A new M Performance flagship model has been added to BMW’s luxurious 7 Series range of vehicles. Meet the BMW M760Li xDrive…

The new BMW 7 Series was revealed back in 2015 and it brims with impressive luxury and technological features that pushthe boundaries of automotive excellence;it’s hardly surprising that the BMW 750Li Design Pure Excellence won the First Class category in the second Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by Wesbank.

The Munich-based firm has now introduced a range-topping M Performance model called the M760Li xDrive and it’s dueto arrive in South Africa in March 2017, with pricing starting from R2.2 million. Let’s take a look at what makes the M760Li xDrive so special…

Watch the 760Li xDrive indulge in wanton track driving action:

Powerful performance

The most exciting part of the M760Li xDrive is to be found in its engine bay, where a 6.6-litre V12 twin turbo engine lurks. This unit develops no less than 448 kW and 800 Nm of torque and is coupled with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and rear-biased all-wheel drive system, the M760Li provides notable performance thrills:BMW says that the M760Li xDrive can rocket from zero to 100 kph in 3.7 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 250 kph. If you opt for the optional M Driver’s Package, top speed will increase to 305 kph.

Dynamic ability and ride comfort is enhanced with the Executive Drive Pro suspension system while active roll stabilisation reduces body movement. An Integral Active Steering system further enhances agility by adjusting the steering angle of the rear wheels, effectively reducing steering effort at low speed or during dynamic driving.

The BMW M760Li xDrive is equipped with a host of driver assistance systems including steering and lane control assistant, lane keeping assist with active side collision protection, cross traffic alert, rear collision prevention, traffic jam assistant and active cruise control with Stop&Go function. A new generation SurroundView system, with 3D View or optional Panorama View, is optional.

Purposeful styling

The M aerodynamic package gives the BMW M760Li xDrive the car a more sporty look to complement its V12 powerplant.

The M760Li xDrive features an M aerodynamic package that includes larger air intakes and exclusive 20-inch M light alloy wheels with a double-spoke design and finished in Cerium Grey. The mirror caps are also finished in Cerium Grey and a new M sports exhaust system, with galvanised Cerium Grey twin tailpipe finishers, addto the sportiness of the first class sedan when viewed from the rear. V12 badges are found on the C-pillars, while M logos are affixed to front fenders.

The interior exudes luxury with an Alcantara Anthracite headliner, deep-pile floor mats and trim elements in Fineline black fine wood with a high-gloss metal effect. Nappa leather features extensively on the seats, doors and armrests. An M leather steering wheel with Pearl Gloss Chrome multifunction buttons and shift paddles are fitted, while M pedalsand M driver’s footrest add sporty touches to the 7's footwell. Additional V12 badging is found on the door sill plates and on the piano black inlay in the centre console.

The interior of the M760Li is packed with the latest technology from BMW.

For a luxurious and elegant look, customers can also opt for the BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence derivative that does away with the M aerodynamic package and instead comes equipped with 20-inch W-spoke 646 design wheels with a high-gloss polished finish. A chrome bar extends across the upper section of the grille and the grille bars are finished in silver and chrome. Chrome is also used for the badging and this model also gets a V12 badge on the bootlid and additional chrome trim used around the tailpipes. This derivative is further distinguished with unique interior details such as wood inlays found on the steering wheel.

BMW’s iDrive system is navigated using a touchscreen display, as found in all 7 Series vehicles, and the system incorporates gesture control. The M760Li is also equipped with a new smartphone holder that’s integrated into the centre console and allows for wireless inductive charging.

A closer look at the M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence's interior:

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