BMW probably won’t be most pleased that in a story rumored to be about a 7 Series, the pictures show an 8 Series that was never made. But with the end of its V12 engines in sight, it’s hard not to look back fondly on these icons of the past. The M8 prototype was powered by a 600hp 6.1-litre S70/1 V12, itself a major Paul Rosche-led overhaul of the M70 – BMW’s first V12, released in 1987. Depending on where you read it, some parts of the S70/1 aided the development of the S70/2 V12, also known as the McLaren F1’s 6.1-litre engine – perhaps the largest internal combustion engine ever built. So if BMW is calling on V12s one day, it’s pretty momentous news. Thanks in part to an M8 that was never made and an epoch-making supercar from McLaren…
But that does BMW V12s a disservice, as other 12-cylinder engines have powered some really composed 7-series flagships for 30 years – and some Rolls-Royces, let’s not forget. As inevitable as the demise of the V12 BMW is (the UK hasn’t seen a 7 Series with more than eight cylinders for some time, and needless to say what’s next), it’s no less sad for its predictability.
The last V12 BMWs are sold in the US; Appropriately, there will only be a dozen, all based on the mighty M760i xDrive, and they will feature “unique badges, wheels and a choice from BMW Individual’s vast collection of exterior colors and upholstery”. (Full images have not yet been released, so the images are of a standard M760i.)
No one inside or out will doubt the importance of this 7 Series, that’s for sure: A “1 OF 12” plaque will be featured, “THE FINAL V12” will appear on the sills, a “bold “V12″ icon” will appear sitting on the rump and — get that — each customer will also receive “a custom-made desk trophy commemorating their specific vehicle.” These will likely be alongside their golf trophies and Powerful Built Company Director of the Year awards. A 7 is usually pretty subtle, but there’s no way this sort of occasion would go by without some embellishment.
Those expecting a wild 800bhp departure for the BMW V12 will be disappointed as these final 7s in the range are mechanically identical to the regular M760. Still, that means over 600 horsepower from a twin-turbo 6.6 (or double that of the first E32-era 750iL V12 from the late ’80s) and the ability to hit 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. No one will feel changed for a moment.
However, securing a Final V12 won’t come cheap – it costs $200,000, or around £147,000 at the current exchange rate. BMW says production will start in June ahead of July deliveries. However, customers must hope that the special edition does not lose value in the way that V12 7s are notorious. If confirmation of no more V12 engines is just the nudge for the classifieds you need, this M760i xDrive is £54,000 after just 30,000 miles of use. RRP in 2017 before options was £132,310…
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