The Sevens keep coming: On the heels of the Alpina B7 unveiling, BMW announced the xDrive M760i, the latest addition to the BMW M Performance lineup. The press release goes on a familiar refrain: luxurious driving, style, safety, and innovative technologies "while embodying M Performance dynamics with the integration of the first twelve-cylinder gasoline engine with M Performance Twin-Power Turbo technology." Then they get to the good part: 600 horsepower. And torque? Oh my my my yes.
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The allure of the most powerful BMW V12 production engine.
The M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder gasoline engine in the new BMW M760i xDrive has a displacement of 6,592 cc, developing 600 hp (preliminary figure) at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 590 lb-ft from as low as 1,500 rpm. These performance figures enable the luxury sedan to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds (preliminary figure) and on to a governed top speed of 155 mph. During the development of the all-aluminum block, the engineers focused on maximizing rigidity while also minimizing weight. Using a closed-deck construction combined with bolts holding the cylinder head down on the bed plate of the crankcase, the engine ensures maximum stability on the cylinder liners. Double bolts on the main bearings with an additional connection to the side panels through threaded support bushes and bolts reduce the influence of lateral forces from the crankshaft on the crankcase. Iron-coated aluminum pistons, forged connecting rods assembled using the cracking process, and a forged crankshaft, ensure vibrations and noise are kept to an absolute minimum.
In addition, the M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder gasoline engine boasts an array of special technical features allowing even better use of the potential provided by the engine’s design. M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and High Precision Injection enable sharp and direct responses to even the slightest movement of the accelerator, a linear torque curve, exceptional efficiency and performance are all special traits of this new V12 engine.
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M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology.
Joining the V12 under an engine cover bearing “M Performance” lettering are two mono-scroll turbochargers in a compact arrangement on the outside of the two rows of cylinders, each supplying six cylinders with compressed air. The turbochargers stand out with their high level of compressor and turbine efficiency, and their positioning provides the ideal platform for short, straight and flow-efficient connections between the exhaust ports and the turbochargers. Two sophisticated air-to-water intercoolers cool the compressed air coming from each of the turbochargers in order to maximize the density of the intake charge. An additional water pump feeds the separate intercooler coolant circuit, whose air-to-water heat exchangers are now positioned directly on the intake manifold for the first time.
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M sport exhaust system delivers an emotionally rich V12 soundtrack.
In order to reduce backpressure, the M sport exhaust system are routed as straight as possible and are as large possible in diameter given packaging constraints. The evolution of the rear silencers and flap activation system allows a broad acoustic spread, supplying everything from maximum refinement to a full-bodied 12-cylinder soundtrack. The system adapts to the situation at hand and the driver’s preferences with an emotionally rich 12-cylinder soundtrack that accentuates the dynamic character of the BMW M760i xDrive.
The catalytic converters of the 12-cylinder engine are equipped with cutting-edge exhaust gas sensors that quickly reach their optimum operating temperature thanks to their positioning close to the engine.
Injection system: Precision with 2900 psi of pressure.
High Precision Injection optimizes the combustion process, contributing to the engine’s extraordinarily efficient utilization of the energy. Injectors positioned centrally in the cylinder head, constantly measure the fuel precisely and spray it into the combustion chambers in finely atomized form and at up to 2900 psi of pressure. The fuel is dispersed according to an ideal model calculated in complex processes, allowing extremely consistent and clean combustion. This also has a positive effect on emissions and engine acoustics. The mixture cooling brought about by the directly injected fuel also allows a higher compression ratio than that achieved by a turbocharged engine with manifold injection. The engine therefore works extremely efficiently, delivering greater performance and lower fuel consumption. The M Performance 12-cylinder engine also features Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing. This technology allows the engine to breathe optimally across the entire engine speed range.
The oil supply to the M Performance 12-cylinder engine has been similarly optimized. Its volume flow-controlled pump operates only when required and is therefore extremely efficient. The six-chamber pendulum-slide pump only supplies the amount of oil required by the engine in whatever state of operation it finds itself in. Instead of a manual dipstick, a display in the instrument cluster can be called up at any time during a journey to show the oil level status.
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8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission.
The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission on the new BMW M760i significantly contributes to the dynamic ability of this M Performance model. The M Performance-specific tuning of the shift programs, delivering sportier gear changes and even quicker downshifts throughout the rev range, has been specially adapted to the characteristics of the V12 engine. The specific transmission tuning is also perceptible to the occupants through the functions of the Driving Dynamics Control switch. Carefully avoiding converter slip outside of gear changes results in a direct, sporty connection between the driveline and the engine.
The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission is equipped with a Launch Control function paving the way for drivers to achieve optimum acceleration on demand. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission can also be operated via the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel for an ultra-sporty driving style. In manual mode, the transmission follows the classical blueprint by holding the selected gear even when the engine hits the rev limiter.
Harmony of performance and ride comfort.
The all-new BMW M760i xDrive, just like the sixth generation BMW 7 Series, uses BMW’s intelligent lightweight design utilizing high-rigidity and lightweight carbon-fiber elements in the passenger cell’s Carbon Core structure. This technology results in a low center of gravity essential for agility and dynamic handling.
Performance mixed-size tires optimize contact with the road. The all-new BMW M760i xDrive is fitted as standard with exclusive, newly designed double-spoke 760M 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in a Cerium Grey metallic matt finish and with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (front: 245/40 R20, rear: 275/35 R20). This wheel/tire combination provides a noticeable improvement in driving dynamics without compromising the car’s cruising comfort.
Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview.
The new BMW M760i xDrive is equipped with the innovative Active Comfort Drive with Preview suspension system first introduced in the recently launched BMW 7 Series model range. Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview is an active suspension control system, which links up with two-axle air suspension and the Dynamic Damper Control system to deliver exceptional spring and damper comfort, not to mention extremely low vibration levels. It includes the updated version of the Dynamic Drive system, which reduces roll at the front and rear axles. The result is dynamic driving characteristics coupled with comfortable suspension tuning. Active roll stabilization is now carried out electromechanically and allows body roll forces to be cancelled out particularly swiftly and precisely when taking corners at speed. The adjustable anti-roll bars allow the suspension system the greatest possible freedom of movement, which raises comfort levels when driving in a straight line. The comfort-enhancing effect is further heightened by the standard air suspension, which has been retuned specially for the new BMW M760i xDrive and adapted to the car’s more dynamic character.
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Integral Active Steering.
The new BMW M760i xDrive is fitted as standard with Integral Active Steering. The planetary gear set previously used at the front axle has given way to a variable steering rack ratio. By employing a more direct front axle steering ratio and turning the rear wheels in either the opposing or the same direction when steering – depending on the specific driving situation – this system reduces steering effort and increases both maneuverability in urban traffic and agility and directional stability during high-paced driving, while also ensuring an especially smooth and composed response when changing lane and cornering. The differing characteristics permitted by the steering electronics are linked directly to the Driving Dynamics Control switch and activated by selecting the relevant driving program. For their introduction in the BMW M760i xDrive, the characteristics of the steering system and all the other chassis control systems have been tuned specifically to the dynamic character of this 7 Series variant.
Driving Dynamics Control switch with Adaptive mode.
The Driving Dynamics Control switch in the new BMW M760i xDrive also allows the driver to activate Adaptive mode. This feature includes an anticipatory chassis control function and automatic selection of the driving mode best suited to the situation at hand. The advance information for regulating the combination of chassis systems is gleaned from the driving style analysis readings, data from the navigation system and a stereo camera. All the driving modes of the Driving Dynamics Control switch have been comprehensively retuned to suit the dynamic character of the new BMW M760i xDrive.
BMW xDrive all-wheel drive.
This intelligent system is able to distribute torque fully variable between the front and rear axle, thereby ensuring an extremely high level of dynamic ability, agility and traction. The BMW xDrive system has been given a rear-wheel bias – and therefore even sportier tuning – in order to fortify the BMW M760i xDrive with the driving dynamics typically offered by BMW M Performance models.
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Innovative driver assistance systems.
The Driving Assistant Plus system has been expanded for the new BMW 7 Series model range to include the Traffic Jam Assistant, Lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, Rear collision prevention and Crossing traffic warning functions – and features as part of the specification for the new BMW M760i xDrive... The new generation of the Surround View system also includes a 3D View and Panorama View option in the Control Display.
M Aerodynamic Package.
The all-new BMW M760i xDrive underlines the refined sporting character, exclusive elegance, advanced technology and unbeatable build quality it shares with all of its new 7 Series siblings. The M aerodynamic package fitted as standard imbues the car’s proportions and precise lines with even more of the presence for which the brand is renowned. The newly designed front fascia features two large air intakes to the left and right, which take on a still more voluminous appearance in the absence of fog lamps. Running along the upper edge of each intake is a Cerium Grey trim strip. The kidney grille bars and active air flap louvers are also fronted in Cerium Grey and have high-gloss Black sides. The grille elements are framed by a Cerium Grey surround. Along the sides of the car, the Cerium Grey trim elements on the lower edge of the doors, the Air Breathers and the door handle trim provide new surroundings for the prominent double upper side character line . Exclusive mirror caps and“V12” badges on the C-pillars in Cerium Grey provide fitting adornments for the car’s flanks. And exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with a new double-spoke design and surfaces painted in matt Cerium Grey advertise the car’s elevated dynamic aspirations as a BMW M Performance Automobile. The sporting design of the rear fascia with its black central area highlights the M sports exhaust system’s Cerium Grey twin tailpipe embellishers with exclusive V12 geometry. The M rear spoiler optimizes the flow of air, while the trunk handle strip, which links the L-shaped LED rear lights, the model badge on the right-hand side of the trunk lid and the xDrive lettering on the left, ensures the performance potential of the BMW M760i xDrive is evident at the rear of the car.
An interior shaped by sporting elegance.
Inside the car, carefully arranged M accents provide an elegantly sporting allure. Gleaming door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminum with an illuminated V12 logo indicate the presence of the range-topping engine underneath the trunk. The rim of the exclusive M leather steering wheel features an M logo on the center spoke and gearshift paddles on the reverse. The multifunction buttons on the steering wheel spokes and the spoke inlays are finished in Pearl Gloss Chrome. The model designation is positioned at the center of the dial, offering a clear hint as to the performance the BMW M760i xDrive is ready to unleash. The M pedals and M driver’s footrest in stainless steel with black rubber inserts provide an additional sporty-technical touch and accentuate the character of the
BMW M760i xDrive as a driver’s car. A BMW Individual decorative inlay – in Piano Finish Black and bearing a V12 badge – positioned in the area around the selector lever and iDrive Controller lends even greater exclusivity to the interior.
