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BMW XM Label Red...Last September, BMW M presented the first electrified model in its catalogue, a large SUV called BMW XM, and at the time it suggested that there would be an even more powerful version, the XM Label Red, which would hit the market a little later.

Now the German manufacturer has finally revealed the highest performance version of the BMW XM, which maintains the same M HYBRID plug-in hybrid propulsion system, based on the brand's well-known 4.4-liter V8 biturbo engine, but with a maximum power of 748 hp, in instead of the 653 hp of the conventional XM.

The plug-in hybrid system of the XM Label Red is the same as the XM, although the combined power increases by 96 hp and the maximum torque is 200 Nm. In total, the PHEV system offers up to 748 hp of power and a torque of no less than 1,000 Nm. Of course, all this raw power is distributed between both axles via the M xDrive all-wheel drive system.

The engine that serves as the base of the system is the 4.4 V8 M TwinPower Turbo from other BMW models and as it is the latest evolution of the block, it includes cross-bank exhaust manifolds, reinforced crankshaft, turbos with electronically controlled discharge and an improved lubrication system. By itself, the V8 develops 585 hp at 5,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 750 Nm between 1,800 and 5,400 rpm.

Supporting the 8-cylinder engine is a powerful permanent magnet synchronous electric drive, integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, which delivers 197 hp and 279 Nm of torque, although it can reach a maximum of 450 Nm. The engine, moreover, is powered by a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, integrated in the lower part of the car, which facilitates up to 48 kilometers of estimated autonomy in electric mode.

According to the manufacturer, the XM Label Red is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and can reach a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h (282 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package). In purely electric mode, on the other hand, the model's maximum speed is 140 km/h, and as with other models, the sound in zero emissions mode was developed together with composer Hans Zimmer.

Finally, the on-board charger allows you to charge the battery with alternating current at a maximum of 7.4 kW, which means recovering from 0 to 100% charge in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

The XM Label Red also has a specific adjustment of the chassis and of the different systems, such as the M xDrive traction, which gives priority to the rear axle, which also has an electronically controlled M Sport self-locking differential, capable of distributing the torque between the rear wheels completely variable.

Among the modes available for all-wheel drive, the so-called '4WD Sand' stands out, which can be activated once the DSC stability control is disconnected and is designed to drive over dunes or similar surfaces.

As for the adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, we're talking about a double wishbone front axle and a five-arm rear axle, along with an active anti-roll bar system. The brake system, meanwhile, features ventilated M Compound discs with six-piston fixed front calipers and single-piston floating rear calipers.

To differentiate itself from the conventional XM, the Label Red has specific details in red (Toronto Red), elements in glossy black, such as the front grille frame and the diffuser, and huge 23-inch light-alloy wheels, shod with rubber tires. in measures 275/35 R23 and 315/30 R23 (there are 22 inches at no extra cost).

The body color palette includes Brooklyn Gray metallic, but you can choose from 50 shades from the BMW Individual catalog at no extra cost, including BMW Individual Urban Green, BMW Individual Petrol Mica metallic, BMW Individual Anglesey Green metallic and BMW Individual Metallic sepia. The BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black matte shade will be available for a select few cars, according to the brand.

As for the passenger compartment, upholstered in black, there is no lack of details in red for the multifunctional M seats and various stitching, in addition to XM inscriptions, carbon moldings, the so-called BMW Curved Display, more luxurious rear seats (M Lounge) with leather cushions Merino, backlit roof, four-zone climate control, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system and a multitude of driver assistants.

The production of the XM Label Red, which officially debuts at the Shanghai Motor Show this April, will begin in the North American summer of 2023 at the company's plant in Spartanburg (South Carolina, United States), but for now its price and also the date of the first deliveries to customers in the different markets where it will be available.

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