BMW fans have had an amazing year in South Africa in 2023, following the launch of several new cars.
This year welcomed the M2 sports car, the new X1, X5, and X6 SUVs, and even the new 5 Series sedan including the all-electric i5 flagship, but there’s one BMW that came out this year that is arguably more intriguing than the rest.
The BMW XM, which first debuted at 2022’s M Fest in Gauteng, launched in South Africa in July this year and has proven to be a big hit amongst those who can afford its R3,400,000 price tag.
What’s more, the XM is getting a flagship variant called the Label Red that will be arriving in limited quantities in 2024, and that boasts even more appeal.
What to expect
The Munich-based automaker’s first M original in nearly 50 years, the XM is a super SUV designed to capitalize on the growing popularity of similar models, most notably the Lamborghini Urus, as well as others like the Ferrari Purosangue and the Bentley Bentayga.
It’s also the M division’s first plug-in hybrid, featuring a 4.4-litre, TwinPower Turbo, V8 petrol engine with electrical assistance in the form of a 25.7kWh battery and motor.
On the standard XM, this setup produces an already staggering 480kW and 800Nm, letting the otherwise bulky 2.7-tonne car sprint to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds and max out at an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.
Enter the Label Red – a limited-edition version of the SUV that cranks things up to 11 with a more powerful electric motor that raises the vehicle’s combined output to a whopping 550kW and 1,000Nm.
This cuts the 0-100km/h acceleration time down to just 3.8 seconds and buyers can also increase the top speed to 290km/h with an optional M Driver’s package.
Linking the motor to the wheels is the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which uses an eight-speed automatic transmission to negotiate power to the tarmac.
It also features M adaptive suspension and can travel for up to 83km on nothing but the battery for more efficient day trips.
In keeping with the Label Red designation, the BMW is getting new cosmetics with a fiery look, such as Toronto Red Metallic accents for the outside, 22-inch alloys with red inserts, and a high-gloss black kidney grille.
It’s a similar story inside with a black-and-red theme and cross-stitched seats, red highlights on several components, and a carbon fibre dashboard.
All of this is in addition to the XM’s already premium spec sheet, with items like M Sports seats and a dual-curved displays with a 12.3-inch driver monitor and a 14.9-inch infotainment unit.
A launch date and price tag have yet to be announced, though the Label Red will place above the standard XM, so expect to fork out well over R3.4 million if you want to get your hands on one next year.
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