BMW XM Label Red delivers 1000Nm kick

BMW has announced its newest flagships this week, the XM Label Red and XM Label Red Edition offering additional styling cues and even more power – a mighty 550kW and 1000Nm – courtesy of a 430kW 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 and 145kW electric motor combination.

With the most power and torque of any M-badged production car yet, the XM Label Red boasts an impressive 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds – and a lofty price tag of $344,200 plus on-road costs.

The exclusive Label Red Edition – of which just 500 examples will be produced globally – will be offered to 30 lucky Aussie buyers for $349,900 +ORCs.

The XM Label Red duo offers an all-electric driving range of 83km and puts its mumbo to all four wheels via an M-enhanced eight-speed automatic transmission.

The driveline favours the rear wheels in most driving situations and can propel the hybridised SUV to a top whack of 250km/h, or 280km/h when optioned with the M Driver’s package. Top speed on the electric motor alone is listed at 140km/h.

BMW says the system is capable of sipping as little as 1.7 litres per 100km when driving in a suitable fashion, though we doubt many will be able to exercise such restraint.

Both Label Red variants are offered with an adaptive sports exhaust system, adaptive dampers, active anti-roll bars, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential at the rear, M carbon-compound brakes with six-piston front callipers, and massive 23-inch alloy wheels as a no-cost option (22-inch wheels are standard fit on Australian-delivered variants).

Battery power is supplied care of a 25.7kWh lithium-ion pack housed beneath the floor which can be topped up in 4.25 hours via a 7.4kWh AC home charger.

Prominent Toronto Red styling cues feature on the kidney grilles, on the wheels and in a feature stripe that extends beneath the DLOs are around the side windows. The red theme is continued inside around the vents and in the upholstery stitch work. Massive 12.3-inch instrument and 14.9-inch infotainment screens dominate the dashboard.

In addition to the extensive list of features found on the ‘regular’ XM, the interior also features BMW’s state-of-the-art head-up display, semi-autonomous (Level 2) driver assistance, an impressive 3D-effect headliner, and a harman/kardon audio system in standard trim.

A 1475-watt (!) Bowers & Wilkins premium audio package is offered optionally.

XM Label Red Edition variants add Frozen Carbon Black bodywork and metallic Toronto Red highlights, unique badging, Merino leather upholstery in Fiona red and black, satin carbon-fibre garnishing and a numbered build plaque.

The 2023 BMW XM Label Red and Label Red Edition will be unveiled publicly at the Shanghai Auto Show next week ahead of its local arrival in showrooms later this year.