The allure of a V12 engine is undeniable. Synonymous with power and smoothness, it’s an engine configuration that evokes images of legendary marques and ultimate performance. While Ferruccio Lamborghini didn’t invent the V12, he certainly refined it, creating an engine lineage that powered dream cars for decades. But what if you could experience that V12 magic in a more understated, everyday package? Enter the 2018 Bmw M760i, a luxury sedan harboring a beast under its hood. Is this V12-powered BMW the ultimate sleeper, or is it a confused mix of sport and luxury?
BMW M760i: Quick Verdict
Why You Should Consider It:
- V12 Engine: The sheer presence and silky power delivery of a V12 are intoxicating.
- Rapid Acceleration: Effortless and immense speed on tap.
- Classic BMW Styling: Understated elegance that ages gracefully.
- Luxurious Comfort: A plush and refined cabin for comfortable cruising.
- Depreciation Advantage: A luxury bargain on the used market.
Reasons to Think Twice:
- Chassis Identity Crisis: Struggles to perfectly balance sport and comfort.
- Interior Ambience: Lacks the outright opulence of some rivals.
- Fuel Consumption: V12 power comes at a price at the pump.
Soul Score: 7/10
The V12 engine is undoubtedly special, but the M760i’s overall execution leaves a bit to be desired in truly capturing the “soul” of a definitive luxury sports sedan.
2018 BMW M760i: An In-Depth Look
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a 2018 BMW M760i showcasing its elegant lines and V12 badge.
When it comes to V12 engines, there are two distinct schools of thought. First, there’s the Lamborghini approach – raw, visceral, and audibly dramatic. These are the engines that fuel supercar dreams, their roar and power a primal sensation. Then, there’s the other kind, epitomized by marques like Maybach. These V12s are about unparalleled smoothness and refinement, delivering immense power with whisper-quiet grace. The Mercedes-Maybach S680 is a prime example, offering a driving experience akin to gliding on air.
BMW, known for its “Ultimate Driving Machine” mantra, enters this V12 arena with the M760i. The 7 Series itself has always occupied an interesting space in the BMW lineup. Is it simply an enlarged 5 Series, the brand’s flagship of luxury, or perhaps, infamously, the fastest depreciating luxury car on the market? The answer, arguably, is all of the above. The M760i attempts to elevate the 7 Series formula with a potent V12, but does it truly find its place in the luxury performance landscape?
Performance Analysis: A Tale of Two Personalities
BMW M760i Side Profile
The 2018 BMW M760i finds itself in a bit of an identity crisis. BMW aimed to blend high-performance tuning with the traditional luxury and technology expected of a 7 Series. This resulted in the first-ever M-badged 7 Series, albeit a somewhat diluted “M Performance” version. While marketed as BMW M’s most powerful offering in 2018, it wasn’t a full-fledged M car in the vein of the M5.
Engine and Power Delivery
The heart of the M760i, and arguably its main draw, is the N74 B66TU 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Producing a formidable 600 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, it promises exhilarating performance. However, firing up this V12 reveals a surprisingly subdued character. The engine is remarkably quiet at idle and during gentle cruising, prioritizing refinement over auditory drama.
Alt text: Close-up of the BMW M760i engine bay showcasing the powerful V12 engine and BMW M Performance components.
When you demand full power, the M760i delivers in spades. Acceleration is relentless and wave-like, effortlessly piling on speed. The speedometer climbs rapidly, making highway merges and overtaking maneuvers a breeze. Yet, even under hard acceleration, the V12 remains relatively muted from the cabin. This “angry wafting” sensation, as the original article describes it, provides immense speed without the expected aural fanfare, even with aftermarket exhaust systems that struggle to match the volume of BMW’s own V8 engines. This hushed nature is partly due to the turbochargers, which often dampen engine sound, and partly by design, reflecting the 7 Series’ luxury-oriented nature. Interestingly, this V12 was initially conceived for Rolls-Royce, further explaining its emphasis on smoothness and quiet power. While the M760i carried a hefty MSRP, the engine itself represented significant value for its engineering and capability. However, unlike a Rolls-Royce, the M760i still has to grapple with BMW’s sporting heritage and the expectations of the “Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline.
Transmission and Shifting
Alt text: Interior shot of the BMW M760i showcasing the gear selector, paddle shifters, and luxurious cabin materials.
The M760i marked the debut of BMW’s application of the now ubiquitous ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. While this iteration, being an early version, isn’t the absolute smoothest ZF 8-speed available today, it still outperforms the vast majority of transmissions on the road. For those seeking a more engaging driving experience, paddle shifters are included. However, while they offer quicker gear changes than the standard automatic mode, they don’t deliver lightning-fast responses. Ultimately, the M760i’s character leans towards effortless cruising, making it likely that drivers will default to the smooth and intuitive automatic mode rather than frequently engaging the paddle shifters. After all, you are in a 7 Series.
Chassis, Handling, and Steering
Alt text: Close-up of the BMW M760i wheel and tire, highlighting the M Sport brakes and performance-oriented chassis components.
The chassis of the M760i attempts to straddle the line between sporty handling and luxurious comfort, resulting in a somewhat conflicted setup. Interestingly, despite its larger size and substantial 5,128-pound weight, the M760i’s driving experience is surprisingly reminiscent of the smaller G30 5 Series, particularly praised for its balance of comfort and driving dynamics. BMW achieves this in part through the use of Carbon Core construction, exclusive to the 7 and 8 Series, which helps to manage weight distribution. The M760i also features an Adaptive Sport Suspension with an enhanced Comfort mode. However, the ride quality can feel somewhat inconsistent. While it effectively absorbs larger road imperfections, it can also feel unexpectedly firm and “crunchy,” particularly in Sport mode. This firmness, possibly exacerbated by aftermarket wheels on the test car, is a characteristic often found in BMW’s larger performance models, even the M5. The sheer length of the car is also always apparent, impacting its perceived agility.
Alt text: Detail shot illustrating the BMW Carbon Core structure, emphasizing its role in weight reduction and improved handling for the M760i.
The steering feel is described as typical for BMWs of this era – competent but lacking in distinctiveness or feedback. It gets the job done, but doesn’t particularly stand out as a highlight of the driving experience.
Brakes: M Performance Looks, Soft Pedal Feel
Alt text: Close-up of BMW M Sport brakes on the M760i, showcasing the blue calipers with the M logo.
The M760i is equipped with M Sport brakes, visually identified by their blue calipers and prominent M logo. While they certainly look the part of high-performance brakes, their pedal feel is described as surprisingly soft and lacking in initial bite. The aesthetics might be perceived as somewhat trying too hard to project a sporty image, perhaps better served by a more understated appearance in line with the car’s overall character.
Lifestyle and Practicality: A Focus on Rear Seat Luxury
Alt text: BMW M760i rear passenger area with the Executive Lounge option, showcasing spacious legroom and luxury features.
The 7 Series, and particularly the M760i, leans heavily towards being a car to be driven in rather than driven yourself. The rear passenger experience is clearly prioritized. The test car features the Executive Lounge option on the passenger side, offering a reclining rear seat that automatically moves the front passenger seat forward for maximum legroom. The G12 generation 7 Series was exclusively offered in a long-wheelbase configuration in the US market, ensuring ample space for rear occupants. While not reaching the opulent heights of a Maybach, the rear accommodations are undoubtedly luxurious and comfortable.
The rear center armrest folds down to reveal an integrated screen providing control over seat adjustments, heating, window shades, and more, enhancing the pampered rear passenger experience.
Alt text: Front interior view of the BMW M760i highlighting the dashboard, ceramic controls, and overall cabin design.
Moving to the front seats, the experience is less exceptional. While comfortable, the front seats are perceived as being on par with those found in a 5 Series, not quite befitting a car with the M760i’s original price tag. The author suggests that the M760i would benefit from adopting the more sculpted and supportive seats from the M5. Trunk space is adequate, but somewhat compromised by the focus on rear passenger room. For maximum cargo capacity, an X7 SUV would be a more practical choice.
Fuel Economy: The Price of V12 Power
Alt text: Fuel gauge of the BMW M760i indicating low fuel level, emphasizing the V12 engine’s fuel consumption.
Fuel economy is predictably not a strong suit of the V12-powered M760i. Achieving around 16 MPG in city driving is to be expected, and likely not a primary concern for buyers in this segment. However, when compared to the M5 with its S63 V8 engine, the M760i’s fuel consumption becomes more noteworthy. The V8 in the M5 not only delivers comparable, if not slightly superior, performance with more horsepower and a more rev-happy nature, but also achieves slightly better fuel economy.
The emergence of the all-electric BMW i7 M70, boasting even more power and faster acceleration, further underscores the shifting landscape and the V12’s diminishing relevance in the pursuit of ultimate performance and efficiency.
Features and Interior Comfort: Still a Modern Luxury Experience
Alt text: Close-up of the BMW M760i interior controls, showcasing the ceramic iDrive knob and modern button layout.
Despite its age, the 2018 BMW M760i’s interior still offers a compelling luxury experience. The technology and features remain relevant and user-friendly. While some elements, like the HVAC controls and switchgear, are shared with other BMW models, the M760i distinguishes itself with upscale touches like Galvanic controls and a Ceramic iDrive knob.
Alt text: Rear center armrest in the BMW M760i with integrated control screen for seat adjustments and other comfort features.
The cabin features dual sunroofs with ambient lighting, a rear-seat control screen, and massaging seats (though BMW’s massaging seat functionality is generally considered underwhelming). The Bowers & Wilkins sound system provides a high-fidelity audio experience. As a pre-LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) model, the test car lacks a fully digital instrument cluster and features a smaller iDrive screen compared to later versions. However, the system still functions effectively and provides a modern user interface.
Subdued Exterior Elegance
Alt text: BMW M760i showcasing its Frozen Black paint finish and Cerium Grey exterior accents, highlighting its subtle performance styling.
The M760i’s exterior styling is intentionally understated. Subtle M badging on the rear and V12 emblems on the C-pillars (optional deletion available for even greater subtlety) are the primary visual cues to its performance potential. Cerium Grey accents, an M Performance signature, add a touch of distinction. The Frozen Black paint finish on the test car enhances its stealthy and sophisticated appearance, further amplified by aftermarket wheels. While the pre-LCI design is handsome, the author expresses a preference for the updated LCI model with its larger grille and more angular headlights, suggesting a slightly more assertive presence. Regardless, the M760i’s design lacks the outright visual impact and road presence of some competitors, particularly Mercedes-Benz models.
Conclusion: The Confused Identity and Depreciated Value of the BMW M760i
The BMW M760i, like the 7 Series in general, grapples with a somewhat unclear purpose. Historically positioned slightly below Mercedes-Benz in the luxury hierarchy, the standard 7 Series offered compelling value. However, the M760i, while significantly more expensive, doesn’t necessarily deliver a proportionally enhanced experience to justify its price premium over a well-equipped standard 7 Series. Even the allure of the V12 might not fully bridge this value gap.
Alt text: Rear three-quarter view of the BMW M760i emphasizing its spacious sedan proportions and understated luxury styling.
However, time and depreciation have dramatically shifted the M760i’s value proposition. Used examples with low mileage are now available for significantly less than their original MSRP, representing substantial annual depreciation. This depreciation makes a used M760i a compelling option for buyers seeking V12 power and luxury at a fraction of the original cost.
In 2018, the M760i presented a somewhat conflicted message – a car that encouraged both driving and being driven. The rear seat experience is undeniably luxurious, potentially overshadowing the driver-focused aspects. Compared to a 740i, the core rear-seat experience is largely similar, diminishing the unique selling point of the V12 for those primarily seeking a chauffeured experience. And for those wanting a true sports sedan experience, the M760i’s size and weight ultimately compromise its agility compared to lighter and more focused BMW M models.
The BMW M760i, therefore, occupies a niche space – perhaps designed for BMW enthusiasts who desire the ultimate expression of the 7 Series, regardless of its slightly muddled identity. In today’s used car market, it offers a more attainable entry point into V12 ownership than more exotic alternatives, like a Lamborghini.
2018 BMW M760i Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger, four-door sedan |
| Price (Base) | $157,695 |
| Powertrain | 6.6 liter twin-turbocharged V-12 |
| Horsepower | 601 hp @ 5,500 RPM |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft @ 1,550 RPM |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 126.4 in |
| Length | 206.6 in |
| Width | 74.9 in |
| Height | 58.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 5,128 lbs |
| Fuel Economy | 16 Combined / 13 City / 20 Highway |
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