This is the BMW XM ‘Label Red’

Yesterday, BMW finally pulled the – undoubtedly hefty – canvas of the BMW XM, a gigantic SUV that should emphasize the fiftieth anniversary of BMW’s M division. BMW M enthusiasts think something of that, but in any case cannot argue that the car does not provide enough power in an absolute sense. Even in standard form, the plug-in hybrid über SUV already reaches 653 hp, more than the M5 CS, which until recently was considered the most powerful street BMW ever.

It also immediately became clear that the regular BMW XM should not keep that title for long. BMW immediately announced the BMW XM Label Red, the powerful top version that immediately introduces a new name. There is of course no escaping this, if the model itself already has an ‘M’ in the name. The BMW XM Label Red basically has the same powertrain, built around a 4.4-liter V8, but with no less than 748 hp and 1,000 Nm.

We still do not have further specifications of the XM Label Red. There is now one image of that car, which in any case lives up to its name by having a red nameplate in the grille. The other accents, which were bronze or black on the previously spotted cars, are now ‘Toronto Red’. That results in a somewhat uncomfortable overall picture to say the least. At AutoWeek we are not averse to a bit of color, but the red bars on the flank and around the grille really take some getting used to. Another difference with the cars shown earlier: the wheels. Those of the Label Red shown seem a bit smaller and are – really – slightly less controversial, although buyers can undoubtedly opt for (even) more striking light metal.

BMW XM Label Red

The regular BMW XM

Other than that there are apparently no optical differences with a regular XM. On the one hand, this is understandable, because that car already has huge bumpers with large air intakes, gigantic exhaust tailpipes and, for example, the ‘two-legged’ M mirrors. On the other hand, it’s a shame, because without the red it seems so difficult to see which version you are dealing with.

That should be clear on the inside. Pictures are not there yet, but BMW promises a black/red color scheme and ‘specific details’. More information about the BMW XM Label Red will follow in the run-up to the market launch, which is planned for autumn 2023.