Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M760Li xDrive V12 debuts with Alpina B7 in its sights

The second 600-horsepower 7-series in as many days is revealed - but this one has twelve cylinders

Fans of wildly over-engined vehicles can rejoice at the news BMW has decided to introduce a new V12 range-topper in the 7-series range.

The BMW M760Li xDrive V12 – which we’ll refer to as the M760 from now on to save your bandwidth – packs a 6592cc, 12-cylinder engine behind its kidney grilles, with each bank of the vee granted its own single-scroll turbocharger.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Combined with Double-Vanos variable cam timing, direct injection and intercooling, the M760 returns figures of 592bhp and 590lb ft of torque.

Those figures would look all the more impressive had Alpina not already revealed its own 600bhp, 590lb ft 7-series in the last few days, but those swayed by the allure of extra cylinders will no doubt lean towards BMW’s own offering despite the horsepower deficit.

There’s very little in the acceleration figures. A 3.9-second 0-62mph time is quoted of the M760, while the Alpina B7 reaches 60mph precisely in 3.6. The engineers at Buchloe have binned the speed limiter though, letting the B7 run on to 193mph where BMW’s car wafts its way to a limited 155mph. Cruelly, BMW has seen fit to equip the car with a 205mph speedometer to gloat at you through the electronic net.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW continues to extol the virtues of the 7-series’ Carbon Core structure, and the effect it has on enhancing the luxury saloon’s handling. In M760 form there’s standard air suspension and Dynamic Damper Control, with an updated version of the roll-reducing Dynamic Drive system. Executive Drive Pro further bolsters the car’s cruising capabilities by preconditioning the suspension for the road ahead.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Rolling stock consists of 20-inch, double-spoke M alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres – 245/40 R20 at the front, and 275/35 R20 at the rear.

They’re steered via a variable-rate steering rack and active rear-wheel steering, and power is sent to all four with xDrive permanent all-wheel drive. While we can’t imagine many owners taking such a luxury barge to its limits, the xDrive system will nevertheless apportion torque to whichever axle needs it most.

Exterior styling tweaks justify the use of M badging, with a new front bumper with larger air intakes, new trim elements at the lower edge of the doors, a more aggressive rear apron and a twin-tailpipe setup. Those wishing to go further can option an M rear spoiler. Inside, you’ll find a selection of M logos, M pedals and sill plates with illuminated V12 logos.

Adaptive LED headlights are standard, and occupants can enhance their long-wheelbase experience further with adjustable comfort seats in both the front and rear, sunblinds, and a whole suite of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies.

An optional V12 Excellence Design package adds snazzier 20-inch alloy wheels, a bright chrome bar extending across the top of the air intakes, silver kidneys and LED foglamps in the front bumper. More chrome trim graces the side, the rear exhaust emits a slightly subtler note than the standard car, and the interior enjoys a smattering of wooden elements.

The price of all this luxury – and those twelve cylinders – hasn’t yet been announced, but BMW plans an on-sale date towards the end of 2016.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW 7-series 2023 review – the world's most advanced luxury car?
BMW M760e – front
Reviews

BMW 7-series 2023 review – the world's most advanced luxury car?

The BMW M760e is a marvel of high-tech luxury, but the 750e offers all the best bits for a lot less money
30 Sep 2023
New Rolls-Royce Droptail: coachbuilt V12 roadster unveiled at Monterey Car Week
Rolls-Royce Droptail – front
News

New Rolls-Royce Droptail: coachbuilt V12 roadster unveiled at Monterey Car Week

The Droptail is Rolls-Royce’s latest coachbuilt commission – an open-top two seater limited to just four units
20 Aug 2023
Geely invests £234 million in Aston Martin shares to support brand revival
Aston Martin badge
News

Geely invests £234 million in Aston Martin shares to support brand revival

Geely has become Aston Martin’s third largest shareholder as the British firm approaches a new era of more advanced, re-engineered models
18 May 2023
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025
Nissan GT-R 2025 – front
News

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025

The R35 Nissan GT-R refuses to die – this latest version gets engine enhancements and subtle cosmetic tweaks
15 Mar 2024
MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven
MST Mk1 Ford Escort
Reviews

MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven

The MST Mk1 is a brand new, 50-year-old, road-going rally car. It looks the business, but does it deliver? Strap yourself in…
15 Mar 2024
Used car deals of the week
Main used car deals
Advice

Used car deals of the week

In this week's used car deals, we've sourced everything from the TVR Tuscan to the CLS63 Shooting Brake
15 Mar 2024