New BMW XM Label Red 2023: Prices, specs and release date

• BMW XM is an even more powerful version of the famous M division’s bespoke new range-topping SUV
• Boasts 748PS and 1000Nm of torque for 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds yet plug-in hybrid tech gives CO2 emissions from 35g/km
• ‘Striking’ makeover includes bold red exterior accents and a ‘unique’ black and red interior
• Limited to 500 units, each priced from over £170,000

The BMW XM Label Red is a high-impact limited edition version of the sporty M division’s already-controversial new range-topping luxury SUV. With even more power and even more outlandish visuals, it is not a car for the shy and retiring. 

The new BMW XM Label Red is also not a car for the everyday motorist: power has been increased to a colossal 748PS, and this huge SUV will do 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. It also costs over £170,000 - and production is limited to just 500 units. 

In launching the extreme BMW XM Label Red, the firm is aiming to take on an exalted set of rivals, including the Aston Martin DBX, the luxurious Bentley Bentayga and the performance focussed Porsche Cayenne

There's also the Lamborghini Urus and Audi RS Q8 in the mix. The BMW XM Label Red price tag, power and extreme styling all reflect this - although unlike many of its thirsty rivals, the new BMW XM Label Red boasts a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that delivers claimed CO2 emissions from a scant 35g/km.

2023 BMW XM Label Red prices and release date

The new BMW XM Label Red is the range-topping version of the BMW XM that’s already heading into production. It will be built at the firm’s US plant in Spartanburg, commencing August 2023. This means it is likely to be released to the first customers either later this year or early in 2024. 

The new BMW XM Label Red has a suitably exotic price tag of £170,860. This is a hefty hike over the already-expensive BMW XM plug-in hybrid luxury SUV, which costs from around £145,000. And BMW’s customisation department will not dissuade anyone who wishes to take the price of their new BMW XM Label Red to over £200,000.

2023 BMW XM Label Red styling, interior and technology

The new BMW XM Label Red is an unmistakable large SUV. Even BMW admits it has been created for customers “who crave bold, standout design… in a vehicle that transcends traditional conventions”. It certainly delivers on that front. 

The new BMW XM Label Red is a bespoke design, rather than a high-performance version of an existing SUV, such as the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M. The firm reminds us it is the first model since the iconic BMW M1 to be designed exclusively as a high-performance car by BMW M GmbH. Some may ask, where did it all go wrong. 

Fans of the new BMW XM Label Red will, however, celebrate its extrovert exterior design, particularly in the signature Frozen Carbon Black metallic launch colour, which is set apart by a vivid Toronto Red metallic accent band around the side window frames. (A black band can also be specified.)

The red colour extends to the model badges and 22-inch alloy wheel inserts, the rear diffuser - and, yes the kidney grille. Which, even by BMW’s modern standards, is enormous. 

Despite the exterior having a “particularly enthralling effect”, the BMW XM Label Red doesn’t just come in moody Frozen Carbon Black. More than 50 special BMW Individual paint finishes are available, including fittingly controversial Urban Green and Anglesey Green metallic, plus Petrol Mica metallic and Sepia metallic.

Inside, the new BMW XM Label Red has what’s called a “visually appealing and sporting flavour”. The 3D-effect roofliner and pillars have black surfaces, while red is used for the diamond-shaped upper sections of the seat backrests and integrated headrests.

Seats, instrument panel, door trim and centre console are in black with the stitching in red. There are red accents for the air vents too. 

The red ‘XM’ badge of the new BMW XM Label Red below the control display is a unique feature, while interior trim in satin-effect carbon fibre has red and blue accent threads. There’s a badge signifying ‘1 of 500’ as well.

In the rear, the new BMW XM Label Red offers what’s called the M Lounge layout. Optional heated backrests blend into the sides of the cabin, while rich Merino leather with red contrast stitching serve up superb comfort. Occupants even get separate cushions to support their lower backs. 

The roof liner contains 100 LED lights and a photo mount-style side border, and even the standard sound system is a Harman Kardon surround sound setup. A 1,475-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround system is optional, which boasts four additional speakers in the roof area.  

2023 BMW XM Label Red engines, performance and fuel economy

The new BMW XM Label Red uses an extreme version of BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Overall output is up to 748PS, which is a 95PS increase over the standard BMW XM. It also has 1000Nm of torque, which is increased by 200Nm. 

The V8 engine of the new BMW XM Label Red itself produces 585PS. The exhaust has two electronic, continuously-adjustable flaps that gives a vivid, distinctive sound “with a vibrancy and energy not normally associated with an eight-cylinder unit”. Expect not to miss it. 

The new BMW XM Label Red combines this with plug-in hybrid technology. Courtesy of a 25.7kWh battery, it can travel up to 52 miles in pure electric mode - and when driving as an EV, it has added distinctiveness, courtesy of the BMW IconicSounds Electric soundtrack created by film composer Hans Zimmer. The battery has a built-in 7.4kW AC charging unit, topping it up to 100% in 4.25 hours. 

Despite appearances, the new BMW XM Label Red is surprisingly fuel-efficient, thanks to the plug-in hybrid tech. It can average up to 176.6mpg on the official WLTP test cycle, with CO2 emissions from 35g/km.

The new BMW XM Label Red’s plug-in hybrid electric motor produces up to 197PS, and a patented pre-gearing system increases its torque to 450Nm - BMW says this can be clearly felt both when accelerating away from the line and when demanding a quick burst of acceleration when on the move. 

Despite weighing almost 2.8 tonnes, the new BMW XM Label Red accelerates from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph as standard while with the optional M Driver’s Package, it’s limited to 180mph. Traction is assured from the BMW M xDrive all-wheel drive system, which has a rear-biased setup. The BMW M Sport differential can vary drive between left and right rear wheels, too.