The Canadian market will welcome this summer the all-new 2018 BMW M760Li xDrive, the newest addition to the German automaker’s M Performance lineup. An extended-wheelbase high-performance version of the sixth-generation 7 Series sedan, the car will come equipped with the first 12-cylinder gasoline engine to feature the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology.
The 6.6L V12 under the hood will have a maximum power output of 600 hp at 5,500 RPM, and a torque of 590 lb-ft when revving as low as 1,500 RPM. All that power and torque will give it a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 250 km/h.
As for the 8-speed sport automatic transmission, it has been set to provide sportier shifting and livelier gear changes when downshifting at any RPM. Drivers will also have the option of switching to a Steptronic manual mode using paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and use the Launch Control automatic start function that optimizes grip when accelerating.
Of course, there’s also the M Performance sport exhaust system, which offers that exhilarating V12 sound – true ear candy to performance-car lovers.
To push the road-handling capabilities to its furthest potential, the 2018 BMW M760Li xDrive has a low centre of gravity and has been fitted with lightweight but highly rigid carbon-fibre elements, as well as the acclaimed Michelin Pilot Super Sport performance tires. These sit on exclusively designed 20-inch alloy wheels sporting a matte finish. Take note that an Integral Active Steering system turns all four wheels when the driver turns the steering wheel, ensuring better directional stability.
Like the other members of BMW’s 7 Series, the new M760Li xDrive uses an Active Comfort Drive system with Road Preview; this actively manages the air suspension and the Dynamic Damper Control of the suspension system to provide occupants with an exceptional level of comfort, in part by reducing vibrations to a virtually undetectable low.
Completing the package is BMW’s XDrive all-wheel drive system, as well as a variety of drive assist features like the Traffic Jam Assistant, Lane-keeping assistant with active side collision protection, Rear collision prevention and Crossing traffic warning. The next-generation Surround View system also includes an available 3D View and Panorama View option in the Control Display.
The new BMW M760Li xDrive will sell in Canada starting at $159,900. Meantime, while we wait for it to make its appearance at BMW dealerships, take a look at our review of the 2016 BMW 750Li xDrive.