All-new V12 engine for BMW 7 Series flagship
April 14, 2009 by George Skentzos
BMW has announced plans for a new V12-powered 7 Series flagship model which will assume its top position within BMW’s model portfolio.
Setting new benchmarks in luxury performance motoring, the BMW 760Li will raise the standard of maximum exclusivity and supremacy in the luxury class when it arrives in the final quarter of 2009.
Under the bonnet of the 760Li lies a completely new 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine developed from the ground up, boasting 400kW and maximum torque of 750Nm from just 1500rpm.
This has been combined with a new eight-speed automatic transmission which promises an uncompromising combination of effortless cruising and supreme driving dynamics.
The result is genuinely impressive zero to 100km/h performance of just 4.6 seconds while returning remarkable fuel economy of 12.9 litres per 100kms which surpasses most V8-powered models in this segment.
Both the new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li come as standard with Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control operated at the touch of a button on the centre console, speed-related Servotronic steering assistance, and BMW’s Dynamic Drive anti-roll stability system.
Subtle visual highlights distinguish the V12-powered 7 Series range with an extra-wide chrome framed kidney grille, unique 19-inch light-alloy wheels and dual exhaust tailpipes exclusive to these models.
The new top-of-the-range models in the BMW 7 Series are further underlined by comfort seats, BMW’s navigation system Professional, automatic air conditioning with four-zone control, cruise control complete with an automatic brake function, Park Distance Control, and Automatic Soft Close on the doors all featured as standard.
The new BMW 760Li will come comprehensively equipped for the Australian market with pricing and specifications to be announced closer to launch.
The next step for BMW will be using its new twin-turbo V12 powerplant in other models across the entire line-up, including M-Division derivatives – now that is certainly something to look forward to.
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You know, this is a bit sad of me and certainly wouldn’t have been the case two years ago but I would actually be more excited to hear that BMW was making a three-cylinder diesel RWD supermini that I am to here about a (rather unnecessary due to the superb 730d) V12 7 Series. Still, this must be pointing to a new super car. They wouldn’t be spending all that money on a new engine that will only be put in one model that doesn’t exactly sell in massive numbers if there wasn’t more intention. And it won’t be going in the next 5 Series so I suppose we will have something to look forward to. Maybe the M1 concept? I WOULD buy one of those.
mmm…. V12 turbo…sweet!. Saab was 20 yrs ahead of everyone with the whole turbocharge everything theory, the rest of the world is now catching up.
Aaah but Alex – don’t forget theres a lucrative business in selling engine units to others. Indeed BMW are doing a deal with Renault for their smaller engines. Just because you do not see many 7 series in Australia or Europe doesn’t mean to say that no-one buys them. I would imagine the developement costs are spread through an estimated production number anyway. Do agree though the 3.0D is a gem, especially in twin turbo format.
BMw do need to have a lerger capaity than this engine as well really a la Audis 4.0litre V8 TDi banger.
Cupid, I know that several brands have engine agreements with each other, BMW included, but I think it’s a shame that BMW don’t make their own tiny engines. They could be peppy and economical and there’s no reason for them to be rough either.
I’m just saying that right now, unfortunately in these times, a new V12 doesn’t excite me. It is a 7 Series so it’s a bit hard to get excited anyway but a fun to drive, economical supermini with good quality and an even better badge would be ideal right now.
Bit of a disappointment compared to the S600’s engine.
This car is really for people with too much money to burn when a 730d do nicely. However, i believe the upcoming baby Rolls Royce will have a very similar engine to this one, and will most likely make the profit needed to cover the development cost of this new V12.
Not a lot of differentiation in terms of interior design between the 7 and 5 (possibly 3 as well) Series.
Also, why is the iDrive knob where it is? Shouldn’t it be either on the drivers side or placed behind the “joystick” (as I like to call it)?
Nice but I would much rather have a Porsche Panemera.
Its Quicker, distinctive looking, fanatastic interior, better handling and do you know how quickly a 7 series will depreciate???
super car! don,t nock till you have tried it well done BMW.
Why do they need V12’s when smaller, turbo petrol/diesel powerplants are providing huge gains?
Money talks i guess.