Manhart’s take on the BMW XM could produce over *1,000bhp*

Don’t you just love it when an aftermarket tuner takes an already divisive car and adds a bit more divisiveness to it? That’s precisely what Manhart has done with the BMW XM, christening the resulting product the ‘MHXM 900’.

It’s a reference to its 900hp (912bhp) output, which is over 150 more than the factory-tuned range-topper produces. The eight-speed M Steptronic gearbox also channels around 885 torques to all four of Bavaria’s castle on wheels. Yeah, wild.

It'll get wilder still, because this is only stage one. Manhart says a second and third level will be made available if you so wish, likely pushing the MHXM beyond the 1,000bhp barrier.

To achieve the 912bhp of stage one, Manhart has thrown on its in-house-built power box system and bolted an Akrapovic exhaust underneath. Wonder what Neuschwanstein Castle would sound like with an Akrapovic exhaust system. Probably wild.

The chassis also benefits from a few upgrades, including new (lower) springs and a set of 24in Concave One, double-spoked alloys finished in gloss black. Then there’s the new body kit, which includes revamped bumpers, additional air vents and a restyled bonnet and grille. A sharp set of rear wings have been attached out back too - one off the roofline and another below the rear window.

Finally, the interior will see a carbon theme applied to match the exterior, with bits of the good stuff seen on the door, dashboard, centre console and steering wheel.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the MHXM 900, but considering the Red Label’s £171,000 start point, this thing might cost as much as an actual castle itself.