BMW has whipped the wraps off the XM Label Red, a “more powerful, more exclusive and more extravagant” version of its electrified V8 sports SUV.
So, let’s start with the “more powerful” bit. Producing a total system output of 550 kW and 1 000 Nm of torque, the XM Label Red’s M Hybrid system produces 70 kW and 200 Nm more than the standard XM’s (see local pricing here). The power and torque (relayed to all four corners via BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system) come from the German marque’s latest-generation 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 internal combustion engine (producing 430 kW and 750 Nm) and an electric motor producing 145 kW and a nominal torque figure of 280 Nm.
However, a pre-gearing stage patented by the Bavarian brand has been used to increase the torque produced by the motor to an effective maximum of 450 Nm at the transmission input for the motor. According to BMW, “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 uprated power and torque figures have enhanced straight-line performance. The XM Label Red sprints to the three-figure marker from a standstill in a claimed 3.8 seconds, a five-tenths-of-second (0.5 seconds) quicker than the standard XM. The top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h. However, specifying the M Driver’s Package, which, BMW says, will be standard on models sold in South Africa, lifts the maximum speed to 290 km/h.
The top speed achievable in pure electric mode is 140 km/h. BMW claims the XM Label Red’s 25.7 kWh battery provides an all-electric range of 75 to 83 km. The battery can be replenished from 0 to 100 per cent in 4.25 hours when plugged into a 7.4 kW AC charger.
The XM Label Red sports model-specific chassis tuning. Standard features include adaptive M suspension Professional and Integral Active Steering. Stopping power is provided by an M Sport braking system comprising six-piston, fixed-calliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-calliper units at the rear.
Of course, the XM Label Red features several model-specific design elements. These include an accent band in Toronto Red metallic (a black accent band also can be specified), red model badges and red wheel inserts. Speaking of the wheels, the XM Label Red rides on 22-inch alloys.
