Ferruccio Lamborghini might not have invented the V12 engine, but he certainly elevated it to an art form. Lamborghini’s original V12 design, born in 1963, became legendary, powering every Lamborghini until 2011. This engine became synonymous with bedroom posters and automotive dreams. Now, imagine experiencing that V12 thrill, not in a raging bull, but in a Bmw M760i. Sounds like an enthusiast’s dream, right? But why wasn’t it universally embraced? Let’s delve into the 2018 BMW M760i and explore its complexities.
2018 BMW M760i: A Quick Overview
Reasons to Consider:
- V12 Engine: The sheer presence of a V12 is a major draw.
- Speed and Performance: Expect exhilarating acceleration and power.
- Classic Aesthetics: A design that hints at timeless elegance.
- Comfortable Ride: Luxury expected from a 7 Series.
- Well-Aged Technology: Features that remain relevant and user-friendly.
- Depreciation Advantage: Luxury car depreciation makes it more accessible now.
Reasons to Hesitate:
- Chassis Identity Crisis: A blend of sporty and luxurious that might not fully satisfy either.
- Interior Not Quite Mercedes Level: While luxurious, it might lack the ultimate opulence of its main competitor.
- Soul Score: 7/10: The V12 is impressive, but does it fully define the car’s character?
The 2018 BMW M760i Deep Dive
When it comes to V12 engines, there are two distinct philosophies. First, the Lamborghini approach – a visceral, roaring beast that announces its presence with authority. This is the kind of engine that fuels petrolhead passion and makes you question the practicality of electric supercars in terms of pure emotional connection. Then, there’s the second type: the epitome of smoothness. Think of a figure skater gliding effortlessly on ice – that’s the serene power delivery of these V12s. Maybach currently champions this smooth V12 in their S680, a testament to refined power. But BMW, the brand synonymous with “motor,” also threw their hat in the V12 ring with the M760i.
The BMW 7 Series itself has always occupied a somewhat ambiguous space. Is it just an enlarged 5 Series? BMW’s flagship model? Or perhaps, infamously, the king of depreciation in the automotive world? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is all of the above.
Performance: A Tale of Two Personalities (Score: 7/10)
BMW M760i side profile on road
The core conundrum of the M760i lies in BMW’s own intentions. They aimed for a car that was both blisteringly fast and technologically advanced, all while cocooning its occupants in comfort. This resulted in the first 7 Series to wear the coveted M badge, albeit a “Diet Coke” version as the article cleverly puts it – a nod to its M Performance rather than full-fledged M status.
In 2018, the BMW M760i held the crown as BMW M’s most powerful vehicle, yet it wasn’t a true, hardcore M car. This highlights its blended identity.
The Heart of the Beast: N74 B66TU Engine
The N74 B66TU engine is the centerpiece of the M760i experience. Imagine settling into the driver’s seat, anticipation building, and pressing the start button. Silence. Remarkably, the V12 whispers to life, incredibly smooth at idle.
With 600 horsepower and a staggering 627 lb-ft of torque on tap, you’d expect an explosive launch. Instead, the power delivery is more akin to a tidal wave – relentless and ever-building. Press the accelerator, and the speedometer becomes a blur, digits climbing rapidly: 40, 47, 56 mph – it devours speed effortlessly.
Unless you’re pushing it hard, the engine remains discreet. It doesn’t demand to be revved to deliver performance; power is readily available across the rev range. This almost electric-like responsiveness can be described as “angry wafting” – effortless surge with underlying aggression.
To onlookers, the M760i remains composed and understated. Even with an aftermarket exhaust, it won’t rival the raucous sound of BMW’s own V8 engines. This subdued nature is intentional – refined power over outright noise. Interestingly, this marks BMW’s first and last foray into turbocharged V12 engines, a technology not typically associated with enhancing engine acoustics.
The hushed startup and refined power delivery hint at the engine’s true calling: a Rolls-Royce. Considering the M760i’s original MSRP exceeding $160,000, the engine itself represents a significant portion of the value. However, unlike a Rolls-Royce, the 7 Series carries the weight of BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” mantra, a legacy that this V12-powered luxury sedan attempts to uphold, albeit with a twist.
Transmission: Ushering in the ZF Era
The BMW M760i holds a significant place in BMW’s history as the debut vehicle for the now-ubiquitous ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. This marked the beginning of a transmission era that would become a staple across the automotive landscape.
While the M760i’s iteration of the ZF transmission isn’t the absolute latest and smoothest version due to the car’s near decade-old design, it still surpasses the vast majority of transmissions on the road today. It’s a testament to the initial excellence of this gearbox.
For those seeking a more engaging driving experience, paddle shifters are included – a nod to the M badge. However, while they offer quicker gear changes, they’re not lightning-fast. Ultimately, the M760i’s character leans towards effortless cruising, and you might find yourself defaulting back to automatic mode, embracing the relaxed nature of a 7 Series.
Chassis and Steering: Sport or Comfort? The Eternal Question
The chassis setup of the M760i presents a similar duality: is it tuned for sporty handling, or plush comfort? Perhaps both, and therein lies the slight confusion. The author praises the G30 5 Series for its balance of looks, driving dynamics, and comfort. Surprisingly, the larger 7 Series, despite its increased size and weight, manages to deliver a remarkably similar driving experience.
Considering the M760i weighs a hefty 5,128 pounds, nearly half a ton more than the 5 Series, BMW’s engineering feat becomes apparent. The Carbon Core construction, unique to the 7 and 8 Series, plays a crucial role in maintaining weight balance. The M760i also features an Adaptive Sport Suspension with an enhanced Comfort mode, attempting to bridge the gap between sport and luxury. However, the review suggests that Alpina, known for their refined BMW interpretations, executes this balance even more effectively.
The ride quality is described as paradoxical – floating over imperfections yet feeling “crunchy,” particularly in Sport mode. This might be exacerbated by aftermarket wheels on the test vehicle, but BMW’s tendency to make their larger cars firmer, even models like the M5, is noted. The sheer length of the car is also ever-present in the driving experience.
The steering feel is characterized as typical BMW of that era – competent but perhaps lacking in ultimate feedback. “Sorry,” the author quips, highlighting a sense of familiar, if not overly engaging, steering dynamics.
Brakes: M Looks, But Soft Bite
The M Sport brakes on the M760i present another instance of visual flair overshadowing outright performance feel. They feature blue calipers adorned with the M logo, visually communicating sportiness. However, their actual performance is described as “soft,” lacking the expected aggressive bite of true M brakes.
The author even suggests a more understated approach, perhaps black calipers without logos, or simply bearing the “BMW” name, arguing that the current setup leans towards a forced attempt to appear youthful and sporty, rather than genuinely embodying those traits.
Lifestyle: Backseat Sanctuary (Score: 9/10)
While the driving experience might present a blend of intentions, the rear passenger experience in the M760i truly shines. Starting in the back seat, the Executive Lounge option on the passenger side transforms the space into a mobile sanctuary. A reclining seat that automatically adjusts the front passenger seat forward maximizes legroom. The G12 generation 7 Series was exclusively offered in a long-wheelbase version in the US, ensuring ample space for rear occupants. While not quite reaching the opulent heights of a Maybach, the rear accommodations are undeniably luxurious and unlikely to disappoint passengers.
The center armrest folds down to reveal a control screen, allowing backseat passengers to adjust seat settings, heating, window shades, and more. It creates a truly pampered environment.
Moving to the front seats, the reviewer expresses less enthusiasm. While comfortable, they are deemed “not $160,000 seats,” suggesting they are comparable to those found in the less expensive 5 Series. The author proposes that M5-level sport seats would be more fitting for the M760i’s price point and performance aspirations.
Trunk space is adequate, but not exceptionally large. The emphasis on rear passenger space means cargo capacity is somewhat compromised. For hauling cargo, the author recommends an X7 SUV instead.
Fuel Economy: A Necessary Evil? (Score: 5/10)
Fuel economy in a V12 luxury sedan might seem almost irrelevant to its target demographic. The M760i achieves around 16 MPG in city driving. However, the review uses fuel consumption as a point of comparison, highlighting the availability of BMW’s S63 V8 engine in models like the M5. This engine, while offering a different driving experience, boasts even more horsepower, revs more freely, and achieves slightly better fuel economy by one MPG.
The author briefly touches on the all-electric M70 7 Series, noting its increased power and speed, but dismisses its relevance in the context of V12 appeal, suggesting that the emotional connection to a combustion engine remains paramount for enthusiasts of this type of car.
Features and Comfort: Enduring Relevance (Score: 9/10)
Despite its age, the 2018 BMW M760i’s technology and comfort features still feel remarkably current. While digital interfaces evolve rapidly, the M760i’s interior hasn’t yet succumbed to feeling dated.
The “big 5 Series theme” continues inside, with HVAC controls and switchgear shared with other BMW models. However, special touches like Galvanic controls and a Ceramic iDrive knob elevate the ambiance. Dual sunroofs with nighttime illumination, a rear-seat control screen, massaging seats (though noted as typically underwhelming in BMWs), and a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system contribute to the luxurious experience.
Being a pre-LCI (Life Cycle Impulse or facelift) model, it lacks a full digital dashboard and features a smaller iDrive screen compared to later versions. However, the system remains functional and user-friendly.
Subdued Design: Understated Power
The M760i’s exterior design is intentionally subtle. A single M badge on the rear and “V12” badges on the pillars are the main visual cues to its top-tier status. Even the V12 badging could be optionally deleted for ultimate discretion.
Cerium Grey accents are characteristic of BMW M Performance models, and the Frozen Black paint option enhances its stealthy appearance. Aftermarket wheels further contribute to a more assertive stance. The author personally prefers the look of the LCI (facelifted) model with its larger grille and revised headlights, but acknowledges that neither version possesses the commanding presence of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The Confused Purpose of the BMW M760i
The BMW M760i, like all 7 Series models, grapples with a slightly undefined identity. BMW has traditionally positioned itself slightly below Mercedes-Benz in the luxury hierarchy. In 2018, a base 7 Series started under $90,000, representing reasonable value. However, the M760i, while offering enhanced features and the V12 engine, costs significantly more, questioning whether the upgrades justify double the price, even with twice the cylinder count.
Depreciation, however, has become the M760i’s unexpected saving grace. Examples with low mileage are now available for under $60,000, representing substantial annual depreciation. This makes the used M760i a compelling proposition for buyers seeking V12 power and luxury at a significantly reduced price.
The review concludes by highlighting the M760i’s dual nature. From the driver’s seat, the urge to drive is strong, yet the rear seats beckon for a chauffeur-driven experience. This leads to the realization that the standard 740i offers a similar backseat experience, diminishing the need for the V12 in terms of passenger comfort.
And when driven enthusiastically, the M760i reveals its contradictions. The engine’s thrust is addictive, but understeer and a firm ride emerge in corners. It’s neither a pure sports sedan nor a dedicated luxury limousine. The question arises: is the M760i for BMW enthusiasts who simply want the ultimate BMW, regardless of categorization?
Perhaps, the author muses, the M760i was made “for me?” In today’s used car market, it certainly offers a more attainable path to V12 ownership than a Lamborghini.
2018 BMW M760i Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger, four-door sedan
PRICE
Base: $157,695
POWERTRAIN
6.6 liter twin turbocharged V-12
601 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM
590 lb-ft @ 1,550 RPM
Eight-speed automatic transmission
DIMENSIONS
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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