BMW’s XM Label sets a new hybrid SUV record at Pikes Peak, with a gripping two-part film documenting the feat.
The BMW XM Label has roared into history, clinching a new record for hybrid electric SUVs at the famed Pikes Peak hill climb. This electrifying performance is not just a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess but also a statement of intent in the high-performance luxury SUV segment.
The air at Pikes Peak was electric on September 21, 2023, as BMW’s most potent production model to date, the XM Label, unleashed its full 738 horsepower to set a new benchmark. The XM, with a colossal 738 lb-ft of torque, recorded an awe-inspiring 10:48:60, eclipsing the previous record and etching its name in the annals of the historic motorsport challenge. But the journey to this triumphant moment wasn’t without its drama. In June, during the 101st Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, BMW and driver Matt Mullins eyed the record. Yet, it was the return last month that saw them shatter expectations. Their secret weapon? A synergy of raw power and seasoned expertise, thanks to a partnership with Rhys Millen Racing.
Capturing every heartbeat of this adventure, BMW produced an emotionally charged two-part short film, now available for enthusiasts to stream. Viewers can immerse themselves in the rigors of preparing for Pikes Peak, feeling the wrenching setback of the initial attempt and the adrenaline rush of ultimate victory. Marcus Casey, Chief Marketing Officer for BMW of North America, encapsulated the triumph: “Pikes Peak is the ultimate proving ground…and we are thrilled to be named fastest hybrid SUV thanks to the world class pairing of an epic vehicle with an equally impressive driver.”
The Pikes Peak course, renowned for its hairpin turns and dizzying elevations, starts at 9,390 feet and ascends to the summit at 14,115 feet. The XM Label’s record run has added a new chapter to the storied ‘Race to the Clouds,’ further cementing its over a century-long legacy. This achievement is not just about speed. It’s a showcase of BMW’s commitment to blending performance with cutting-edge technology. The BMW XM Label is powered by a hybrid drivetrain inspired by the BMW M Hybrid V8 racing car. The sophisticated system pairs a forceful turbocharged 8-cylinder engine with an electric motor, ensuring explosive power, improved efficiency, and reduced emissions.
Inside the XM Label, opulence meets innovation. Occupants are ensconced in a world of luxury with diamond quilted BMW Individual Vintage Merino leather and a headliner that’s a constellation of LED lights, mirroring the night sky. Matt Mullins, behind the wheel, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. As BMW’s Chief Driving Instructor and a seasoned stunt driver, Mullins was instrumental in BMW’s previous Guinness Record-breaking drift. His expertise and finesse with BMW vehicles are unmatched, and his latest feat atop Pikes Peak is a vivid reminder of his skill and BMW’s pursuit of excellence in every aspect of automotive design and performance. The BMW XM Label’s record-setting run at Pikes Peak is a bold declaration in the evolution of hybrid technology and performance luxury. It’s clear that when it comes to setting records and exceeding expectations, BMW and its team do not just compete—they dominate.
Image Source: BMW
