SPORTS LIMOUSINE, BMW M760Li xDrive

SPORTS LIMOUSINE, BMW M760Li xDrive. BMW’s 7 Series has customarily been available with a V12, though the new M760Li denotes the inaugural involvement of the German brand’s fabled M performance division in the flagship model. Although not a fully fledged M7, this ‘M Performance’ variant is equipped with a catalogue of go-faster components and all-wheel drive. Astonishingly, prior to the very recent arrival of the latest M5, this loungy limousine was BMW’s fastest-accelerating production car. The 7 Series variant that will lure owners to the driver’s seat also sets out to make a distinction between luxurious performance and performance luxury. And succeeds. “A great balance of power and luxury,” said communications specialist George Moskos. Robb Report motoring columnist Jez Spinks said: “BMW tells us the M760Li features the biggest differentiation between Comfort and Sport modes across its entire model family, and it’s smooth-riding in the former setting, and almost a revelation on track when you switch to the latter.”

Greg Madden, using the Bentley as a point of reference if not direct comparison, added that “for its size, the BMW felt quite nimble – there’s not a lot of body roll compared with the [Bentley] Mulsanne Speed”. The M760Li’s agility is aided by rear wheels that turn a few degrees in a counter direction to the front wheels at lower speeds. When a relaxing drive is the priority, the muchloved V12 remains relentlessly strong, but with the exhaust sound restrained. A Comfort Plus mode is designed to deliver a compliant ride on rougher roads. A driver’s 7 Series this may be, yet many judges couldn’t resist sampling the rear seat – a standard Executive Lounge set-up comprising two individual pews with pillowy headrests and served by a centre console. “Astonishing seat comfort,” said Adam Marshall, whose family’s investment group owns the venerated SABA fashion brand, among others. “I like the front passenger seat that moves forward and allows the rear passenger to put their feet up on a footrest.”

“The interior grew on me. It feels richer when you experience it in more detail,” said Nathan Robinson, referring to cabin materials including Merino-leather-upholstered seats and dash, Piano Black wood trim, deep-pile carpet and ceramic control surrounds. A common criticism was that the exterior design was perhaps not sufficiently special for BMW’s most expensive vehicle. A mitigating factor was that our test car was presented in what one might call Discreet Mode – a no-cost V12 Excellence Package that alters the car’s visual balance from sporty to elegant, and even replaces the ‘M760Li’ badge with one that reads simply ‘V12’. Regardless of badge, this is a car befitting its status as the top-tier representative of BMW’s flagship model. – JEZ SPINKS

Engine
6.6-litre V12 twin-turbo
Power/torque
448kW/800Nm
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic; all-wheel drive
Weight
2180kg
Performance
0-100km/h in 3.7 sec; Maximum speed 250km/h
Price
$424,900

Sources: Robb Report Australia, July 2018

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