Sci-fi in red as BMW unleashes new 550 kW XM Red Label

Mentioned but not detailed fully following the debut of the standard model last year, BMW’s M division has officially taken the covers off of the new XM Red Label, which displaces the regular model as the most powerful production road Munich has ever made.

Blazing plug-in hybrid power

Reviving a name once used by Bentley for the Arnage, but kept by BMW before the latter’s acquisition by Volkswagen over two decades ago, the Red Label retains the plug-in hybrid configuration of the normal XM, but receives a retuned combustion engine.

Still displacing 4.4-litres, the twin-turbo V8 now produces 430kW/750Nm on its own, uptakes of 70kW/100Nm over the unit that powers the regular XM.

Combined with the unchanged 25.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 145kW/280Nm electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox, the Red Label produces a combined 550kW/1 000Nm, which represents an overall increase of 70kW/200Nm.

According to BMW, this translates to a limited speed of 250 km/h or 290 km/h with the M Driver’s Package selected, and 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. As before, BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system routes the mammoth outputs to all four corners.

New meaning of ‘seeing red’

Introduced as the latest in BMW’s range of controversially styled models, the Red Label’s interior and exterior changes from the normal XM is clear to see, the latter comprising of Toronto Red detailing, red XM badges, standard 21-inch alloy wheels, a gloss black diffuser and red brake calipers.

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In addition to the regular Brooklyn Grey paint option, a total of 50 colours has been availed from the BMW Individual catalogue, some making brand-new such as Petrol Mica Metallic, Urban Green, Sepia Metallic and Anglesey Green metallic.

More dynamic

Below its newly red accented suit, the XM Red Label has been revised with the M Adaptive Suspension, Integral Active Steering, the 48-volt Active Roll Stabilisation system and M Sport differential all receiving model specific tuning in order to cope with the additional power.

The three electric driving modes, Hybrid, Electric and eControl, are carried over from the standard model, with the same applying to the 4WD and 4WD Sport settings, plus the ability to have the stability control completely switched off.

An electronic rear diff-lock is also included, with BMW claiming an all-electric range of up to 83 km and a waiting time of just over four hours using the on-board 7.4 kW charger. As a result of being a plug-in hybrid, the XM Red Label doesn’t offer DC charging, thus making it unsuitable for fast charging stations.

Red inside

Unsurprisingly similar to its exterior and as its name points out, the Red Label’s interior is awash with red detailing, namely on the seats, centre console, paddle shifters, doors, air vents and instrument panel.

A black 3D roofliner continues to the interior’s transformation, along with diamond-shaped headrests, satin carbon fibre inserts resplendent with the M colours, a red XM below infotainment system and a commemorative Red Label builder’s plaque.

In terms of spec, the XM Red Label has been fully stocked to include the M Lounge seats, M steering wheel, seat belts, gear lever and Head-Up Display, the M specific Curved Display, quad-zone climate control and the 1 475-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system.

Standard safety and driver assistance tech comprise Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Control Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Steering Assist, Evasions Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

Get ready South Africa

Confirmed to make its public debut next week at the Shanghai Motor Show, the XM Red Label will officially enter production in August at BMW’s X-model plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Simultaneously, BMW South Africa has confirmed availability of the Red Label for the local market, without specifying when. However, expect sales to likely commence before the end of the year.

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