BMW XM Label Red: A Potent Red Behemoth Confirmed for SA
Dubbed the most potent M car to be developed entirely by the folks at the M division after the M1 of 1978, the BMW XM is set to officially go on sale in Mzansi in the coming months.
While we await its arrival, BMW SA has confirmed that a more potent model with the Label Red moniker will join the range packing more power and a much more added appeal.
Unlike the regular XM model that packs 480 kW and 800 Nm, the Label Red uses the same high-revving 4.4-litre V8 powerplant plus an electric motor that contributes up to 145 kW and 280 Nm. The total system output is rated at 550 kW, and a colossal 1,000 Nm of torque is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
On the performance front, the XM Label Red sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and like the regular XM, its top speed kicks in at 250 km/h or 290 km/h with the M Driver’s Package. BMW SA says the package will be standard for models destined for the local shores.
On battery power alone, the XM Label Red can travel up to 83 km, thanks to a 25.7 kWh battery pack that can be recharged via an AC charger up to 7.4 kW, which takes about four hours for a full charge.
Aesthetically, the Label Red features an accent band in Toronto Red metallic shade, and if that’s not what you want, BMW says you can specify a black accent band. The red hue has been applied to the model badges and the wheel inserts, while the massive M kidney grille and diffuser elements are painted in black high-gloss.
Buyers can also choose from a spectrum of exterior colour choices, including one solid and eight metallic hues. It sits on a set of 22″ light-alloy wheels.
BMW plans to build only 500 examples of the XM Label Red, and only a few have been placed aside for the local market. Each model will have a plaque below the control display reading ‘1 of 500’.
Though its looks are subjective, the Label Red is a sign of good things to come as much as electrification is taking its course at the Munich-based automaker. At least, this is comforting that the blaring sound of the V8 will still live on, even if it’s just for the next couple of years.
The BMW XM Label Red will officially premiere at the Auto Shanghai 2023 show.
