Skip to content
 
An image of a BMW XM Label parked outdoors.

By Gabriel Vega –  December 01, 2023

First Drive Review: The 2024 BMW XM Label Is A Fully-Real...

The BMW XM's introduction last year remains a perplexing moment in M's history, and not for the reason you'd expect. Unlike the angry mobs that flooded our Instagram comments with a sea of complaints, taking dig after dig at the XM's styling, I don't hate it. Statement pieces should have a place in the car world. And while I realize that's not exactly high praise either, we're talking about one of the most polarizing vehicles unveiled in recent years here. It's not its SUV form factor that bewilders either. Although, given its extensive racing history, the XM isn't what I believe M's flagship should be, it's tough to argue with the high sales figures high-power SUVs consistently pull in. I may not love it from an enthusiast's perspective, but its existence is easy to reason from a financial one. Plus, as machines like the Aston Martin DBX 707, Lamborghini Urus, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT have repeatedly demonstrated, a big, heavy, high-riding machine can still offer a proper thrill. Instead, it's the XM's performance that makes the least sense. Don't get me wrong, its arrival is a massive deal for BMW's M division. Not only is it the performance brand's flagship product, but also its second-ever production vehicle. Yet despite producing a massive 644 horsepower from a hybridized twin-turbo V8, its 6,062-pound weight crushes practically any performance gains, meaning it's no quicker or more enjoyable to drive than its much cheaper siblings, the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition.  It took me getting behind the wheel of the 2024 BMW XM Label for things to click, essentially a 738-horsepower sequel to M's range-topper. Previously known as the Label Red, the German carmaker dropped the second half of its name for yet unknown reasons, turned up its boost to squeeze an extra 94 horsepower, tweaked its suspension, and gave it new red badges. While that may sound like a short list of updates, they profoundly impact how the XM Label drives, making it a far more enjoyable machine to hustle up a twisty road. The Label is what the XM should've been all along. My brief stint in the BMW XM Label took place during the carmaker's annual Test Fest, this time held in South Carolina near its Spartanburg plant. The setup was straightforward. BWM lined up dozens of its products alongside one another in a large parking lot so journalists could hop in and drive off on one of two pre-planned routes. This arrangement, however, created a unique problem for the XM Label. See, very little differentiates it from its base counterpart, making it challenging for media and event staff to tell them apart. Unless you choose red exterior trim or wheel accents, only red-outlined XM badges differentiate the pair. And while I'm glad the word Label isn't anywhere on or in this car, there are nearly no visual indicators that you've paid up the extra $26,000 premium it commands. Conversely, if you're a fan of the XM's styling, you'll be happy to learn it's basically unchanged. My tester wore a dark Ruby Black Metallic Shade, one of over 50 BMW individual colors available at no extra cost, and a contrasting two-tone red and black leather interior. In line with the theme of its original name, the Label sans Red is only offered with a split-color layout and carbon fiber trim. Red outlined vents, contrast stitching, and an accented headliner tie the whole thing together. Like with its exterior, however, these changes are purely visual. Its dual-curved screens, infotainment system, and cabin layout directly carry over. Instead, the BMW XM Label's powertrain and chassis host the most significant updates. Thanks in part to increased boost pressure, its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 now produces 577 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque. A permanently excited synchronous electric motor nestled within its eight-speed automatic transmission generates an extra 194 hp and 206 lb-ft. The Label pumps out a total of 738 hp and 738 lb-ft, making it the most powerful production BMW ever. Still, despite its power gains, it scoots to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, the same as an X5 M Competition, and tops out at 175 mph when equipped with the optional M Driver's pack, or 155 mph without it. However, these stats only tell half the story. While the standard XM was already a quick machine, the Label takes it into new territory, in line with what you'd get from a Lamborghini Urus or an Aston-Martin DBX 707, SUVs whose prices start above the $200,000 mark. Its V8, despite being heavily turbocharged, revs rapidly, which is helped along by its electric motor, making the Label feel far more responsive than its base counterpart. It's alarmingly quick, instantly delivering a wave of torque that holds steady up the tach. There's no instance in which M's flagship feels sluggish or slow. It's properly high-strung. Perhaps more crucially than just turning up the boost, the carmaker's engineers heavily tweaked how its gas and electric powertrains work together. Previously, as you drained its 19.2-kilowatt-hour battery pack driving up to 30 miles in electric mode, the XM's V8 would kick in with a blaring cold start and an accompanying sudden jolt that shook the whole car unexpectedly. This lack of refinement was downright unacceptable for a flagship with a $159,995 base price. The $185,995 XM Label, however, solves the issue to the point where I didn't even think about it during my short stint. The tweaks don't stop there. The Label's standard air suspension system gets trim-specific calibration to handle the extra power. It comes standard with M Suspension Pro, an active anti-roll system, and active steering, all of which allow this over 6,000-lb SUV to take corners at high speeds without generating unwanted body motions. It's strikingly balanced, even on tight switchbacks. Its only issue from a handling perspective is its footprint, which leaves no wiggle room within the lane. Its quick steering, excellent six-piston standard brakes, and rear-biased all-wheel drive system are all up to the task of swiftly moving this hefty behemoth along effortlessly. Around town, however, things change rather quickly. The stiffened components that make the BMW XM Label a treat on a back road make it a pain just about anywhere else. Despite its major suspension revisions, M's flagship is still noticeably firm, crashing over bumps and transmitting unwanted road noise and vibrations through the cabin. In this regard, little separates the base model and the range-topper. Although things smooth out at higher speeds, crawling around town at slow speeds results in near-constant bounces, even in its softest setting. Its well-isolated cabin and plush seats certainly help, but they can't overcome this SUV's harsh nature, which results in a big SUV that, although sporty, isn't quite as versatile as some of its exotic competitors. I'll admit. Having looked at its stats briefly before my first drive, I expected the BMW XM Label just to be a more powerful version of the standard model. However, in practice, it's anything but. M's true flagship houses significant improvements in almost every area. It's not just rapid in a straight line but well-balanced in the bends, and thanks to its tweaked hybrid powertrain, it is more cohesive and refined. Although it's technically not quicker on paper than an X5 M Competition, it certainly feels so in the real world, now genuinely up there with Lamborghini and Aston Martin's best. However, while the Label is finally what the XM should've been all along, it's a few tweaks shy of being truly spectacular. Softer suspension tuning would go a long way. While enthusiasts might occasionally pilot this high-powered behemoth up a back road, it's still, first and foremost, an SUV. Thus, it should offer comfort alongside this practicality and performance. Starting at $185,995, XM Label is still, like the base model that debuted last year, mainly just a statement piece, except now it has the performance and driving experience you'd expect from a proper performance flagship.

Rivian Main

By Jordan Aquistapace –  December 01, 2023

Rivian Set To Reopen Historic Theater In Laguna Beach As ...

Establishing itself as a prominent, innovative U.S. electric automaker, Rivian is set to open Rivian South Coast Theater, its first flagship retail location on December 9 in Southern California. Located at 160 South Coast Highway, this new space is both a retail venue and a unique destination where visitors can explore Rivian's cutting-edge electric vehicles and participate in community events and theater programs that foster creativity and adventure. Situated just 15 miles from Rivian’s Irvine headquarters, the South Coast Theater is the 11th space opened by Rivian this year and its third in California, following Venice Beach and the upcoming Pasadena site. Spanning over 11,000 square feet, it stands as the largest of Rivian’s retail locations, designed to be a welcoming center for the brand in a region it considers home. The theater, originally the New Lynn Theater from 1935, underwent a thorough restoration to preserve its historic character, including the marquee, ticket booth, and original 129-seat theater area. This effort led to its addition to the National Register of Historic Places in March 2023. Rivian South Coast Theater will continue to screen films in partnership with the Coast Film Foundation, aligning with Rivian's mission to inspire positive change and adventure. The theater's layout allows guests to intimately experience Rivian's flagship electric vehicles, the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Adding to the visitor experience, the on-site café will be operated by Equator Coffees, offering sustainably sourced coffee and pastries. The theater’s Gear Shop will feature a range of merchandise, local artisan goods, and exclusive products from a collaboration with Almond Surfboards. The opening weekend will host public activities, including family art workshops by Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD), embodying Rivian’s commitment to community engagement and environmental consciousness. View all Rivian EVs currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Rivian For Sale Source: Rivian

Leica

By Jordan Aquistapace –  November 30, 2023

How To Buy: Leica's Exclusive ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition T...

Adding some gold to its lineup of luxury watches, Leica continues its hand at modern watchmaking. Renowned for engineering the best photography cameras and equipment, Leica has introduced a luxurious new addition to its timepiece collection, the Leica ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition. Limited to only 50 pieces, the timepiece is a celebration of Leica's rich heritage and dedication to iconic design and exquisite watchmaking. The ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition is a remarkable fusion of two prestigious materials: 18k gold 4N and high-strength Grade 5 Titanium, known for its durability in the aero and automotive industries. The dual-metal case, expertly forged by esteemed artisans, pays homage to Leica’s first golden edition camera, the IA Luxus introduced in 1929. The watch dial boasts a special color grade with a sunburst effect, achieved through a skilled brush technique that requires a steady hand. The indexes and hands are delicately galvanized, complementing the golden warmth of the case. Inside, the Leica Calibre LH-1001 movement, produced and assembled by hand at Lehmann Präzision in Germany, undergoes rigorous five-axis regulation tests. Completing this horological masterpiece is a strap made from alligator leather, naturally tanned in Italy and hand-stitched in Geneva. The strap's refined grey-brown shade and durability perfectly complement the luxurious watch. An 18k gold 4N butterfly buckle adds an elegant finishing touch. Available exclusively through private appointments at select Leica stores worldwide, the Leica ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition comes with a retail price of $28,000. Shop the new Leica ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition by clicking the link below. Shop The Leica ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition Source: Leica

BRO01 Main

By Jordan Aquistapace –  November 29, 2023

Bell & Ross Reveals The $115K Limited Edition BR 01 Cyber...

Bell & Ross launches a masterpiece of modern Haute Horology in sapphire. As watch design and technology continuously improves, brands are introduced to new materials and techniques that evolve the traditional art of watchmaking. Bell & Ross has once again set a new benchmark in the luxury watch world with the unveiling of its all-new BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Ice Blue. Limited to just 25 pieces, the BR 01 watch combines technical brilliance with avant-garde design, offering an extraordinary fusion of art and engineering. Crafted from sapphire, one of the hardest materials known, the 45mm case of the Cyber Skull showcases a unique faceted design that embodies modern watchmaking expertise. The transparent case creates an illusion of the skull floating within, further accentuated by the transparent silicone strap. At the heart of the BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Ice Blue is an in-house hand-wound caliber BR-CAL.209 movement. This intricate mechanism not only drives the watch but also animates the skull, enabling its jaw to open in a sniggering motion as the spring is wound. This playful interaction reveals the barrel located behind the jaw, symbolizing the mechanical brain of the skull. The steel blue color, achieved through a combination of galvanized brass and blue PVD, adds an unconventional yet striking style to the watch. Available for the ultimate watch collector, the all-new Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Ice Blue is currently available through authorized dealers for $115,000. Shop all luxury watches now for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Bell & Ross Watches

SKYE Main

By Jordan Aquistapace –  November 27, 2023

CALLUM Unveils SKYE As A Game-Changer In Electric Multi-T...

Renowned traditionally for design and engineering business, the team of professionals at CALLUM have unveiled its latest innovation, the CALLUM SKYE. This high-performance, multi-terrain electric vehicle is designed for those owners seeking exceptional adventures both on and off the road. Marking a significant milestone, the CALLUM SKYE is the company's first own brand vehicle, fully conceived, designed, and engineered in-house. The CALLUM SKYE breaks new ground in the automotive industry, carving out a distinctive niche in the compact multi-terrain vehicle segment. Unlike its counterparts, SKYE offers a fully enclosed cabin that combines comfort with refinement in a purposeful 2+2 layout. Engineered for exhilarating on-road performance and off-road capabilities, the all-electric, all-wheel-drive SKYE features a durable technical specification at its core. The design ensures ample ground clearance while maintaining comfort across varied terrains. Equipped with a 42kWh lithium-ion battery, the SKYE boasts an impressive anticipated range of 170 miles. An advanced ultra-fast charging option will enable a full recharge in under ten minutes. With a target dry weight of 1,150kg and a balanced 50/50 weight distribution, the SKYE is expected to achieve 0-60mph acceleration in under four seconds. CALLUM SKYE is designed for diverse environments, from winding roads to challenging off-road trails, offering a clean, quiet, and hassle-free driving experience. Its fully enclosed cabin negates the need for specialized attire, emphasizing convenience and enjoyment. Currently undergoing rigorous testing in the UK and Europe, CALLUM SKYE's definitive specifications and curated variants, focused on specific on- or off-road use, will be detailed in spring 2024. Source: CALLUM

14. La Sagrera A04 La Hispano Suiza APP 2 (1)

By Jordan Aquistapace –  November 27, 2023

Hispano Suiza Announces The Upcoming 'Sagrera' As Its New...

Hispano Suiza continues to carve its legacy in the automotive industry by evolving into a manufacturer of fully electric hypercars. The Spanish brand, deeply rooted in history and currently owned by the fourth generation of the Suqué Mateu family, is set to mark a new chapter in its celebrated journey. Founded in Barcelona in 1904 by Damián Mateu, Hispano Suiza has been synonymous with automotive engineering for over a century. As it approaches its 120th anniversary, the brand has announced its latest venture, the Sagrera. Named after the industrial district of Barcelona where Hispano Suiza expanded in 1911 due to the commercial success of its vehicles, the Sagrera resonates with the brand’s rich heritage. The Sagrera district, known for its robust industrial activity, housed the brand’s first large factory, which occupied a 50,000 m2 area and employed 1,800 people. This historic reference point forms the backdrop for the new hypercar's name, connecting the past with the future.Technically advanced, the Sagrera will feature a new 103kW battery, an evolution already being tested on the Carmen Boulogne model. This signifies a significant leap in terms of aerodynamics and performance, ushering in a new era of electric mobility. The Sagrera hypercar now stands out as a testament to Hispano Suiza's dedication to maintaining its legendary status while embracing modern technology. This new model aims to elevate performance, sportiness, and luxury to unprecedented heights, continuing the brand’s passion for innovation. The Sagrera represents Hispano Suiza's commitment to keeping its legend alive in the electric era, ensuring that the brand remains at the forefront of luxury automotive design and engineering. View all luxury supercars and hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Supercars And Hypercars For Sale Source: Hispano Suiza

Screenshot 2023 11 16 at 2.57.12 PM

By Tyler Rampersaud –  November 16, 2023

Watch 2 Lamborghini Hurácan Sterrato Off-Road Supercars I...

Lamborghini’s new off-road supercar meets the challenge of snow. The idea of an off-road capable version of the Lamborghini Huracán has captivated enthusiasts since the original Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato concept car from years ago, and now, the stunning creation is finally here in its full glory for owners to test its unorthodox all-terrain abilities. Since taking delivery of his first Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, Utah-based collector and influencer Supercar Ron has forded rivers, upgraded the performance to 1,000 horsepower, and traversed an incredibly wide range of terrains and situations behind the wheel of the V10-powered off-road supercar. However, as winter approaches, Supercar Ron got together with Jake Wolf of Warehouse Motorclub, who brought another Sterrato to the snowy Utah landscape to see what kind of fun the Lamborghini can deliver in the cold, low-traction environment. Captured in a new YouTube video, the results are impressive, with the Sterrato showing a spectacle that is exhilarating just to watch, let alone to create while driving the impressive and unique off-road high performance machine. While there’s no debate that the new Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato is a wild, fun, and unique take on the legendary V10-powered supercar, seeing it in the middle of the snow is a sight that will likely never get old. View All Lamborghini Huracán Sterratos For Sale

A photo of a Lucid Air Gravity on an empty stretch of road.

By Gabriel Vega –  November 16, 2023

2025 Lucid Gravity SUV Debuts With Three Rows, Seven Seat...

With the introduction of the Air sedan back in 2020, California-based Lucid Motors set about creating a name for itself in a growing EV market. It produced a luxury sedan that is not just well-appointed but genuinely athletic and engaging. However, as sales of luxury SUVs far outpace their sedan counterparts, the need for Lucid to offer a high-riding product to compete with other high-end manufacturers has only grown over time.  Today, the carmaker unveiled the 2025 Lucid Gravity to fulfill this very role, an electric SUV with up to three rows of seats that'll accommodate seven passengers. Like the Air sedan, the Gravity relies on clever packaging, an efficient powertrain, and a restrained, elegant design to draw in would-be buyers away from other established brands. However, the Gravity isn't just a lifted Air. Instead, it rides on a new platform designed specifically to underpin SUVs. Although the carmaker has yet to unveil some vehicle specifics, we should expect single and dual-motor variants if the brand's sedan lineup is anything to go by. Of the powertrain, Lucid revealed its SUV counts on a 900-volt architecture, allowing it to gain around 200 miles of range as quickly as 15 minutes. Fully charged up, Lucid expects the Gravity to offer over 440 miles of range. While the carmaker hasn't shared the exact size of its battery pack, Lucid CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson states, "Its smaller, lighter, and higher technology battery pack means fewer precious metals and minerals, less energy to charge, less electricity consumed, less pressure upon the grid, and a lighter weight and more dynamic vehicle."   Lucid Senior Vice President of Product and Chief Engineer Eric Bach adds, "We believe in pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and with a battery pack about half the size of some competitors, Gravity is an environmentally friendly, versatile electric vehicle with the spirit of a supercar." On the performance front, Lucid unveils its plans for the Gravity to reach 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds while offering payload and towing capacities of 1,500 and 6,000 pounds, respectively. The electric SUV benefits from a new optional air suspension system dubbed Zero Gravity, which the carmaker claims will automatically adapt to various terrains while offering greater off-road capabilities. Aesthetically, the Lucid Gravity builds upon the foundation laid by the Air, maintaining a similarly sleek aesthetic, but adds sporty touches such as a pronounced shoulder line and a sizable rear spoiler. Lucid targets a drag coefficient of less than 0.24, that is, only slightly higher than its sedan sibling's slippery 0.197 figure.  Inside, the Gravity employs a familiar packaging strategy, combining a large rear trunk and a slightly smaller front storage compartment, totaling 112 cubic feet of cargo space. For context, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV tops out at 74.2 cubic feet, while the Tesla Model X offers up to 92.3 cubic feet. Its cabin features a similar aesthetic to the Air's. Still, it adds a larger 34-inch curved OLED display, a squared-off steering wheel, and a wider central infotainment screen that trades a vertical layout for a landscape configuration. However, it will still fold up and out of the way like the one found in the sedan.  Expect Lucid to unveil full pricing details for the Gravity range in 2024 as the electric SUV enters production towards the end of next year. However, the carmaker expects its pricing to start below $80,000 as it's looking to target the broadest audience possible. While Lucid will begin building the Gravity towards the end of 2024, the brand has yet to mention when it expects deliveries to begin.

Live Auctions