red has a particularly enthralling effect.
The BMW XM Label Red has a sports car-style cockpit with M multifunction seats, M-specific content on the BMW Curved Display, and an M-specific control panel on the centre console. The M Hybrid button and Setup button allow the driver to select the desired operating mode and configure the powertrain, chassis, steering, braking system, and M xDrive. The rear of the car is transformed into an exclusive M Lounge with generous space, high-quality materials, and optional heated backrests in Merino leather. The lounge also features a sculptural headliner with 100 LED units for illumination, ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 1,475-watt amplifier.
The BMW XM Label Red comes with advanced driver assistance systems, including the Driving Assistant, which features Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Evasion Assistant, Alertness Assistant, and Speed Limit Info. The standard Driving Assistant Professional includes Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, traffic light recognition, automatic Speed Limit Assist, and Active Navigation. Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assistant and Parking View, front and rear Panorama View, and 3D View is also standard. The car is equipped with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, BMW Maps navigation system, and optional BMW Digital Key Plus for locking and unlocking using an Apple iPhone.
More information on the BMW XM Label Red will be available closer to its launch in South Africa