Just two days ago, we told you about the Alpina B7 Biturbo: a tuner take on the BMW 7 Series capable of over 300 km/h (186 mph). You'd think it occupies a niche market, but already it's got some company from BMW's M team in the form of the new M760Li xDrive, a long wheelbase luxury sedan with a twin-turbo V12 under the hood.
Thanks to its 6.6-liter twin turbo V12 engine, the 760Li puts out 441 kW (600 hp) at 5,500 rpm and a massive 800 Nm (590 ft-lb) of torque from just 1,500 rpm. That's enough to deal with the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in just 3.9 seconds on its way to a restricted top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). If, for some reason, you feel the need to go faster than that, there's is an optional M Driver's Package which lifts that top speed to 305 km/h (189 mph).
Eagle eyed readers will notice that's 5 km/h slower than the Alpina B7, but if you're really worried about ultimate top speed in a two-ton limousine then perhaps you're looking in the wrong part of the showroom.
The V12's prodigious power is channeled to all four wheels through an eight speed Steptronic gearbox, which has had its shift mapping tweaked to better work with the engine's torque curve.
Just as Alpina has done with its high-end 7 Series, BMW has spent plenty of time working on the car's suspension and handling setup. After all, you wouldn't want rear-seat passengers to spill their bubbly on the way to that monstrous top speed, would you? There's active roll stabilization to cut down on side-to-side body movement, and rear-wheel steering also makes an appearance in an attempt to mask the 760Li's considerable length in tighter bends.
Also working to make sure no drinks are spilled in the cabin is BMW's extensive suite of active driver aids. As well as speed limit-detecting radar cruise control and lane keeping assist, the car is fitted with rear-collision prevention and cross traffic alert to make sure you're not blindsided backing out of tight parking spots or pulling out of blind junctions.
Looking at the outside of the M760Li, there's not many hints to suggest the car can really get a move on when the driver demands it. Up front, an M Performance aerodynamic bumper is fitted, but you really need to take notice of the 20-inch wheels and V12 badges scattered around the body to know this isn't a garden-variety 7 Series.
For buyers who want to highlight their extra power (or the extra cash they dropped), there's a no-cost Excellence trim that drops the M Sport bumpers and instead adds extra chrome to the exterior trim.
BMW has not mentioned pricing, but expect the M760Li to be priced in a similar league to the €145,200 (US$157,800) Audi S8 Performance.
Source: BMW
