BMW SA has revealed the flagship M760Li xDrive at the SA Festival of Motoring and confirmed that it will be coming to South Africa.

The arrival of the new 7 Series has generated much interest given the high levels of refinement and impressive technology that BMW's limousineoffers. Well, BMW has raised the bar once more with the reveal of the flagship M760Li xDrive that aims to dominate the world of luxury sedans.

Let’s see what it’s about…

Also See: BMW 7 Series (2015) First Drive

Tremendous engine power

The flagship M760Li xDrive is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.6-litre V12 petrol engine that delivers 448 kW/800 Nm and is mated with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. All that sorcery under the large bonnet translates into impressive performance with 0-100 kph achieved in 3.7 seconds (claimed) before reaching a limited top speed of 250 kph. With the optional M Driver’s Package, the top speed increases to 305 kph. Being able to hit 100 kph in 3.7 seconds (or thereabouts) makes the M760Li xDrive the fastest accelerating product in BMW's arsenal.

As you would expect from a vehicle of this calibre, a wide range of driver assistance systems are fitted to the M760Li xDrive. Key features include the Driving Assistant Plus, whichincludes a steering and lane control assistant, lane keeping assist with active side collision protection, rear collision prevention and cross traffic warning functions. The semi-automated traffic jam assistant is usefulin heavily congested driving situations and active cruise control with a Stop&Go function can adjust itself to the speed restriction information included in the navigation module. The M760Li xDrive is also fitted with a Surround View system that includes 3D View and Panorama View accessed through the control display.

A photo posted by Cars.co.za (@carssouthafrica) on Aug 30, 2016 at 11:02pm PDT

Enhanced dynamics and handling

All four wheels are driven with BMW’s rear-biased xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system that distributes power dynamically, depending ondriving conditions. The M760Li is also fitted with Executive Drive Pro suspension and active roll stabilisation to deliver "high levels of ride comfort in combination with exemplary handling". More than this, the Integral Active Steering system offers a more direct steering ratio at the front axle while adjusting the angle of the rear wheels according to the driving situation, reducing steering effort at low speeds and during spirited driving.

Luxury interior

As can be expected, the interior of the M760Li xDrive is plush and features an M leather steering wheel with Pearl Gloss Chrome multifunction buttons and shift paddles for manual shifting. The Nappa leather seats are (obviously) electrically adjustable with memory function for added convenience and the interior features Fineline black fine wood trim strips with high-gloss metal finish, complementing the Alcantara Anthracite headliner.

As with all new 7s, the monitor for the iDrive operating system features a touch display for easy operation. The system can also be operated using the controller or hand movements through gesture control. With the latter, a3D-sensor recognises hand movements to adjust several functions including volume control and accepting or rejecting phone calls. A special smartphone holder is also fitted, allowing for wireless inductive charging for the first time.

Availability in South Africa

The BMWM760LixDrive will be coming to South Africa in the first quarter of 2017. Given the performance and exceptionally high level of technology and comfort features, we estimate that this product will retail for over R3 million.

Further reading

See the BMW 7-Series tech in action in our video

BMW 750i Design Pure Excellence Review

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