After more than thirty years, BMW is ending production of its V12 engine by the middle of this year. And the last production vehicle to be fitted with the extravagant engine is the BMW 7 Series. Based off the M760i xDrive (see lead photo), the series will be called The Final V12 and will be distinguished by unique badging, wheels, and a choice of exterior colors and upholstery from BMW Individual.
BMW introduced their first road-going V12 in 1987. The naturally-aspirated, 5.0-liter M70 V12 engine featured single overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder, and an innovative drive-by-wire electronic throttle. The effortless thrust produced by the 295-horsepower V12 was key to the original BMW 750iL becoming the standard by which all other luxury sedans of the time were measured.
Today, the V12 engine in The Final V12 displaces 6.6 liters and features BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology. Two mono-scroll turbochargers combine with infinitely variable valve control (Double VANOS and Valvetronic) and high-precision direct injection to produce 601 horsepower between 5,500-6,500 rpm. This engine together with an 8-speed automatic moves The Final V12 from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Externally, The Final V12 will be discernable from other 7 Series models by a simple, bold “V12” icon at the rear. Special 20-inch Style 760M double-spoke light alloy wheels are uniquely painted the customer’s choice of either Window Grey or Jet Black, then burnished to reveal a dark silver surface highlight. The wheels surround formidable M Sport brakes with a choice of blue or black calipers.
Moving inside, threshold plates at each door sill are inscribed with “THE FINAL V12” as is a plate on the cover atop the almighty 12-cylinder engine. BMW Individual Piano Black Finish trim surrounds the interior, and with only 12 being made, features a console-mounted plaque commemorating the vehicle as “1 OF 12”.
The Final V12 will be offered only in a fully-equipped configuration with features including BMW’s Driving Assistance Professional Package, Luxury Rear Seating Package, Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with Laserlight, and Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound Audio System.
To make their vehicle a uniquely personal statement, customers may select from over eighty exterior colors and several tones of opulent Full Merino leather from BMW Individual.
Soon after the customer has taken delivery, they will receive a custom-built desk trophy to commemorate their specific vehicle, recognizing the special order paint, leather, and vehicle identification number as one of The Final V12 vehicles.
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