Stand well back: the 900hp Manhart MHXM is here
The most controversial M car ever gets more so, thanks to a matt grey wrap, 24-inch wheels - and 885lb ft
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…
I thought the Ssanyong Rodius was the worst thing, until seeing this monstrosity.
I am not saying this for effect, I am saying it because I am shocked that a BMW can look so bad!
I drive a 2015 BMW 640D M-Sport Coupe as my daily and to me is one of the best looking things to come out of BMW, this is just well ahem....
OFFENSIVE!
Then there a people out there who stop and think,,,,,Hmm lets make it look worse!
How is it possible?
Well thumbs up guys you have achieved the impossible!
But you have got me and probably lots of other people to comment so you have gained fame!
Not for the right reasons in my sore eyes!
Did the guy who thought this looks good, get a job at BMW or something?
What on earth do people think when they design this sort of tat! Do they really stand back and go "mmmm, looks just how I wanted it" or do they go " mmmm......I've cocked that one right up, but I`m in too deep now!"
Perched, as we are, along the autumn of the internal combustion engine, and nigh on peak oligarch, there is now a steady flow of press releases: limited-edition this, manufactured-scarcity that.
Nowadays big power is relatively easy to whip up.
But is there design?
It's interesting that so many of these celebrate brutalism over beauty.
The existence of the super SUV segment, which is slightly bizarre in itself, has never really been about stealth or elegance.
It’s about aggression and visual cock-waving. Plenty of powerfully built director types love this segment and actively WANT it to look like the automotive equivalent of an XL bully.
I’m not defending a car design which I would happily pay someone not to own, so far is it from my taste.
I’m just also stating that we got here through a series of incremental choices that meant the car at the top of the pack in certain people’s minds is no longer getting a beautiful fast coupe, but an aggressive looking, wide, overstayed and spoiler-sporting SUV.
k thought illuminating the nostrils was a good look??
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