To all those affluent BMW enthusiasts who have been holding out for an M7, we are sad to report that as far as we can tell, BMW has no intention of building one. However, there is an alternative that might satisfy those who have a yen for a limousine that can perform like a very, very large sports car. It's the BMW M760i xDrive, and since this month's Los Angeles Auto Show, we know how much it costs: $153,800, plus destination and handling fees.
The M760i xDrive is the first 7 Series Sedan to which BMW has applied the M Performance treatment. The luxury sedan has morphed into a high-performance version by receiving an M Performance V12 twin-turbo engine that produces 601 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This kind of power has previously been available only on M cars—and some special edition M cars at that.
Energy is directed at a rear-wheel-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission that includes a Launch Control feature, which will probably be necessary to get the large car from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds. That's right, a 3.6 second 7 Series. BMW says it can do it.
BMW has installed M Performance-specific suspension geometry and M Sport Brakes to bring the handling and stopping up to a level that can deal with the engine's power. A more direct front-axle steering ratio and Integral Active Steering, tuned specifically for the M760i, will make the car feel more afile than a normal Sieben.
The 2017 BMW M760i xDrive will roll into dealerships early in 2017.
While $153,800 sounds like a lot—and it does!—consider that the M760i xDrive also comes with all the grand comfort, luxury, gadgetry, and connectivity that comes in a "normal" 7 Series. When you add BMW's biggest and most powerful engine and all the other M Performance stuff, it may not be a bargain, but for those who can afford one, it will probably be worth it.
The 2017 BMW M760i xDrive will roll into dealerships early in 2017.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
