By Otsile Kadiege

At the global unveiling of the new BMW XM the automaker mentioned that we should expect a more potent version of the opinion-splitting luxury high-performance SUV dubbed the XM Label Red. Fast forward a few months later, BMW M has lifted the veils off the XM Label Red which sports unique exterior and interior styling as well as uprated power and torque figures.

XM Label Red performance

The XM Label Red edition is still powered a plug-in hybrid V8 concoction. It produces its maximum output of 430 kW at 5,600 rpm and has a peak torque of 750 Nm – an increase of 100 Nm 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 electric motor contributes up to 145 kW to the maximum system output of the BMW XM Label Red and develops nominal torque of 280 Nm. 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.

The Label Red has a total system output of 550 kW, outperforming the standard BMW XM by 70 kW. System torque is up by 200 Nm and now peaks at 1,000 Nm. Power is channelled to the road by the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system allowing the XM Label Red to sprint from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds. Top speed is capped at 250 km/h or 290 km/h with the optional M Drivers Package.

XM Label Red exterior styling

The opinion-splitting exterior design of the new XM Label Red has been spruced up with exclusive details. The distinguishing features include an accent band in Toronto Red metallic, although a black accent band also can be specified, red model badges and red wheel inserts on the standard with 21-inch light-alloy wheels. The surrounds for the BMW M kidney grille and diffuser elements come in Black high-gloss.

The spectrum of exterior paint shades available for the new model comprises 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.

XM Label Red interior styling

A black/red colour scheme also brings a visually appealing and sporting flavour 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 centre console, and the likewise red accents for the air vents.

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 Fibre satin effect with red and blue accent threads highlighting this as an M car. Inside the limited-edition variant of the Label Red, customers will find a plaque below the control display reading “1 of 500”.

Only 500 units of the BMW XM Label Red will be sold worldwide and it will celebrate its world premiere at the 2023 Auto Shanghai International Motor Show.