{"id":246458,"date":"2023-11-27T10:19:43","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T10:19:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/?p=246458"},"modified":"2023-11-27T10:19:43","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T10:19:43","slug":"does-bmws-most-powerful-production-car-look-better-as-a-safety-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/car-reviews\/does-bmws-most-powerful-production-car-look-better-as-a-safety-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Does BMW's Most Powerful Production Car Look Better As A Safety Car?"},"content":{"rendered":"
It’s been more than a year since BMW unveiled the XM as its first dedicated M model since the legendary M1 from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Following its world premiere, the plug-in hybrid SUV received two additional versions \u2013 an XM 50e with an inline-six for select markets and this beefy Label Red. Oddly enough, the Bavarian brand subsequently decided to drop the “Red” part of its name.<\/p>\n
The XM Label celebrated its debut last April at Auto Shanghai 2023 and it’s now getting a new look by morphing into a MotoGP Safety Car for the 2024 season. Compared to the standard vehicle, it has gained a beefy front splitter, a roof-mounted light bar, and extra flashing LEDs in the front bumper. Inside, it boasts a pair of Recaro front bucket seats with a six-point harness, additional controls for those new lights, and a fire extinguisher in case something goes horribly wrong.<\/p>\n
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The XM Label Safety Car was presented in Valencia during the 2023 MotoGP season finale where BMW also brought a second car. As the winner of this year’s BMW M Award for the fastest qualifier, Francesco Bagnaia received the keys to his shiny new electrified SUV. Last year, the very same rider took home an M3 Touring\u00a0with center-mounted stacked exhaust tips. 2023 represents the 21st<\/sup> time BMW has handed out the BMW M Award but the German luxury automaker has been the “Official Car of MotoGP” supplier for 25 years.<\/p>\n With wild styling, a massive SUV body, and a hefty curb weight of nearly 6,000 pounds (over 2,700 kilograms), the XM Label is a purist’s worst nightmare. It does have something going for it since we’re dealing with BMW’s most powerful production vehicle ever. The twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and electric motor work together for a combined output of 738 hp and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm).<\/p>\n It’s the most expensive BMW model money can buy in the United States, retailing from $185,000 before options.\u00a0Add the only two available extras \u2013 Bowers & Wilkins sound system and the M Driver’s Package \u2013 and the price jumps to nearly $192,000 after factoring in the destination fees. It still undercuts a base Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, available in the US from $197,950.<\/p>\n