MIGHTY M

With a 738-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain, the 2024 BMW XM Label Red is the most

powerful member of the BMW M family.

Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy BMW Group

At its global debut at Auto Shanghai this past April, BMW solidly demonstrated the seamless interaction of its XM Label Red’s electric motor with a V8 engine. The company shifted gears at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival a few weeks later by assembling a global team of like-minded next-generation artists and cultural creators to express themselves alongside boldly styled Sports Activity Vehicle. “Our goal is to be at the heart of where the creative magic happens – and Coachella is an excellent platform to foster new conversations with emerging talents as well as established artists,” said Stefan Ponikva, Vice President Brand Communication, Brand Experience. “BMW wants to enable artists – musicians, designers, actors, storytellers – to express themselves and engage with our brand and the first-ever BMW XM.” The company’s claims are not mere hyperbole as the 738hp Sports Activity Vehicle, expected to cost in the neighborhood of $186k, can sprint from a standstill to 60 in 3.7 seconds, making it the most powerful BMW M road vehicle ever made. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph or 175 mph when the optional M Driver’s Package is specified. The M HYBRID system of the BMW XM Label Red blends the virtues of electrification with the traditional qualities of a high-revving 8-cylinder combustion engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 4.4 liter V8 engine alone produces 577 hp at 5,600 rpm – a 94-hp increase over the unit in the standard BMW XM. Peak torque is 553 lb-ft – an increase of 74 lb-ft over the standard model – and is available from 1,800 to 5,400 rpm. Drawing energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the underbody, the electric motor also employs innovative technology to deliver a noticeable increase in power. The permanently excited synchronous motor is integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission together with its power electronics and helps to provide precise throttle response and nearly instantaneous power delivery. The electric motor, which enables an estimated electric-only range of about 30 miles at speeds up to 87 mph, contributes up to 194 hp to the maximum system output of the BMW XM Label Red, along with 206 lb-ft of torque.

The Combined Charging Unit of the M HYBRID system enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW. The high-voltage battery takes just 3.25 hours to be replenished from zero to 100% charge. In addition, predictive heat management reduces charging times by preconditioning – warming or cooling – the HV battery. The charging cable stows away in a weekender bag secured in the rear cargo area using a carabiner-belt combination in M tricolor. The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased, imparting the BMW XM Label Red a dynamic sense of agility and poise, especially in 4WD Sport mode. An electronically controlled differential lock in the rear axle further enhances traction, agility, and directional stability. Standard equipment for the BMW XM Label Red includes adaptive M suspension Professional – featuring electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilization 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-caliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-caliper units at the rear. Distinguishing exterior features of the BMW XM Label Red include an available Toronto Red metallic accent band instead of the standard black. The use of red also extends to the model badges and the wheel inserts. The BMW XM Label Red is fitted as standard with 23-inch light-alloy wheels, with 22-inch wheels available as a no-cost option. The surrounds for the BMW M kidney grille and diffuser elements are finished in Black high-gloss. Customers can select either Brooklyn Grey metallic or choose from more than 50 BMW Individual special paint finishes at no additional charge. In addition, the new BMW Individual Visualizer (bmw-m.com) is available from the start of orders for the BMW XM Label Red to help customers with the paint selection process. The bold design continues inside the cabin with a rear passenger area modeled after a luxurious lounge, complete with diamond quilted BMW Individual Vintage Merino leather seats set beneath a three-dimensional sculptural prism headliner containing 100 separate LED lights. Production of the 2023 BMW XM Label will begin in August of this year at the company’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. sl