Three days after announcing that the Alpina B7 would be sold in North America for the first time (at select dealerships), BMW has announced an addition to the M Performance lineup — the BMW M760i xDrive.
Based on the sixth generation of the exalted 7 Series, the all-new BMW M760i xDrive features a 600-hp version of the twin turbo 6.6-litre V-12 also used in Rolls-Royce premium luxury cars, and the first under the M Performance banner.
Peak torque of 590 lb-ft is available from 1500 rpm, and helps take the car to 100 km/h in just under four seconds. Top speed is governed to 250 km/h. Precise throttle response is achieved through High Precision fuel injection, while wide and nearly straight exhaust piping help provide he car with a pleasant exhaust note from highly refined at low speeds to full-bodied under full power — what BMW calls the 12-cylinder soundtrack. Double VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing also factors into the equation.
Power is transmitted by all four wheels by an 8-speed Sport Steptronic tuned specifically to the characteristics of the twin-turbo V-12, including a launch control function to provide optimum acceleration on demand. Gear changes can be enacted through steering wheel paddles that in manual mode will hold a gear up to the engine’s rev limiter.
The big car’s lightweight design makes use of high-rigidity and lightweight carbon-fiber elements in the passenger cell’s Carbon Core structure, resulting in a low center of gravity that’s essential for the historic BMW agility and dynamic handling. The M760i xDrive is fitted with 20-inch light alloy M wheels in Cerium Grey metallic matte finish and fitted with 245/40 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in front, and 275/35s in rear).
The innovative Active Comfort Drive with Preview air suspension (introduced in the new 7) links up with the Dynamic Damper Control to reduce transmission of vibration to the chassis, and the car also uses rear wheel steering to improve cornering and stabilize lane changes. An Adaptive mode to the Driving Dynamics Control ties into the navigation system and a stereo camera to anticipate changes in driving conditions for a smoother ride experience.
Safety technologies include a traffic jam assistant, lane keeping assist, active side collision and rear collision protection with cross traffic alert. There’s also a surround view system that includes a 3D setting and a panorama view.
And of course it’s all wrapped up in the typical M aerodynamic bodywork, the adapts the new 7’s front and rear fascias and adds a rear spoiler. Cerium Grey trim accents are evident all around the car, as are blacked out trim pieces such as the kidney grille’s active air louvres.
The interior is also trimmed up in M cues such as on the classic steering wheel and in the instrument panel. Brushed aluminum and pearl gloss chrome add an elegant touch at specific points. The pedals are stainless steel.
The 2017 BMW M760i xDrive is due in dealerships early in 2017.