BMW XM Label Red Unveiled As 738 HP Flagship PHEV Super-SUV

As the first ever purpose-built BMW M model since the legendary BMW M1, the BMW XM plug-in hybrid (PHEV) super-SUV marks an important milestone for the Bavarian marque. However, even with 653 HP and 800 NM, the XM isn’t faster than any other M-badged cars, but it is at least quicker than the bulk of the brand’s existing M Performance models.

That’s not the case with the new BMW XM Label Red variant that just debuted earlier today. In this form, things are turned up all the way to 11, now standing as the most powerful road car ever developed by M. Much of this stems from the improved and heightened powertrain package where both its combustion and electrified systems have gained sizeable boosts.

For starters, the S68 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 has gained an additional 94 HP and 100 NM to develop 577 HP and 650 NM. The single electric motor paired with it still develops the same 194 HP and 280 NM outputs as before. Combined, the XM Label Red now boasts a claimed total output of 738 HP and 1,000 NM instead.

The result sees this PHEV super-SUV despatch 0-100 KM/H at a much quicker rate of 3.8 seconds (4.3 seconds for the regular XM) whilst enroute towards its electronically governed V-max of 250 KM/H, or 290 KM/H with the optional M Driver’s Package equipped. Again, much of this stems from the presence of a slick 8-speed M steptronic transmission and a rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) suite.

Like the regular XM, there's a pre-gearing stage to boost maximum torque to 452 NM at the transmission input for the motor. Said motor continues to be juiced by a 25.7 kWh lithium-ion battery primed on board, but the boost in performance does see the XM Label Red trade off a little in terms of all-electric range, which now reads between 75 KM to 83 KM (WLTP) – the regular XM boasts 88 KM instead.

To set it apart from the regular XM, BMW has applied striking Toronto Red accents on the side and around the mighty kidney grille. These get matched with red inserts in the wheels and rear diffuser's contour, as well as red-finished XM badges and brake calipers.

Furthermore, the Label Red will be offered with over 50 Individual paints at no extra charge as an alternative to the regular Brooklyn Grey metallic scheme. BMW also notes that only a "small number" will be sold with the Frozen Carbon Black matte exterior paint pictured.

On board, the XM Label Red gets an exclusive two-tone leather, and it also gets a special symbol identifying Boost Mode on the left-side shift paddle. There’s also carbon fibre trim strips finished in a satin effect present as yet another exclusive bit for this special edition.

Though BMW hasn’t confirmed any pricing figures just yet, just 500 units of the BMW XM Label Red will be produced, each bearing a red-finished numbered inscription plaque denoting this status on board too.

Well, what do you think of this more powerful flagship iteration of perhaps one of the most controversial cars to ever bear the revered M badge? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…