BMW’s $419,000 M760Li xDrive checks-in

THE flagship of BMW Australia’s product range will arrive next year in the form of the all-wheel-drive, V12-powered M760Li xDrive super limo, carrying a pricetag of $419,000 before on-road costs and the title of most expensive Bimmer on the market.

As expected, buyers who are willing to splash the cash are treated to one of the most technologically advanced, well-equipped and high-performing vehicles available in Australia.

The monumental 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine is good for 448kW of power between 5250-6000rpm and peak torque of 800Nm between 1500-5000rpm which, when paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system, can shoot the M760Li from zero to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds.

Double-VANOS variable camshaft control, advanced fuel injection and an automatic start/stop system keeps fuel consumption to 12.6 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions to 294g/km, while an M Sports exhaust divulges the M760Li’s V12 potency.

Building the M760Li from a Carbon Core – similar to its i3 and i8 electrified vehicle range – has also allowed BMW to minimise weight while maximising rigidity.

Stacked up against its Mercedes-Benz S600 rival, the M760Li is $715 cheaper and makes 50kW more power, but is also thirstier and has 30Nm less grunt.

The Benz contender costs $419,715 and employs a 390kW/830Nm 6.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V12 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission to return an 11.3L/100km fuel economy rating.

The range-topping BMW Employs an advanced traction control system, that can switch between sport, comfort and eco modes, and includes an Adaptive mode which “anticipates the required driving style and adapts control systems to match”, according to BMW.

While air suspension underpins all four corners for a plush and supple ride, damper control, active steering and dynamically adjustable anti-roll bars combine to also give the M760Li flatter and smoother cornering ability.

To stop the luxury limo, BMW has given the M760Li colossal 19-inch brake discs with M Sport callipers, finished in signature metallic blue, tucked behind 20-inch double-spoke Cerium Grey alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 and 275/35 front and rear tyres.

Cerium Grey is also used to highlight key exterior components, including the front kidney grille surround, side mirrors, door handles, front apron strip, boot lid opening, front-brake cooling vents and exhaust outlets, as well as the V12 badge on the C-pillar and rear xDrive, M and 760Li badging.

As expected, the cabin is a swathe of high-end materials, with full Merino leather adorning the seats, door panels and trims, centre console, armrests and dashboard.

According to BMW, “fineline black fine wood interior trims, high-pile floor mats with leather binding and high-gloss metal effects combine with the ceramic control surrounds and anthracite headliner to create a supremely sophisticated interior ambience”.

The front seats share electrical adjustment and heating with the steering wheel, but the pews also gain cooling and massage functions along with electric lumbar support and memory settings.

Fittingly however, the most lavish experience is reserved for the two second-row occupants, who have access to all the same goodies with the inclusion of comfort headrests and the ability to convert the front passenger seat into a footrest.

BMW’s iDrive5 touchscreen infotainment system with gesture controls, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless phone charging, satellite navigation and four-zone climate control sit between the driver and front passenger, feeding into a 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound system.

The German car-maker’s Display Key is also standard on the 7 Series flagship, allowing drivers to automatically park, adjust in-car climate controls and check fuel levels and the vehicle’s status from the key fob.

Standard safety features on the M760Li run the gamut and include brake assist, dynamic traction control, front head and side impact airbags, front and rear parking sensors, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, head-up display, self-parking assistant, rear-view camera, surround view cameras and BMW’s Laserlight system.

Customers who wish to eschew the M760Li’s M Sports look can opt for a no-cost Model V12 Excellence package to tweak exterior and interior styling.

The 20-inch Cerium Grey alloy wheels are replaced with W-spoke high-gloss wheels in the same size, the front bumper gains a different chin design with revised air intakes, brake callipers are now painted black and chrome touches are applied to the exhaust outlets and exterior badging.

Inside the Model V12 Excellence, wood is used throughout the cabin including in the roof handle inlays, centre cupholder surrounds, rear seat belt outlets and steering wheel to differentiate it from its ‘standard’ sibling.

BMW Australia product communications manager Adam Davis said it was too early to tell how the M760Li would sell, but did confirm there was interest in the new model and Australia was not limited to a certain number.

“It has literally just been confirmed… there hasn’t been any confirmed take-ups,” he said. “But I do know of one guy, who has had six 760s in the past, and he has pre-ordered one for himself.

“It’s an order system, so if someone shows interest we can go over to Munich and put the order in as they’re required.”