MUNICH: Just a few months after production got under way of the new XM , BMW M GmbH presents today the flagship version of its first-ever high-performance car with an electrified drive system.
The XM Label Red brings together an M HYBRID system with extra power and bespoke design accents.
With a system output of 550 kW/748 hp (generated by the combination of a V8 combustion engine with up to 430 kW/585 hp and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission producing up to 145 kW/197 hp), the XM Label Red is the most powerful M model ever made. It also tops the power rankings in the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupé segments.
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 XM Label Red will celebrate its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai international motor show.
China is one of the most important sales regions for the XM Label Red, alongside the USA and the Middle East. It can be ordered from dealers from April 28.
With a system output increased to 550 kW/748 hp, the new top-of-the-line model outperforms the standard XM produced since December 2022 by 70 kW/95 hp.
System torque is up by 200Nm and now peaks at 1,000 Nm.
Power is channelled to the road by the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The latest generation of the V8 stands out with its extremely rapid power delivery, increased efficiency and minimised emissions. 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.
In the 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 – an increase of 100 Nm over the version of the engine in the standard XM – and is on tap across an extremely wide rev band from 1,800 to 5,400 rpm.
With two electronically controlled and continuously adjustable flaps, the sports exhaust system of the 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.
The engine sound has a distinctive quality, as do the two pairs of dual tailpipes, with the individual pipes arranged one above the other.
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 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 450Nm 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.
The XM Label Red needs just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100kph. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, but rises to 290kph 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 XM Label Red average petrol consumption of 1.7 – 1.6 litres per 100km in the WLTP test cycle, combined electric power consumption of 34.5 – 33.0 kWh per 100km 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 in the WLTP cycle.
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 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.
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 XM Label Red and is particularly pronounced in 4WD Sport mode.
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 stabilisation 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-calliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-calliper units at the rear. It teams with the latest-generation integrated braking system, which ensures the stopping power generated by recuperation and the friction brake is combined with great precision, and which also presents the driver with two pedal feel settings.
Like the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M Sport differential, active roll stabilisation and the steering’s control systems, the near-actuator wheel slip limitation tech integrated into the engine management and the Performance Control function are networked with the central transverse dynamics management.
The integrated application of all powertrain and chassis systems together with the fine-tuning carried out on varying types of road – from urban driving to country roads and motorways – with the help of BMW M GmbH’s racing expertise has resulted in a well-resolved driving experience in every situation and with every configuration.
The distinguishing features of the performance-maximising XM variant include 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 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.
The new BMW Individual Visualizer (at https://individual.bmw-m.com/) is available for the first time from the start of orders for the XM Label Red to help customers with the paint selection process.
The car is depicted extremely realistically in the paint finish selected by the customer against the backdrop of BMW M Town. Here, it can be viewed from various angles and with the aid of 360-degree video.
The limited-edition variant of the 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.
A black/red colour scheme also brings a visually appealing and sporting flavour to the interior of the 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 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”.
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 centre console are the headline features of a sports car-style cockpit optimised to deliver a richly engaging performance experience on board.
A generous feeling of space, high-quality materials and extravagant design transform 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 and an “XM” badge offer passengers luxurious levels of comfort.
Ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System and the Travel & Comfort System are all standard features too, while the options list includes the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 1,475-watt amplifier and four additional speakers in the roof area.
The BMW XM Label Red offers customers a wide selection of advanced systems for automated driving and parking.
Among the technologies fitted as standard is 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 repertoire of functions.
The BMW XM Label Red comes as standard with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which brings with it the latest generation of the BMW iDrive multi-sensory vehicle experience, here based on an M-specific version of BMW Operating System 8.
With the fully digital screen grouping and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the new BMW iDrive has been deliberately geared towards touch control and gesture control as well as dialogue using natural language.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional also includes the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system. The optional BMW Digital Key Plus enables customers to lock and unlock the BMW XM Label Red using their Apple iPhone by means of security-enhanced ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology.
Smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the personalised BMW ID functionality and an eSIM designed for 5G mobile technology are also available for use.
