BMW 760Li & 760i V12 Twin-Turbo

Motoring Staff - 22/April/2009

Munich, Germany — The BMW 750i launched in 1987, in the years to follow a long story of success in motorsport likewise contributed to the exceptional reputation of BMW’s twelve-cylinders.

Now BMW has officially unveiled their new 760i and 760Li models, the 7 Series has set exceptional new standards all due to the twelve-cylinder power unit featured in both top models.

The new twin-turbo V12 that produces 400 kW and 750 Nm of torque, puts the new BMW 7 series in direct competition to the Mercedes S600, with it's 5.5-liter biturbo V12 producing 380 kW and 829 Nm  of torque, the new BMW 760's have more horsepower but less torque.

The new all-aluminum 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 is being described  as “ the epitome of refined performance”. The new BMW 7 series features some of the latest technology such as high precision fuel injection, infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment, and a volume flow-controlled oil pump. BMW went to great length to specifically design the two exhaust gas turbochargers so they would provide unparalleled power and performance, that one may expect of a genuine “luxury performance saloon.”

To ensure sensitive and precise dosage of power at all times, the compressed turbocharger air is cooled by a technically very demanding and elaborate indirect intercooler. This serves to minimise the overall volume of air required and shorten any delay times, enabling the engine to respond instantly to the driver’s foot on the gas pedal.

Boasting more power than its predecessor, the new 760i actually makes a 4.5 percent decline in fuel consumption for an estimated rating of 12.9L/100km, which is rather impressive. Performance wise, 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

To help convert all this power to rear wheels a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission was designed to provide maximum gearshift comfort, efficiency and performance. By working with transmission specialist ZF, BMW was able to find a way to allow the car to use its highest gear at reduced engine speeds for improved fuel economy, smoothness and refinement.

Exterior styling differences between the 760i and 750i are minor but include the addition of V12 badges, a slightly revised grille, unique 19-inch light-alloy wheels, and special dual exhaust tips. Interior changes include new stainless-steel door guards with illumination, a leather wrapped instrument panel, an alcantara lined roof, and exclusive burr walnut wood trim.

As BMW's flagship model, the new 760's boast a high level of performance driving equipment such as dynamic damping control, dynamic driving control, speed sensitive steering, an air suspension, and the dynamic drive anti-roll stability system. Luxury features include GPS navigation, four-zone climate control, automatic soft close doors, cruise control with automatic braking, and park distance control. On the options list there is active cruise control, a heads-up display, a rearview camera, high-beam assistant and  a night vision system with pedestrian detection.

This is the fourth time that a twelve-cylinder power unit marks the top end of the engine portfolio featured in the BMW 7 Series. And indeed, every new generation has further reinforced BMW’s position as one of the leading manufacturer of luxury performance saloons.

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