The BMW XM Label Red responds to the needs and desires of a global target group of individualists – customers with a taste for extrovert lifestyle and a passion for ultimate performance in a car reaching beyond traditional conventions. Production will begin in August 2023 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA. Scheduled for the same timeframe is an exclusive edition of the range-topping model limited to 500 examples and featuring an exterior paint finish in BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black metallic. The BMW XM Label Red celebrates its world premiere at the 2023 Auto Shanghai International Motor Show. China is one of the most important sales regions for the BMW XM Label Red, alongside the USA and the Middle East. The combination of combustion engine and electric motor matches the drive concept of the new BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance racing car, which made a successful debut in the 24 Hours of Daytona race in the North American IMSA series this year and is set to line up in events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.
With a system output increased to 550 kW/748 hp, the new top-of-the-line model outperforms the standard BMW XM produced since December 2022 by 70 kW/95 hp. System torque is up by 200 Nm (147 lb-ft) and now peaks at 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). Power is channelled 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 in the BMW XM Label Red demonstrates the intoxicating effect of drive system electrification in high-performance models from BMW M GmbH in impressive style. The precisely honed interplay of the electric motor and V8 engine ensures an instantaneous delivery of power that then builds emphatically and continues unabated into the highest reaches of the rev range.
The M HYBRID system of the BMW XM Label Red blends the future-focused virtues of electrification with the traditional qualities of a high-revving eight-cylinder combustion engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The latest generation of the V8 stands out with its extremely rapid power delivery. As well as a cross-bank exhaust manifold, it also features a reinforced crankshaft drive, turbocharging with an electrically controlled blow-off valve, upgraded oil supply and optimised oil separation. With two electronically controlled and continuously adjustable flaps, the sports exhaust system of the BMW XM Label Red provides an emotionally rich accompaniment to the engine’s power delivery with a vibrancy and energy not normally associated with an eight-cylinder unit. In the BMW XM Label Red, the V8 makes an even greater contribution to the system output generated in tandem with the electric motor. It produces its maximum output of 430 kW/585 hp at 5,600 rpm. Peak torque is 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) – an increase of 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) over the version of the engine in the standard BMW XM – and is on tap across an extremely wide rev band from 1,800 to 5,400 rpm.
The improved build-up of power resulting from the pre-gearing stage between the electric motor’s rotor and the transmission’s input shaft can be clearly felt, both when accelerating off the line and when putting in a quick burst of speed. Combined with the optimised power delivery of the V8 engine and its high-revving character, this produces performance of rare authority and composure. The BMW XM Label Red needs just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph). Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but rises to 290 km/h (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. This gives the BMW XM Label Red average petrol consumption of 1.7 – 1.6 litres per 100 kilometres (166.2 – 176.6 mpg imp) 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 motor draws its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the underbody area, which is a product of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The lithium-ion battery stands out with its high energy density at a cell and battery pack level. It provides a constant flow of power across a wide temperature range and even under the heavy loads brought by a particularly sporty driving style. It 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 75 – 83 kilometres (47 – 52 miles) in the WLTP cycle. The BMW XM Label Red can therefore complete not only journeys around town but also cross-country routes locally emission-free and almost silently. The top speed achievable in pure electric mode is 140 km/h (87 mph).
The power delivery of the electric motor also gains a soundtrack of its own, in the form of the BMW IconicSounds Electric developed as part of a collaboration between the BMW Group and film score composer Hans Zimmer. The Combined Charging Unit of the M HYBRID system enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW. This means the high-voltage battery can be replenished from zero to 100 per cent charge in 4.25 hours. Predictive heat management reduces charging times by judiciously warming or cooling the battery. Supplied as standard are both the Flexible Fast Charger for use with domestic or industrial sockets and the charging cable Professional. This mode 3 cable for topping up at public charging stations can be kept in a suitably stylish and exclusive weekend-type bag and secured in the boot area using a crash-protective carabiner-belt combination.
Like the V8 engine, the electric motor of the M HYBRID system also employs innovative technology to deliver a noticeable increase in pulling power. 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 145 kW/197 hp to the maximum system output of the BMW XM Label Red and develops nominal torque of 280 Nm (206 lb-ft). 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.
Stylistically as well as technically, the BMW XM Label Red takes the first model since the legendary BMW M1 to be conceived solely as a high-performance car from BMW M GmbH into even more exclusive territory. The muscular proportions of a dynamic Sports Activity Vehicle converge with an extrovert exterior design featuring large surfaces, clear lines and a front-end look reserved for luxury-class BMW models. And added to the mix here are design accents underscoring the singular character of the BMW XM Label Red as a car focused on achieving the highest peaks of performance. The limited-edition variant of the BMW XM Label Red – only 500 examples of which will be released globally – maximises the exclusivity factor with even more expressive styling. 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.
