A long-rumored M-spec version of BMW’s flagship sedan has now become reality — although potential buyers will have to wait until sometime early next year to actually get their hands on the new 2017 BMW M760i xDrive. Retaining all of the luxury, tech and safety touches of the latest 7 Series while adding the potent powertrain and dynamic enhancement from the house M Performance division, the M760i xDrive promises to rival to super sedans like the Audi S8 and Mercedes-AMG S63.
Turbo V12 makes 600 hp
Heart of the M760i xDrive is the automaker’s first-ever 12-cylinder gasoline engine to use M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. The force-fed 6.6-liter V12 is set to make 600 horses at 5,500 rpm and develop 590 lb-ft of torque which will be on hand from as low as 1,500 rpm. This setup features a pair of mono-scroll turbos, which unlike BMW’s V8 setup — are mounted outboard of the cylinder banks. This affords more direct access to the exhaust ports for quicker impeller spin-up, and each turbo each works in concert with its own air-to-water intercooler. Downstream, a custom M sport exhaust system reduces back pressure and incorporates internal flaps in the mufflers that adapt the engine’s exhaust note to match the level of driving intensity.
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Backing the engine is a paddle-shift 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission that also benefits from a full M Performance revamp. Its more aggressive overall shift mapping can be further tweaked via the Driving Dynamics Control switch and also features a full manual mode as well as a Launch Control function. Together, this dynamic duo can take the M760i xDrive from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top end of 155 mph.
The chassis of the new M760i xDrive gets its own M remake. It starts with the full air suspension that incorporates Active Comfort Drive with Preview circuitry from the 7 Series as well as standard Integral Active Steering system that brings a quicker ratio up front and adds rear-steer to give the car greater agility. The M touch is found in the xDrive intelligent AWD system as well, which features unique calibration and greater rear-drive bias than the standard 7 Series.
Dressed for success at any speed
In keeping with its character, the new M760i xDrive sports a subtle but stylish M Aerodynamics Package that matches bolder fascias with cosmetic accents and a selection aero-optimizing bits. Blending form with function, the car also is fitted with unique 20-inch M light-alloy wheels finished in matte-metallic Cerium Grey and wrapped in staggered-width – 245/40 front and 275/35 rear — Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, a combo BMW says “provides a noticeable improvement in driving dynamics without compromising the car’s cruising comfort.”
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The richly appointed, leather-lined cabin of the new M760i xDrive display an understated but elegant recast that includes M touches ranging from a unique steering wheel and stainless steel pedals to Piano Black and Pearl Gloss Chrome accents. Standard kit on this stunning BMW sedan also includes a Head-up Display, iDrive with touch display and Gesture Control, the full range of active/passive features in the automaker’s Driving Assistant Plus package and enhanced BMW ConnectedDrive Services. Pricing, final U.S. specs and EPA numbers on the 2017 BMW M760i xDrive will be announced closer to its on-sale date.
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