2024 BMW XM Label Red with 738 HP Becomes the Mightiest M Model

Sure, BMW's high-performance plug-in-hybrid SUV isn't the prettiest M machine, but it packs one helluva wallop.

The 2024 BMW XM Label Red is unlike any M car before. Partly because it's a mammoth plug-in-hybrid SUV, but mostly because it packs more power than any previous M-badged BMW that could legally be driven on the street.

While similar to the regular 644-hp XM model, the Label Red's electrified powertrain is beefed up to produce 738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Those peak figures are derived from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 and an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission.

That drivetrain combines with a variable, rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, and BMW claims the XM Label Red will hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. That's four-tenths quicker than its counterpart's estimate. The Label Red's top speed is limited to 155 mph, but that cap can be lifted to 175 mph with the optional M Driver's package.

Every version comes standard with adaptive dampers, active anti-roll bars, an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, and M compound brakes with fixed six-piston front calipers and floating single-piston rear clampers. While a set of 23-inch wheels are standard, a set of 22-inchers can be swapped for free. Since the regular XM only comes with summer tires, we expect the Label Red to do the same.

BMW isn't yet discussing fuel-economy estimates, but it has released details about the Label Red's electrical system, which predictably is identical to the lesser XM's. There's a 19.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor that provides an estimated electric driving range of 30 miles. Connect the 7.4-kW onboard charger and a fully replenished battery is said to take three hours and 15 minutes.

Whether plugged in at home or at a Level 2 public charger, the XM Label Red will draw the attention of anyone who walks within shouting distance. Perhaps its the enormous, alien-like front end, which looks especially extroverted with the red rings around its cartoonish kidney grille. Additional red exterior accents are found on its gigantic wheels. The stripe stretching along its flanks and up around its side windows can also be had in Toronto Red. Are we the only ones picking up heavy vibes from the A-Team van?

Inside, the Bimmer's red details continue, albeit on a more traditional canvas. The color can be seen on the dashboard HVAC vents as well as on stitched surfaces throughout the cabin. Standout features include BMW's curved glass panel that combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen with iDrive 8.5 infotainment software.

The interior also features a head-up display, a three-dimensional headliner, and myriad M-specific controls. Customers can opt for a 1475-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system too, if the standard Harman Kardon stereo won't suffice. Of course, an SUV this luxurious wouldn't be complete without an array of driver assists that include BMW's semi-autonomous drive mode that allows hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on certain thoroughfares.

The 2024 BMW XM Label Red is slated to start production at the automaker's Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant this August. Although BMW says it'll announce pricing closer to that date, we'd wager the highest-performance XM will start around $186K.

Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.

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