The Fastest 7 Series Ever: A Farewell to the V12
The BMW M760i wasn’t just a luxury sedan; it was a statement, a final hurrah for the brand’s legendary V12 engine. As the last of its kind in a production BMW, it represents a unique moment in automotive history, blending extreme power with uncompromising luxury.
Introduced as the top-tier model for the G11/G12 7 Series, the M760i wasn’t a full-fledged M car, but it came the closest the 7 Series ever dared to the revered M badge. Under the hood lay a monstrous V12, seamlessly merging grand touring comfort with the kind of straight-line acceleration that left many dedicated sports cars behind.
BMW rated the M760i’s 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 at 601 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful 7 Series ever produced. The result of this power was a staggering 0-60 mph time of a mere 3.6 seconds. Thanks to BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the car delivered relentless traction.
Despite its blistering acceleration figures, the M760i was far from a brash muscle car disguised as a limousine. Instead, it delivered its performance composedly, making high-speed cruising effortless. Whether navigating the autobahn or swiftly overtaking on the highway, the M760i’s V12 provided an unshakable sense of authority. It was the last of its kind—a final chapter in BMW’s long history of twelve-cylinder mastery.
Twin-Turbo Brilliance: The 6.6-Liter N74 V12 Engine
At the heart of the M760i was the N74B66TU engine, a heavily revised version of BMW’s N74 V12. This twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter powerhouse was closely related to the V12 found in Rolls-Royce models like the Ghost and Wraith, but in BMW’s application, it was tuned for a more aggressive power delivery.
It was the most powerful iteration of BMW’s V12 ever offered in a production car, a fitting swan song for the engine that had powered BMW’s flagship models for decades. Unlike the naturally aspirated V12s of the past, which depended on high revs to deliver peak power, the M760i’s twin-turbo setup ensured that maximum torque arrived at a mere 1,550 rpm. This meant effortless acceleration at any speed, making the car feel far lighter than its size suggested. The seamless powerband made the M760i deceptively quick, with a relentless surge of torque that seemed endless.
Another defining trait of the N74 was its smoothness. While high-performance V8s often produce a degree of vibration and harshness, the M760i’s V12 delivered its power with an almost uncanny level of refinement. It was remarkably quiet at cruising speeds, yet it emitted a deep, authoritative growl under hard acceleration. BMW’s engineers achieved a perfect balance, ensuring that the M760i retained the prestige and character that a V12 luxury sedan deserved.
Why Second Gear Starts?
One of the most notable aspects of the M760i was its ability to launch in second gear under normal driving conditions. This wasn’t a gimmick or software trick; it was born of necessity due to the engine’s immense torque. With 627 pound-feet available just above idle speed, launching in first gear may have proven excessive for regular driving, as it could overwhelm the tires and drivetrain.
By default, the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission programmed the car to start in second gear under normal driving conditions, ensuring a smoother, more refined takeoff. First gear was preserved for more aggressive acceleration, such as when launching with the transmission in Sport or Manual mode. Despite starting in second gear, the M760i delivered an authority of acceleration that felt more like an electric vehicle than a traditional combustion engine. This torque-rich character gave the M760i a unique driving experience, especially in city traffic.
Luxury And Performance In Perfect Harmony
Beyond its raw power, the M760i remained a true luxury sedan. Unlike the often-brutal, track-focused tuning of BMW’s M division, the M760i prioritized comfort without sacrificing speed. It came standard with adaptive air suspension, ensuring a plush ride, soaking up imperfections while still offering excellent handling when pushed. The cabin was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring premium leather, open-pore wood, and aluminum accents.
BMW’s iDrive system was at its most advanced iteration, offering intuitive controls and a stunning digital instrument cluster. The rear seats, often overlooked in performance sedans, were just as indulgent, with available executive lounge seating for those who wanted to be chauffeured in their V12-powered rocket. This combination of unrelenting performance and first-class luxury made the M760i one of the most well-rounded flagship sedans ever produced.
xDrive and the Eight-Speed Auto: Managing the Beast
With so much power at its disposal, the M760i required an advanced drivetrain to harness its performance. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system played a crucial role in keeping the car composed, ensuring that the immense torque was effectively distributed to all four wheels. Unlike some AWD systems that feel intrusive, xDrive maintained a rear-biased setup, preserving the M760i’s traditional BMW driving dynamics while still offering all-weather capability.
The transmission of choice was the ZF eight-speed automatic, one of the best in the industry. It delivered quick, seamless shifts, adapting to the driver’s inputs with precision. In Comfort mode, it made gear changes almost imperceptible, ensuring a serene driving experience. In Sport mode, it became far more aggressive, holding gears longer and delivering sharper shifts to maximize performance. This combination of xDrive and the eight-speed auto made the M760i surprisingly easy to drive despite its formidable power. Whether in stop-and-go traffic or attacking a winding road, the car remained predictable, composed, and ready to unleash its full potential when needed.
The End of an Era: The Last BMW V12
The M760i marked the end of an era as it was the last BMW production car to feature a V12 engine. With tightening emissions regulations and the industry’s shift toward electrification, BMW made the difficult decision to retire its legendary twelve-cylinder powerplant. The 2022 Final Edition of the M760i served as a farewell, with only 12 units produced for the U.S. market, making it one of the rarest and most collectible BMWs of recent years.
The departure of the V12 signaled a shift in the automotive landscape. While hybrid and electric powertrains offer impressive performance, they lack the unique character of a large-displacement V12. The effortless power delivery, the deep yet refined exhaust note, and the prestige associated with a twelve-cylinder engine are qualities that will be missed by enthusiasts and collectors alike. For BMW, the future lies in electrification, but the legacy of the M760i’s V12 will endure. It represented the pinnacle of internal combustion luxury sedans, a car that combined brute force with elegance in a way few vehicles ever have.
A Collector’s Gem: The Final BMW V12’s Lasting Legacy
With its rarity, impressive performance, and historical significance, the M760i has already cemented itself as a future classic. The combination of a twin-turbo V12, opulent luxury, and BMW’s signature driving dynamics makes it a car that will be sought after by collectors for years to come. Values of well-maintained examples are expected to rise, especially as the world moves further away from internal combustion engines.
The M760i represents a moment in time—a final hurrah for BMW’s legendary V12, built at a time when luxury and performance were at their peak without the constraints of electrification. For those lucky enough to own one, the M760i isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. It’s a reminder of what BMW was capable of when engineering excellence was the only goal. It may be the last of its kind, but its impact on the automotive world will never be forgotten.
