Stand well back: the 900hp Manhart MHXM is here

It’s been a while since the BMW XM has hogged the headlines, so time to thrust it back into the spotlight: this is the MHXM, a car described by tuner Manhart as nothing less than a ‘colossus’. Which is probably accurate, at least. It adds more than 150hp and almost another 150lb ft to the Label Red flagship, itself already the most powerful M car in history. Where does it end?

From 748hp and 738lb ft in a standard model (thanks to the combination of 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and 197hp electric motor), the MHXM now produces 900hp and 885lb ft. Which are ludicrous numbers, even in the days of mega EVs. It’s achieved without any internal changes to the S68 engine, the upgrade instead relying on Manhart’s own MHtronik powerbox, race downpipes, high-flow cats and stainless steel exhaust. An Akrapovic system is also available. Given the XM Label Red won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s probably worth remembering how much is shared with the new M5 – what a monster that could be with this tune. 

For those who find the saloon and wagon too timid, Manhart’s cosmetic overhaul for the MHXM 900 ought to hit the spot. There are Manhart by H&R lowering springs, slamming the big BMW down onto its new 24-inch wheels, the rears shod in ridiculous 355/25 R24 tyres. Manhart reckons the ‘extravagant, extroverted look’ of the XM Label Red (you can say that again) is ‘significantly sharpened’ by its carbon bodykit, which adds two rear spoilers (of course), a diffuser, sill extensions, a new bonnet, even angrier grille and so on. It’s as subtle as a roundhouse kick, and so it might be argued the perfect XM upgrade. The matt grey wrap is also a Manhart feature. 

Unsurprisingly given the amount of carbon real estate seen here, the entire MHXM package isn’t cheap. Those that want everything, from springs to side skirts and wheels to mirror carps, will be asked for €46,275 (or just over £38,500) in return. And that’s without an Akrapovic or a wrap. Those interested in just the power will be asked for €4,760 (basically £4k) in exchange for Manhart’s skills in that department. The XM’s fairly steep initial depreciation might at least help with those who do wish to modify – this standard model (so with the V8, but not to Red spec) has £30k off new after 1,000 miles. And that buys a lot of carbon…