BMW has announced “The Final V12” – an M760i xDrive phase-out special for the US market. Only 12 will be made, and after that the V12 7 Series will be complete
Here’s some totally unsurprising yet sad news: BMW will be making its last car powered by a V12 engine this summer. M760Li xDrive production is slated to wrap up this June with “The Final V12” – a US-market exclusive to be phased out, limited to just 12 units (see what they did there?). Once those are out the door, BMW’s 12-cylinder story comes to an end.
This history can be traced back to 1987 when the German company made its very first production V12. The 5.0 liter “M70” gave the E38 750iL almost 300 hp with only half as many camshafts and valves as the current 6.6 liter “N74”. In between came the S70, a dual overhead cam 12 banger for the 850CSI, which soon morphed into the S70/2 – aka the 627hp rageball that powers the McLaren F1.
BMW hasn’t released any pictures of The Final V12 yet, so here’s a regular M760Li for your viewing pleasure
Today it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep such engines alive. In fact, the M760Li was dropped from the European BMW lineup some time ago. The car will walk out in style, at least in the US, as every The Final V12 model gets 760M-style 20-inch wheels painted in either Window Gray or Jet Black. You don’t get this paint finish on any other 7 Series.
To further differentiate the model from its smaller brethren, it receives a “simple, bold” V12 badging at the rear. Each of the door sill panels and the engine cover are scripted “The Final V12”, while BMW has lavished the interior with “Individual” piano black trim and “1 of 12” commemorative plaques.
The twin-turbo V12 produces 601 hp at 5,500-6,500 rpm and 590 lb ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm, sent to all wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. 0-62mph happens in just 3.7 seconds and while that’s not stated in the press release we should imagine the top speed will be electronically limited to 155mph.
You won’t be short of gadgets, as each Final V12 “is only offered in a full-featured configuration,” says BMW. Long-lasting equipment highlights include a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound audio system, the luxury rear seat package and a driver assistance package.
Once the 12 cars are built, they will be making their way to customers by July. Each of them will also receive a ‘bespoke desk trophy’, noting their choice of color and leather, as well as the VIN number. Clean!
Although this spells the end for the M760Li, BMW’s V12 will live on in the form of the 6.75-litre Rolls-Royce derivative. We cannot say for how long.
