It’s only just hit the market but already BMW has given its flagship XM high-performance plug-in hybrid SUV an upgrade with the arrival of the premium XM Label Red.
And in a clear indication of the electrified twin-turbo V8’s primary target market, it will be shown publicly for the first time at this year’s Auto Shanghai (April 18–27), with Australian arrival scheduled for late this year.
The Label Red’s 4.4-litre V8 has been revised with a cross-bank exhaust manifold, a reinforced crankshaft drive and electrically controlled blow-off valves on the turbos. The electric motor also features a pre-gearing stage (patented by BMW) to increase torque.
The result is combined outputs of no less than 550kW (748hp) and 1000Nm, up from 480kW/800Nm in the standard XM.
Power goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed (torque converter) auto transmission and BMW’s ‘xDrive’ system, and the claimed 0-100km/h acceleration for the 5.1m long, 2.7-tonne, five-seat machine is just 3.8 seconds.
Able to run in pure EV mode up to 140km/h, the electric motor has been given a unique ‘BMW IconicSounds Electric’ soundtrack, developed by BMW Group in collaboration with noted film composer Hans Zimmer.
As you’d expect the included features list is impressive, featuring ‘BMW Live Cockpit Professional’, full leather trim, ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, Bowers & Wilkins audio, BMW Travel & Comfort System (mounting and connections for tablets and other media devices in the front seatbacks), adaptive suspension, 22-inch light-alloy wheels (23-inch a no-cost option), and much more.
All of the limited-edition XMs will be finished in BMW Individual ‘Frozen Carbon Black metallic’.At the same time a run of 500 Label Red Edition XMs has been announced with BMW Australia confirming an allocation of 30 examples for the local market.
All of the limited-edition XMs will be finished in BMW Individual ‘Frozen Carbon Black metallic’ with bright ‘Toronto Red’ applied to the grille surround, body accent band, rear diffuser insert, model badges and wheel highlights.
Inside features full leather trim and ambient lighting.Red is also the signature colour inside with quilted seat trim and contrast stitching as well as highlights on the gear shift paddles, air vents and other detail elements.
Pricing has been confirmed at $344,200 before on-road costs for the XM Label Red (versus the standard grade’s $297,900) and $349,900 for the XM Label Red Limited.
Keyword: BMW Code Red!: Ultra-luxury XM Label Red dials up SUV flagship's power and personality