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Road boss: BMW XM Label Red super SUV
V8 + e-motor = 748 hp

You can drive around like an ultimate road boss in the new BMW XM Label Red, the brand's most powerful road-legal BMW M car ever. The luxe performance SUV's distinctive accents and styling are sure to get you noticed. Its combined V8 and electric motor hybrid powertrain provide the super-oomph to take you anywhere (for some trips on electric power only), and its cushy, race-inspired interior is truly something to behold.

The XM Label Red boasts the muscular proportions of a dynamic sports activity vehicle combined with an extrovert exterior design that features large surfaces, clear lines, a front-end look reserved for luxury-class BMW models, and standout accents in Toronto Red metallic (a black accent band can also 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 21-in. light-alloy wheels. It seats five but is really tailored for four passengers.

The SUV's drive concept is based on the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance racing car, which will make its track debut in 2024. With 748 hp total, the new top-of-the-line BMW XM Label Red outperforms the standard BMW XM produced since December 2022 by 95 hp. System torque is up by 200 Nm (147 lb-ft) and now peaks at 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft).

Power is channeled to the road by the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In conjunction with a model-specific composition of chassis technology and fast-acting, high-precision powertrain and chassis control, this creates a unique performance experience with dynamism and agility at a whole new level.

The M HYBRID system of the BMW XM Label Red blends the virtues of electrification with the traditional qualities of a high-revving 4.4-L eight-cylinder combustion engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The V8 produces 585 hp at 5,600 rpm on its own. The permanently excited synchronous motor is integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission together with its power electronics and, in the now familiar style of electric motors, responds to just slight movements of the accelerator with instantaneous power delivery. The electric motor contributes up to 197 hp to the maximum system output of the car.

A pre-gearing stage patented by BMW is used to increase the torque produced by the motor to an effective maximum of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at the transmission input for the motor. In this way, the compact motor is able to provide the sort of torque boost that could normally only be achieved using a far larger and heavier unit.

Together, these systems can push the XM Red Label from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 sec. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but it increases to 180 mph on cars with the optional M Driver's Package. As well as providing an electric boost effect under acceleration, the electric motor also performs a supporting role under steady loads, helping to increase the efficiency of the combustion engine. The e-motor draws its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the underbody area that BMW says has a usable energy content of 25.7 kWh. Together with the electric motor's excellent efficiency and the system of intelligent energy management, this enables an electric range of 47 to 52 miles on electric power alone, which is enough for many day-to-day driving needs. Using a home charger, the battery can be fully recharged from 0 to 100% in just over 4 hours.

Official fuel-efficiency figures have not been released, but the ability to run 50 or so miles on electric power alone should bump up the overall numbers a bit.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system channels the power generated by the combustion engine and electric motor between all four wheels precisely, quickly, and as required at all times. The system has a rear-biased setup, which enhances the agility of the BMW XM Label Red and is particularly pronounced in 4WD Sport mode. In one off-roading scenario, when the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system has been fully disengaged, the traction-optimized 4WD Sand mode -- conceived specifically for driving over dunes and similar surfaces -- can be activated via the M Setup menu.

Building on the work of the M xDrive system is an electronically controlled differential lock in the rear axle, which further enhances traction, agility, and directional stability. The M Sport differential brings a need-based and fully variable distribution of drive torque between the left and right rear wheels.

Standard equipment for the BMW XM Label Red includes adaptive M suspension Professional (featuring electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilization with Active Roll Comfort to eliminate body roll on one side of the vehicle) and Integral Active Steering. The M Sport braking system comprises six-piston, fixed-caliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-caliper units at the rear. It teams with the latest-generation integrated braking system, which ensures the stopping power generated by energy recuperation and the friction brake is combined with great precision.

A black/red color scheme also brings a visually appealing and sporting flavor to the interior of the BMW XM Label Red. The distinctive three-dimensional headliner and the trim for the body pillars have black surfaces. Red is used to bring an extra sense of exclusivity to the diamond-shaped upper sections of the backrests and the integrated head restraints of the seats for the driver and front passenger and the outer rear seats. This is complemented by red contrast stitching for the black surfaces of the seats, instrument panel, door trim, and center console. Even the air vents have red accents.

Among the other exclusive features of the BMW XM Label Red interior are a red XM badge below the control display and an interior trim strip in carbon fiber satin effect with red and blue accent threads highlighting this as an M car.

M multifunction seats, knee pads, M-specific content on the BMW Curved Display and the standard-fitted BMW head-up display, the signature M gear selector lever, and an M-specific control panel on the center console are the headline features of the sports car-style cockpit optimized to deliver a richly engaging performance experience. The M Hybrid button is used to select the desired operating mode for the drive system, while the Setup button provides direct access to the configuration of the powertrain, chassis, steering, braking system, and M xDrive, as well as allowing the level of brake energy recuperation to be adjusted.

The M leather steering wheel has trim elements in Black Chrome, plus M buttons and gearshift paddles with carbon inlays whose plus and minus symbols are in red. An exclusive special feature of the BMW XM Label Red is the symbol identifying Boost Mode on the left-hand shift paddle.

A generous feeling of space, high-quality materials, and extravagant design transforms the rear of the BMW XM Label Red into an exclusive "M Lounge." Optionally heated backrests that extend well into the sides of the cabin and cushions in Merino leather with red contrast stitching offer passengers luxurious levels of comfort. Ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, and the Travel & Comfort System are all standard features too.

The BMW XM Label Red offers customers a wide selection of advanced systems for automated driving and parking. Among the technologies fitted as standard are the Driving Assistant, which comprises Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, the Evasion Assistant, Alertness Assistant, and the Speed Limit Info system. The optional Driving Assistant Professional brings Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function together with features such as the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, traffic light recognition, automatic Speed Limit Assist, and Active Navigation. Parking Assistant Plus is also part of standard specification. Alongside the Reversing Assistant, this system adds Parking View, front and rear Panorama View, and 3D View to the list of available functions.

Production will begin in August 2023 at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, SC. Exterior paint shades available for the new model comprise one solid and eight metallic variants. Customers can also choose from more than 50 BMW Individual special paint finishes, including the new BMW Individual Urban Green, BMW Individual Petrol Mica metallic, BMW Individual Anglesey Green metallic, and BMW Individual Sepia metallic. An exclusive, limited-edition car (500 units) will also be available with an exterior paint finish in BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black metallic (shown here).

Pricing has not been released by BMW, but estimates have the starting price to be somewhere just south of $200,000.

Learn more and sign up for updates at bmwusa.com/future-vehicles/xm/label-red.html.

Source: BMW

Published May 2023

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