The magical letter M has been a signature for sporty versions of BMW cars for more than forty years since the German manufacturer founded its BMW M department back in 1972. After thousands and thousands of BMW M models produced, in 2016, the BMW M760i became the first ever 7-Series which was tuned by M Performance engineers, providing an adequate response to the famed Audi S8 and Mercedes-AMG S-Class models. The M760Li is the long wheelbase version of the M760i, most adequate for business customers and VIP passengers.

AT A GLANCE

Upsides:

• Sound of the V12 engine
• Driving abilities

Downsides:

• Too heavy to be a real sportscar

Design (5/5)

When talking about design, the new BMW M760Li underlines all characteristics of the new 7-Series siblings. The M aerodynamic package features the newly designed front apron with two large air intakes. Running along the upper edge of each intake is a Cerium Grey trim strip. The active air flap louvers and kidney grille bars are also fronted in Cerium Grey with high-gloss black sides. Exclusive mirror caps, “V12” badges on the C-pillars and the M logo on the front wings are the distinctive adornments. At the rear, the highlights are the M sports twin tailpipes.

Engine, drivetrain, and performance (5/5)

The BMW M760Li is the first 12-cylinder iteration of the new 7-Series. The car uses a twin-turbocharged 6.6L V12 engine which develops 610 hp and peak torque of 800 Nm. This awesome power translates into equally impressive on-road performance. The M760Li is sprinting to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h but can be raised up to 305 km/h. The car has xDrive mark in its name, which means that all-wheel-drive system is standard. Power and torque are transferred to the wheels through ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. The sport-tuned chassis includes standard rear-wheel steering.

Trim levels (5/5)

The M Aerodynamic package is standard for this car, with enlarged front air intakes and more Cerium Gray and gloss-black trim. V12 badges abound both inside and out, and there is a quadruple-outlet exhaust system. The M760Li comes with 20-inch wheels in Cerium Grey matte finish as standard, fitted with Michelin Super Sport tires. The car is also equipped with the innovative Executive Drive Pro suspension system first introduced in the regular BMW 7-Series. Some other parts of equipment are Driving Assistant Plus, Traffic Jam Assistant or Active Cruise Control.

Safety (5/5)

In terms of safety, the new 7-Series is a pioneer car with its Carbon Core body structure. The innovative lightweight design helps in weight optimization but also in enhancing the strength and stiffness of the passenger cell. Reliable protection is guaranteed by safety equipment package featuring front and side airbags, head/curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, active head restraints, etc. The safety is increased by many electronic systems which serve as helpers for more pleasant driving but also as security protectors, such is the Driving Assistant safety package.

Conclusion: 5.0/5.0

Being the inaugural M-spec 7-series model, the BMW M760Li is already a special car, but there are also many details which make it even more special. First, every car with V12 engine deserves a special status among car lovers and customers, especially in the times when downsizing and fuel economy are prevailing all over the automotive world. The sound of the V12 engine is something that is worth to pay for, and all other features are the upgrades which make the BMW M760Li a perfect sporty limousine for both the driver and passengers in the back.