When That V8 Hybrid Isn't Just Quite Enough, BMW Unveils A Twin Turbo V12 760Li

The new BMW 7 Series already sets the benchmark in luxury performance motoring – and now BMW is moving up the standard of maximum exclusivity and supremacy in this supreme class to an even higher level, following a completely new definition: The new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li are taking over the top position within BMW's model portfolio, representing the highest level of motoring refinement in their segment.

The heart and foundation of this exceptional new standard comes from the twelve-cylinder power unit featured in both top models in the BMW 7 Series. Developed as a completely new engine from the ground up, the V12 is a master¬piece of modern engine technology. Superior power of 400 kW/544 hp comes at an engine speed of 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 750 Newton-metres (553 lb-ft) from just 1,500 rpm.

Combined with the likewise brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission, this twelve-cylinder offers not only unparalleled motoring refinement, but also supreme driving dynamics through its ability to convert seemingly unlimited power reserves spontaneously and with precise control at all times into supreme driving dynamics.

Once again, BMW's twelve-cylinder power unit is the epitome of refined performance, grand touring comfort, and stylish exclusivity. The new BMW 760i as well as the new BMW 760Li with its wheelbase extended by 14 centimetres or 5.5" for particular comfort – if not to say, luxury – at the rear, provide the clear answer to the question as to what one may expect of a genuine luxury performance saloon, with fascinating new features underscoring BMW's claim to leadership in the luxury segment.

The drivetrain with all its technical features is a masterpiece of supremacy in every respect. This applies both to the 6.0-litre all-aluminium power unit with TwinPower Turbo Technology, ¬High Precision Injection with fuel injected directly into the combustion chambers, and to BMW's infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment as well as the eight-speed automatic transmission featured for the first time in a BMW.

Benefiting from all these technologies, the new BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li offer a new standard of motoring refinement, dynamic performance and all-round efficiency in a vehicle with this kind of power and output. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 4.6*) seconds, average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 12.9*) litres/100 kilometres on the new BMW 760i.

In determining the cars' fuel consumption, BMW's engineers have already taken the stricter EU5 emission standard into account, meaning that with the cars' performance improving significantly fuel consumption is down by approximately 4.5 per cent versus the former model.

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HSCenterconsole - 4/9/2009 10:27:16 AM

+5 Boost

A real V12 with real V12 power. I wonder if this engine is going to cause Mercedes to raise their HP on the 600's.

B7FAN - 4/9/2009 1:43:53 PM

+5 Boost

BMW PLEASE LET THE M DIVISION GET A HOLD OF THIS AND MAKE AN M7...PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE....I know this engine is capable of 700+ hp this is crazy

inspirion7 - 4/9/2009 10:44:53 AM

-9 Boost

When you are rich and do stupid, off the wall crap, they call you eccentric. When you are wealthy and by a ridiculous V12 for no reason but for status, forget how bad a V12 (3 four cylinder cars) are for the environment, you get a free pass. You still have bad judgement, but those that are envious are too blind to make this call. Can you imagine if someone was to praise the Cadillac Escalade with a V12? God, this site would be closed down in a minute. And don't come at the angle about volume of vehicles sold.

4Mula1fan - 4/9/2009 11:04:06 AM

+7 Boost

No matter how much you focus on how bad cars are for the environment people aren't gonna care until it's too late. Electric cars still require big plants to produce them, machines to make them, trucks and boats to transport them, bugs killed on test drives... So no matter how "green" your car is, it has hurt the environment. Not even considering the method of producing the electricity to power it....

4Mula1fan - 4/9/2009 11:05:28 AM

+7 Boost

It's a waste of time and energy complaining about it. Find out how to power a car with your passion and fury over the environment and you may be on to something...

Agent009 - 4/9/2009 11:06:42 AM

+7 Boost

The V12 twin turbo is definitely a status symbol, no doubt about it. Makes as much sense as an LS460Lh. both are great cars but the hybrid shows you can afford whether or not it makes sense to really have it. The same appeal as the V12.

MrBratwurst - 4/9/2009 11:14:22 AM

-4 Boost

— 4Mula1fan:

| No matter how much you focus on how bad cars are for the environment
| people aren't gonna care until it's too late.

I tend to agree. We are just too greedy and compete too much with one another by means that waste resources.


| So no matter how "green" your car is, it has hurt the environment. Not
| even considering the method of producing the electricity to power it..

True, but every human being living that does not live in the bush hurts environment. The question is then not who does or does not, but how much he or she does?

HSCenterconsole - 4/9/2009 11:31:04 AM

+4 Boost

Inspirion, at least your spelling is better today. Maybe a car enthusiast site isn't the best place for you to be posting comments. Maybe you should try spending time on Green Peace's site instead of here.

Some will buy V12's for status, but from a performance perspective, a 544hp sedans sounds pretty awesome to me.

I feel like so many of these greenies (aka former communists with a new cause/cover story) are just jealous they can't afford a V12 car. And since they can't have one, nobody will. The 760i is out of my price range, but it still a great car I can aspire to own.

pushrod27 - 4/9/2009 12:50:47 PM

+6 Boost

Inspiron, why don't you go somewhere else? Preferably hell. No one here cares what you think. This is a car enthusiasts' website. We obviously don't give a shit about the environment to the extent that you do. I would love to own a twin turbo V12 sedan. It's about luxury and power, not being 'green.' If driving powerful V8 and V12 cars means destroying the earth, then the earth is just shit out of luck, as far as I'm concerned.
We're all going to die one day. What makes you think you can stop the course of events? You can waste your time denying yourself pleasures for the sake of the earth, but if a giant meteor smacks the planet, we'll all die anyway, so what's the point? Shit happens. You can't stop it. Get over it. Do something to satisfy yourself today and if tomorrow comes, then do it again. That's all you can really do in life.

HSCenterconsole - 4/9/2009 3:55:15 PM

+1 Boost

Kaner, you are making assumptions about me when you know nothing of me. I have always lived "below my means." I have an '07 328xi coupe (paid cash for). Could I have gone bigger and gone with an M3 or 550i and had car loans? Of course, but why be in debt? I don't pick and drive cars to impress people or for the attention. I picked my car because it is fun to drive, I could get a 6MT with AWD (pretty rare these days) in a coupe, and plus it didn't break the bank.

My point is that many of these "environmentalists" want to completely destroy the system we have. Listening to some of these crazies, they want to completely change our lives and move us backwards. They want to crush our prosperity and force us to be like most of them (unemployed and poor).

MrBratwurst - 4/9/2009 6:05:55 PM

+1 Boost

1. Kaner is absolutely right.

2. pushrod27, thinking that entertaining things in life only equal to conspicuous consumption and being wasteful is primitive and, well, inferior. Distinguishes simple, unsophisticated people.

Soon those goods will be out of reach for most of us anyway. And this won't be because of some government conspiracy. Although packs of simple customers will come up with every possible theory about how someone cheated them by taking away the toys. Internet forums will boil with mutual conspiracy assertions.

pushrod27 - 4/10/2009 2:40:54 PM

-1 Boost

Mr. B, why don't you and Kaner go somewhere and choke on a bratwurst. Your rant sounds like sour grapes from a person with no money, no talent, no prospects. It's usually people like you that hate conpicuous consumption because you'll never get to do it.

Boss.

spruce_rd - 4/10/2009 4:54:25 PM

-1 Boost

inspirion7,
Are you that "green'?
If you are, you should wipe your butt with one(1) sheet of toilet paper. Are you?
If you are not, well...I see double standards here...

MrBratwurst - 4/9/2009 11:14:49 AM

-2 Boost

My only criticism from technical (not environmental) perspective of this Germany's finest is that cars having so much power in low revband (due to boost) and than many gears (first few short gears will multiply torque at wheels massively at low speeds) should come with an all wheel drive.

Otherwise put the hammer down in the middle of a bend when it's damp or moist and electronic systems will immediately have to intervene. Cause the lone rear axle won't handle such wave of energy coming down the shaft.

Same remark applies to AMG power-Benzs.

That's why Audi S8, RS6 and Lexus LS600h all come with TorSen limited slip differential based AWD as standard. Such setup offers stability and usability in any conditions. Including climbing snowy roads in French Alps something every flagship should deal with without a blink of en eye but superpowered 760iL may not.

Equipped with xDrive though, it can really be the flagship apex predator.

CarCrazedinCali - 4/11/2009 1:46:21 AM

+1 Boost

Good point

lock - 4/9/2009 12:04:36 PM

0 Boost

david 969

It's job security...for environmentalists.

david999 - 4/9/2009 12:31:05 PM

-3 Boost

Don't get sucked-in by david969.

MrBratwurst - 4/9/2009 12:48:38 PM

-1 Boost

david999, stop impersonating david969!

PS. Change the avatar for something with TRUE DAVID999 written in it. I'm truly interested whether 969 will pick it.

david999 - 4/9/2009 1:31:45 PM

+1 Boost

Thanks MrBratwurst, but I tried that when I added the 999 to my avatar. That dope 969 has no shame.

FillorKill - 4/9/2009 2:10:17 PM

+4 Boost

969, you don't have to try so hard to make Lexus fans look dumb. These are "fanboys" that come on a car guy site and then pledge their undying love for one of the most boring car brands out there. These guys think that rebadged Toyota's and some of the most boring cars on the market (see ES350 or SC430 for prime examples) are the second coming. It speaks for itself.

Lexus owners would be happy driving any Buick (they share the floaty ride, removed steering, appliance like feel), yet are too snobbish to do so. So instead they rock their "luxury brand" Lexus'.

Yonder7 - 4/9/2009 11:34:43 AM

-1 Boost

HSCenterconsole: FYI Mercedes have a similar engine already with more than 600 hp and the torque is 738 lb-ft at 1800 rpm, It is called S65 AMG and it does 60 mph in 4.2 (caranddriver´s numbers), beside it, the S600 with 5.5 Twin Turbo V12 does 4.2 Seconds to 60 (with 43 hp less than the new 760) may be the new Bimmer is heavier than the S. S63 with V8 did 4.5 0 to 60. So please get more info before to talk. The new 760I or IL are helping to rise the bar, but sorry, Th S class still the benchmark and king of the hill till 2012 when we´ll see the new S class. What I think, it is a great achievement "for me", is that most of the new engines of BMW, (finaly) have a great Torque at very low RPM which means a a lot of power efortless....as most of the big benz now they are getting it.

HSCenterconsole - 4/9/2009 12:46:10 PM

+4 Boost

Yonder7, read my comments before posting idiotic responses.

First, the previous generation 760i had an underwhelming 438hp V12. This new V12 finally can now truly compete with the S600.

Second, I NEVER once said this new 760 is or would be better than the S600. I just asked an open ended question. I'm not an idiot and I'm aware the S65 exists. However, it would be logical to assume the 760li would compete against the S600 in the $140k price range territory (I believe the S600 stickers at approxiametly $148k). I was wondering if the power on the S600 would be upped to meet BMW's new power ratings. The S65 stickers up near the $200k mark and I would assume it wouldn't compete with the 760. Maybe an M7 (if they ever make one).

Hantra - 4/9/2009 11:43:48 AM

-3 Boost

The profile is nice, but both ends are hideous. Driving dynamics are great and all, but styling UGnamics are so pre-recession.

lock - 4/9/2009 11:55:09 AM

-5 Boost

544hp? Is that it? BMW's new X6/5M produces that from a V8tt.

America - 4/9/2009 12:12:45 PM

+3 Boost

Do you really not understand that the character and essence of a motor is more than a horsepower number?

JRobUSC - 4/9/2009 3:57:23 PM

+6 Boost

Yes, BMW's new twin turbo V12 makes 11hp less than the twin turbo V8 from the X5/X6 M, to which I ask "so what"? It's not an M model. FYI, it also makes 52lb-ft more torque, and for comparison the S600 twin turbo V12 makes 510hp while the naturally aspirated V8 in the S63 AMG makes 518. Does it matter? No.

Yonder7 - 4/9/2009 12:30:45 PM

+6 Boost

America is right......V12 Are like turbine smooth power, V8 are not able to challenge a V12 when you are looking for smooth power quietly.

lock - 4/9/2009 2:23:20 PM

+3 Boost

I agree with both of you, and I do love the car/motor...especially over the previous version. I was just hoping for HP number in the sixes. There's a certain feeling you get when you can say you car has 6__ HP. Either way, I'm sure it is one of the most advanced motors BMW has ever produced and wish I could own one.

enthusiastx11 - 4/9/2009 2:01:39 PM

+3 Boost

love love love it. i wish i had $150k laying around to splurge on this!

M53R - 4/9/2009 3:50:49 PM

+2 Boost

This is the car I would love to own one day.

inspirion7 - 4/9/2009 4:28:50 PM

-1 Boost

Guys, I have made my point. I started this rant a few days ago and I really have never, ever carried about the environment at the extent that most hypocrites, the very same that cried like sissy girls, would denounce American V8 just last year being gas guzzling environment/earth killing machines because they just didn't like American vehicles period. I enjoy most post and despite the love for everything BMW on this site, I have to admit, I am coming around to BMW's of late, sans the V12.

The point is, judge the vehicles on their worth, not on origin. Agent 009 proves to be at least consistant, Bratwurst and HSCenterconsole informative (sorry about the spelling).

Oh, by the way,pushrod27 kiss my ass.

Nothing personal.

theoptimisticpessimist - 4/9/2009 4:47:17 PM

+3 Boost

Let’s get a little perspective here. BMW will probably sell one 760 for every 5000 Tahoes sold, 1 for every 3500 Tundras sold, one for every 10,000 F series trucks sold. The 760 will get better fuel economy and burn cleaner than any of these other vehicles.

So the “carbon foot print” is miniscule compared to the rest of the SUV and Trucks out there.

inspirion7 - 4/9/2009 5:09:43 PM

+1 Boost

I understand that, but now you are trying to argue a reason and it doesn't matter. Add all of the V8's from prestige automakers and it all adds up.

Look, I don't give a rip anyone purchase, just don't try to demonize one devil over another and try to justify it. Man up, they get shitty gas mileage and pump crap out. The volume argument doesn't work. If it did, Europe wouldn't have the most extreme taxation on these vehicles.

theoptimisticpessimist - 4/9/2009 6:10:11 PM

-1 Boost

"The volume argument doesn't work"

Why not this is an exotic car that hardley anybody will drive. I have a friend drive a 2006 Toyota Tacoma getting 15 MPG (and its a manual) this car burns cleaner and gets better fuel economy but guess what its going to tagged with a "gas guzzler tax" where as no tuck or suv will.

This car isn't the problem its the double standard between cars and trucks and SUV that are still considered farm equipment by the antiquated EPA standards. If you want to attack gas guzzlers, go after the real villians.

MrBratwurst - 4/9/2009 9:03:03 PM

+1 Boost

theoptimisticpessimist, everything in your comment is completely wrong.


| Why not this is an exotic car that hardley anybody will drive.

It doesn't matter. Someone will drive it and he'll be burning fuel at rate unknown to other car owners for no serious reason other than to unleash the power of conspicuous consumption. The same person can act much more efficiently.


| I have a friend drive a 2006 Toyota Tacoma [...]

So he likely uses this pickup as a workhorse. He cannot replace it with a hybrid hatchback just so.

Meanwhile you can replace this gas guzzler with dozens of other refined luxury cars that are by a mile less wasteful.


| [...] getting 15 MPG (and its a manual)

Weird. Among lots of similar Tacomas, only one returns this little:
http://fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Toyota&model=Tacoma%204WD


| this car burns cleaner and gets better fuel economy

Cleaner? Yes. Better fuel economy? Don't be ridiculous.

Edmunds got 14.37 observed MPG from a short wheel base V8 twinturbo 750i.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=143826/pageId=162964

760Li is long wheel base and V12 twinturbo. Expect real MPG below 10.


| This car isn't the problem its the double standard between cars and
| trucks and SUV that are still considered farm equipment by the
| antiquated EPA standards.

It is a problem. Every car that burns a lot of fuel and can be replaced by something much more fuel efficient is a gas guzzler. So is this 760Li. So are "urban" SUVs.

Meanwhile a school bus is not. Neither is a pick-up doing its job in the woods.

inspirion7 - 4/10/2009 6:03:23 AM

-2 Boost

Bratwurst, I couldn't have said it better myself. Great point.

theoptimisticpessimist - 4/10/2009 7:59:04 PM

-1 Boost

Hate to say it but almost everything you said is wrong,
Why not this is an exotic car that hardly anybody will drive.

It doesn't matter. Someone will drive it and he'll be burning fuel at rate unknown to other car owners for no serious reason other than to unleash the power of conspicuous consumption. The same person can act much more efficiently.

I’ve looked through some of you past writing and can’t see this righteous indignation when it comes to cars like the Lexus LF-A or the Nissan GTR. I believe your one of the defenders, now that’s a double standard.

| I have a friend drive a 2006 Toyota Tacoma [...]

So he likely uses this pickup as a workhorse. He cannot replace it with a hybrid hatchback just so.
WRONG
I guess you don’t know my friend, if just a daily driver; he occasionally goes of road in it. It not a work truck it’s a commuter.

Meanwhile you can replace this gas guzzler with dozens of other refined luxury cars that are by a mile less wasteful.

WRONG
You must have completely missed the point there are a lot more soccer moms and commuters out there drive SUV and Oversized trucks that will never use them in any remote sense of there capacity and the vehicles don’t get a gas guzzler tax and these vehicle classified as trucks have lower emissions requirements and CAFÉ standards.
| | this car burns cleaner and gets better fuel economy

Cleaner? Yes. Better fuel economy? Don't be ridiculous.

WRONG
Please, every auto enthusiast knows that the way cars are drive and the way they are test driven completely different. EPA rates the 750 fuel income is improved 4.5% over its no turbo replacement. Where were you criticism when the new Tundra, and LX were introduced.

Meanwhile a school bus is not. Neither is a pick-up doing its job in the woods.
Com’on how many pick ups drive by you at 85 MPH with a 6” lift kit that will never go off-road, and never see a days work, and you see them everyday and you be lucky to ever see a 760Li.
Lets be honest you just complaining because you hate BMW.

JRobUSC - 4/9/2009 5:04:05 PM

0 Boost

I hope BMW does a little more in the way of making the car look distinctive from the 750Li. Adding a separation in the exhaust tips and an almost invisible "V12" inlay in the chrome thing on the front doors isn't really enough. Same with the interior -- the wood grab handles, suede headliner, V12 door sills, and dash wood with a design in the middle are all nice, but that's not enough "more". Considering this is likely to start at around $30k more than a 750Li ENDS at ($145k base [which in fairness is probably loaded] versus $115k totally loaded), there needs to be a recognizable difference. Give it a different bumper or something at least.

mmeecc - 4/9/2009 5:44:26 PM

+6 Boost

The people looking to spend that kind of money on a "flashy" car, won't buy a BMW or a Benz, they'll go for an R8, Maserati, etc....
This is a classy executive saloon, for "understated" elegance. Real class is when you know you have class and don't need to show it or rub other people's noses in it....

spruce_rd - 4/10/2009 4:49:37 PM

0 Boost

Apparently, you are as jealous as they come.
You need a good shrink.
What do you drive, I guess V4....

jeeka715 - 4/9/2009 9:04:56 PM

+1 Boost

009, I understand you like BMW a lot, it's all good, they rock. But you have such a boner for Lexus and making sniping comments it's not even funny. I seriously don't have to look at the Author of the article anymore because I can tell its you based on the title. It's getting old.

linequality - 4/9/2009 9:06:33 PM

0 Boost

i sure hope it has a different set of suspension and brakes to accommodate all these power!

exceptional.

BozzorTheGreat - 4/10/2009 3:20:09 AM

0 Boost

I think we need to look for this engine in the new smaller (ahem!) Rolls Royce RR4.

Full marks to BMW: despite all this environmental sensitivity, we do need engines like this to let engineers go a little wild from time to time. Still, this is a very conservative engine: the boost from the turbos is very light, so I imagine that this engine will be both extremely tractable and ultra-durable.

MunichRob - 4/10/2009 8:33:55 AM

0 Boost

Love the cabins ceiling! Tailpipes look a little aftermarket; which I don't love.

enthusiastx11 - 4/12/2009 9:41:49 PM

+1 Boost

it's amazing isn't it!? they're getting more power, better performance AND better fuel economy at the same time. hell of an accomplishment!

if we were talking about the LS600 you'd be saying what an amazing car it is. of course the lexus doesn't even come close to the performance of the german V12s.

kut17 - 4/12/2009 12:47:44 AM

+1 Boost

In my opinion, once you get an engine that's a V8 or larger, it should be supercharged, not turbocharged. This is pretty cool, nonetheless.

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 4/13/2009 8:31:01 PM

0 Boost

This engine is definitely related to the one which we will find in the Rolls-Royce 200EX...

1uberaudi - 4/15/2009 5:15:43 PM

0 Boost

My God! Just reading the first paragraph wants me to forget about Rolls, Bentley, and Maybach. I do have a couple of questions for the writer of the article in regards to the first paragraph. Does this car have any gag reflex and is swallowing even questioned? I already know the car has an engine that uses two 335/535 engines welded together with two great big turbo chargers. Turbos, of course, are cheaper and supercharging is to expensive and BMW doesn't really have the technology for that. Oh, but they do incorporate new technology like direct fuel injection and an 8 or 9 speed transmission (there goal being 12 like my mountain bike). These two new features are a masterpiece in mechanical design. I hope the other German manufactures take note. The new 760 also uses a little bit of aluminium in the body to help with the sheer weight of the car. This is a great idea, I just hope the other cars, that are not even close to its supremacy in this segment, can use aluminium in its body, sparingly of course, we don't want to offend the most supreme high benchmark leader of the world in this segment.