BMW 760Li & 760i Revealed with Newly Developed 6-Liter V12 Twin Turbo Engine

2010 BMW 760i

Features 400 kW (544 hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque

By Michael Gauthier
April 9, 2009 2:14 PM
Filed Under: BMW, German

BMW has officially unveiled their new 760i and 760Li which are powered by a brand new twin-turbo V12 that produces 400 kW (544 hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. Directly aimed at the 5.5-liter biturbo V12 Mercedes S600 with 380 kW (517 hp) and 829 Nm (612 lb-ft) of torque, the new BMW 760's have more horsepower but less torque.

The new all-aluminum 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 was designed from the ground up and features the latest technology such as high precision fuel injection, infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment, and a volume flow-controlled oil pump. BMW went to great length to specifically design the two exhaust gas turbochargers so they would provide unparalleled power and performance worthy of the wealthy owners who typically flock to this high-end model. Despite the fact that the car boasts more power than its predecessor, the new 760i actually features a 4.5 percent increase in fuel economy for an estimated rating of 12.9L/100km (21.9mpg UK / 18.2mpg US). In the terms of performance, 0-100 km/h comes in just 4.6 seconds while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Power flows to the rear wheels through a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission that was designed to provide maximum gearshift comfort, sportiness and efficiency. By partnering with transmission specialist ZF, BMW was able to find a way to allow the car to use its highest gear at reduced engine speeds for improved fuel economy and smoothness.

Exterior styling differences between the 760i and 750i are minor but include the addition of V12 badges, a slightly revised grille, unique 19-inch light-alloy wheels, and special dual exhaust tips. Interior changes include new stainless-steel door guards with illumination, a leather wrapped instrument panel, an alcantara lined roof, and exclusive burr walnut wood trim.

As BMW's flagship model, the new 760's boast a high level of performance driving equipment such as dynamic damping control, dynamic driving control, speed sensitive steering, an air suspension, and the dynamic drive anti-roll stability system. Luxury features include GPS navigation, four-zone climate control, automatic soft close doors, cruise control with automatic braking, and park distance control. On the options list there is active cruise control, a night vision system with pedestrian detection, a heads-up display, a rearview camera, and high-beam assistant.

 

Source: BMW

Press Release (Click to expand)

The new BMW 7 Series already sets the benchmark in luxury performance motoring – and now BMW is moving up the standard of maximum exclusivity and supremacy in this supreme class to an even higher level, following a completely new definition: The new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li are taking over the top position within BMW’s model portfolio, representing the highest level of motoring refinement in their segment.

The heart and foundation of this exceptional new standard comes from the twelvecylinder power unit featured in both top models in the BMW 7 Series. Developed as a completely new engine from the ground up, the V12 is a masterpiece of modern engine technology. Superior power of 400 kW/544 hp comes at an engine speed of 5,250 rpm, with maximum torque of 750 Newton-metres (553 lb-ft) from just 1,500 rpm.

Combined with the likewise brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission, this twelve-cylinder offers not only unparalleled motoring refinement, but also supreme driving dynamics through its ability to convert seemingly unlimited power reserves spontaneously and with precise control at all times into supreme driving dynamics.

Once again, BMW’s twelve-cylinder power unit is the epitome of refined performance, grand touring comfort, and stylish exclusivity. The new BMW 760i as well as the new BMW 760Li with its wheelbase extended by 14 centimetres or 5.5" for particular comfort – if not to say, luxury – at the rear, provide the clear answer to the question as to what one may expect of a genuine luxury performance saloon, with fascinating new features underscoring BMW’s claim to leadership in the luxury segment.

The drivetrain with all its technical features is a masterpiece of supremacy in every respect. This applies both to the 6.0-litre all-aluminium power unit with TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection with fuel injected directly into the combustion chambers, and to BMW’s infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment as well as the eight-speed automatic transmission featured for the first time in a BMW.

Benefiting from all these technologies, the new BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li offer a new standard of motoring refinement, dynamic performance and all-round efficiency in a vehicle with this kind of power and output. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 4.6*) seconds, average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 12.9*) litres/100 kilometres on the new BMW 760i. In determining the cars’ fuel consumption, BMW’s engineers have already taken the stricter EU5 emission standard into account, meaning that with the cars’ performance improving significantly fuel consumption is down by approximately 4.5 per cent versus the former model.

The new BMW 7 Series: the perfect saloon for supreme motoring refinement.

Boasting superior suspension technology, innovative driver assistance systems and luxurious comfort, as well as a combination of elegance and sporting performance borne out clearly by the car’s design, the BMW 7 Series offers all the qualities required to enjoy a truly incomparable driving experience with a new twelve-cylinder power unit of a standard never seen before.

Both the new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760 Li come as standard with Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control operated at the touch of a button on the centre console, speed-related Servotronic steering assistance, and BMW’s Dynamic Drive anti-roll stability system.

In addition to these outstanding technologies, the BMW 760Li features air suspension including self-levelling on the rear axle. And as an option both models are available with Integral Active Steering offering speed-related adjustment of the steering angle on the rear wheels. With this enhanced steering function both front and rear, particularly the cars’ grand touring comfort on the rear seats reaches an even higher level, above all when changing lanes at high speeds.

The supreme grand touring comfort offered by the new top-of-the-range models in the BMW 7 Series is further underlined by comfort seats, BMW’s navigation system Professional, automatic air conditioning with four-zone control, cruise control complete with an automatic brake function, Park Distance Control, and Automatic Soft Close on the doors all featured as standard.

The innovative driver assistance systems available as an option include Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop-&-Go function, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, the BMW Head-Up Display, a back-up camera and the Side View system. And to supplement the bixenon

headlights as a further option, BMW offers the High-Beam Assistant and Adaptive Headlights including Bending Lights, variable light distribution and adaptive headlight range control, setting new standards for safe driving at night.

Design: discreet signals on the outside, stylish exclusivity inside.

The outstanding looks of the BMW 760i and BMW 760Li benefit from the harmonious combination of elegance, sportiness and natural presence so characteristic of the new BMW 7 Series in its design. Offering 14 centimetres or 5.5" longer wheelbase, the extended version allows particularly comfortable access to the rear seats. And thanks to the unique design of the roofline and C-pillar contours, the side view of the car, despite the extra headroom for the rear-seat passengers, maintains the same overall impression as on the “regular” saloon with its “normal” wheelbase. Both body versions, incidentally, come with the longest wheelbase in their respective segments.

Visual reference to the V12 power unit on the outside of the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li is similarly stylish and discreet. The kidney grille for the radiator boasts an extra-wide chrome frame in slightly concave design as well as bars extending powerfully to the front. From the side, 19-inch light-alloy wheels available exclusively on these models as well as the V12 model designation on the chromeplated gills with their integrated side direction indicators at the transition point between the front side panel and the driver’s and, respectively, front passenger’s door likewise serve to identify these very special models.

An additional chrome bar between the unique dual tailpipes on the exhaust system provides a special sign of distinction at the rear of both models. The exhaust tailpipes integrated in the rear air dam at the right and left, in turn, are made up of two adjacent, rectangular pipe units embellished with chrome trim and cut at a slight angle, flush to their surrounds.

Inside the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li the luxurious ambience is supplemented by various design features tailored specifically to these two models and matched in perfect harmony, again expressing the exclusive character of the V12 models.

Stainless-steel door entry trim with an illuminated V12 cover, the instrument panel finished in nappa leather and surrounded by elegant seams, the roof lining and sun visors in alcantara as well as top-quality wood trim in exclusive burr walnut with individual inlays help to give the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li a further stylish sign of distinction versus the other models in the BMW 7 Series.

The new V12 power unit: perfection as the underlying principle, innovation asthe driving power.

The twelve-cylinder power unit in a BMW 7 Series Luxury Performance Saloon guarantees a driving and travel experience quite unique in every respect. No other engine offers such an outstanding combination of power and refinement, no other power unit provides the same supreme standard of prestige.

Now these features come out even more clearly, with BMW’s new V12 offering significantly more power and torque compared with their predecessors, optimising engine response and the ongoing surge of power, and further refining the engine’s acoustics. The progress achieved in this way is clearly recognisable right from the start.

These features also stand out clearly from the BMW 750i which, with its modern V8 featuring TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection, as such already offers the power and performance of a conventional twelve-cylinder. Hence, the new V12 maintains the outstanding position of BMW’s twelve-cylinder models also in the new generation of the BMW 7 Series, giving the driver of a BMW 760i and, respectively, a BMW 760Li all the assurance of absolute supremacy in the luxury class. Yet a further point is that the new engines combine the outstanding qualities of a V12 with up-to-date efficiency, offering a level of fuel economy and emission management even better than eight-cylinder models in the same segment as the BMW 7 Series.

By tradition, the twelve-cylinder enjoys a special status worldwide unmatched by other engines of different design and configuration. The twelve-cylinder represents the highest level of competence in engine technology and justifies its outstanding position through qualities only this drive concept is able to offer. The unique status of the twelve-cylinder as an incomparably powerful and, at the same time, refined power unit is based on a construction and design principle which offers perfect conditions for supreme power and performance achieved without the slightest effort. Benefiting from an angle of 60° between the two rows of cylinders, the V12, in its supreme elimination of vibrations, comes closer to the highes standard conceivable in physics than any other engine.

All components and design features on the all-aluminium engine block are built and constructed for supreme stiffness on minimum weight. Using a closed-deck structure combined with bolts holding the cylinder head down on the floor plate of the crankcase, the engine, to mention just one example, ensures maximum stability on the cylinder liners. Double bolts on the main bearings with an additional connection to the side panels through threaded support bushes and bolts reduce the influence of lateral forces from the crankdrive on the crankcase.

Further components of the engine block serving in typical BMW twelve-cylinder style to reduce vibrations to an absolute minimum are iron-coated aluminium pistons, forged connecting rods assembled through the cracking process, as well as the crankshaft also forged for absolute perfection. This also makes the sound of the engine when idling a very special experience where the driver first has to look at the rev counter to see whether the engine is running at all.

The new V12 power unit comes with 5,972 cc maintaining exactly the same cylinder volume as on the former engine. Displacing 497.7 cubic centimetres per cylinder, the engine therefore offers exactly the right size and dimensions acknowledged by engine specialists as absolutely ideal. Bore of 89 mm/3.50" and stroke of 80 mm/3.15" provides a ratio between these two parameters of 0.9, while the compression ratio is a remarkably high 10.0 : 1 quite unusual on a turbocharged power unit.

Introduction of TwinPower Turbo Technology on the twelve-cylinder.

BMW’s new twelve-cylinder comes with a number of special technical features serving to capitalise on the potential it offers through its design principle and basic structure. In particular, this includes the first-ever use on a twelve-cylinder of TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection with gasoline injected directly into the combustion chambers.

Featuring this combination of superior technologies already to be admired on BMW’s six- and eight-cylinders, responding sensitively and directly even to small movements of the gas pedal, maintaining a consistent torque curve and offering a level of fuel economy and emission management quite unusual for an engine of this calibre, the new twelve-cylinder again stands out from the competition in every respect.

Thanks to the small cylinder angle of just 60°, the two exhaust gas turbochargers developed specifically for the new V12 fit in compact arrangement on the outside of the two rows of cylinders, each supplying six cylinders with compressed air.

The turbochargers stand out in particular through their unusually good compressor and turbine efficiency – and through their particular position they provide ideal conditions for keeping the pipes between the exhaust manifold and the turbochargers short and straight for ideal flow conditions. Central supply of turbocharger air into the air collector, in turn, helps to optimise both the engine’s acoustics and charge cycle. The exhaust gas manifolds identical on each row of cylinders come in each case with two three-in-one connections geared to the engine’s firing sequence. In combination with the catalytic converters optimised for minimum counter-pressure, this special configuration of the exhaust gas manifolds sets the foundation for outstanding spontaneity in following the gas pedal as well as supreme power and torque coming from the twelve-cylinder.

Peak torque now increased to 750 Newton-metres or 553 lb-ft comes at just 1,500 rpm and is maintained consistently all the way to 5,000 rpm. Compared with the former engine, this means an increase in torque by 25 per cent now developed at an engine speed approximately 2,300 rpm lower.

Engine power is also built up more quickly than on the previous engine, as is borne out by the much steeper power curve leading up to maximum output of 400 kW/544 hp at just 5,250 rpm.

Intelligent solution for even more power and supremacy.

The introduction of TwinPower Turbo Technology raises the twelve-cylinder to a level of output and torque a naturally-aspirated power unit would achieve only with much larger displacement. The increase in engine size and weight inevitable in such a case, together with negative effects on the centre of gravity, fuel consumption and the agility of the car, are all avoided most efficiently and intelligently through turbocharger technology.

A further point is that TwinPower Turbo Technology gives the new V12 its unparalleled power and performance characteristics borne out in particular by the superior development of full power and torque right from the start just above idling speed and then maintained over a wide load range.

To ensure sensitive and precise dosage of power at all times, the compressed turbocharger air is cooled by a technically very demanding and elaborate indirect intercooler. This serves to minimise the overall volume of air required and shorten any delay times, again enabling the engine to respond ideally to the driver’s foot on the gas pedal. An additional coolant pump feeds the separate coolant circuit required for this purpose with its air/coolant heat exchanger positioned directly on the intake unit.

The catalytic converters on the new twelve-cylinder come with the most advanced and sophisticated exhaust gas sensors and quickly reach their optimum operating temperature thanks to their special position close to the engine. Efficient treatment of exhaust gases ensures full maintenance of all international emission standards, the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li fulfilling the EU5 emission standard in Europe and the ULEV II standard in the USA.

To reduce counter-pressure the exhaust system comes on the underfloor with largely straight pipes and manifolds increased in size to the largest possible diameter. Exhaust flaps around the silencer masterminded by the electronic control unit as a function of engine maps provide exactly the right engine sound precisely geared to current driving conditions. When idling, therefore, the V12 remains absolutely silent, not emitting any noise at all. The same applies to cruising conditions, with only very discreet sound from the engine being emitted to the outside. So it is only at higher engine speeds that the driver receives appropriate acoustic feedback on the development of power, with the engine providing its muscular V12 sound when accelerating fast and under full power. Again, this special sound effect under such dynamic conditions authentically reflects both the capacity of the engine and the intensity of power coming from within the engine compartment, characterising the dynamic qualities of BMW’s twelve-cylinder.

Optimised combustion and maximum efficiency ensured by - High Precision Injection.

BMW High Precision Injection is a second-generation direct injection technology serving to optimise the combustion process and use the energy contained in the fuel with maximum efficiency. Piezo-injectors positioned in the middle of the cylinder head allow particularly precise dosage of the fuel injected into the combustion chambers.

In combination with TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection is featured in all gasoline engines in the BMW 7 Series. And now, in the new V12 power unit, this technology ensures particularly efficient and clean combustion as the starting point for a level of fuel economy and emission management quite unparalleled in this class of performance.

Opening up to the outside, the piezo-injectors are positioned in the cylinder head between the valves and, as a result, directly next to the spark plugs. They are supplied with fuel through stainless-steel pipes, fuel then being injected into the combustion chambers in finely atomised form at a pressure of up to 200 bar. This system pressure is generated by single-plunge fuel pumps on each row of cylinders and is maintained reliably at all times by short pipes and fuel travel.

The fuel injected in this process spreads out in conical form, thus burning in a particularly smooth and clean process. This, in turn, has a positive effect on engine emissions and sound, the cooling effect of the fuel/air mixture provided by direct fuel injection helping in addition to achieve a higher compression ratio than on a turbocharged engine with manifold injection. The bottom line, therefore, is an even higher degree of engine efficiency generating more power on less fuel.

In their configuration and structure, the cylinder heads largely follow the particular position of the injectors and spark plugs as well as the combustion process provided by High Precision Injection. Short combustion phases optimised for maximum efficiency build up a high level of pressure and temperature requiring optimised cylinder head geometry and an effective flow of coolant. The cylinder head components cast in a gravity process stand out in particular through their very high level of stiffness, while the cylinder head covers are made of aluminium and come with rubber profile seals.

Double-VAOS and volume flow-controlled oil pump for maximum efficiency.

Again in typical BMW style, the new twelve-cylinder comes with double-VANOS for infinite adjustment of camshaft control timing. This ensures part load running conditions with a high level of residual gas and reduced throttle loss for maximum fuel efficiency.

A further advantage of double-VANOS is its support in giving the engine a particularly direct response. Joined in a thermal process, the camshafts come with forged cams, additional triple cams on the intake side serving to drive the highpressure fuel pumps. The valves on the exhaust side, in turn, are filled with sodium for optimum cooling and come with chrome-plated shafts.

The supply of oil to the new twelve-cylinder has also been optimised, the volume flow-controlled oil pump operating on individual demand with maximum efficiency: The six-chamber pendulum-slide pump delivers only as much oil as the engine requires at any given point in time under specific driving conditions. An oil level sensor is integrated in the oil sump made of pressure-cast aluminium. And instead of a manual oil dipstick, an oil level indicator in the instrument cluster also operating while driving informs the driver of the oil level whenever required.

The new twelve-cylinder models in the BMW 7 Series again feature a wide range of technologies for minimum fuel consumption and emissions based on BMW’s strategy of EfficientDynamics. These include Brake Energy Regeneration, electric coolant pumps operating on demand, and the volume flow-controlled oil pump further optimising the balance of load performance and fuel consumption.

With an increase in engine output versus the former models by 22 and an increase in maximum torque by 25 per cent, the average fuel consumption determined in the EU test cycle has been reduced to 12.9*) litres/100 kilometres. The emission rating of the BMW 760i is 299*) grams per kilometre.

The engine coolant system on the new twelve-cylinder excels through consistent integration of all pipes in the crankcase, optimised cross-sections and the surface structure ensuring a maximum heat exchanger function helping to warm up the engine far more quickly than before on the former power unit.

The arrangement of the coolant inlet immediately next to the main inlet duct for supplying oil serves in addition to connect the two media in thermal terms, again helping to warm up engine oil and maintain the ideal temperature at all times. The flow of coolant is separated on the two rows of cylinders, in each case running diagonally from the rear outside to the front inside. And last but not least, the arrangement of the outlets again helps to consistently spread out and maintain the temperature level over a wide range of engine speed.

BMW’s outstanding competence in twelve-cylinder technology: a long tradition of supreme performance.

This is the fourth time that a twelve-cylinder power unit marks the top end of the engine portfolio featured in the BMW 7 Series. And indeed, every new generation has further reinforced BMW’s position as the leading manufacturer of luxury performance saloons. A BMW 7 Series with a twelve-cylinder power unit stands for exclusivity, supremacy and, not least, genuine innovation, the top-of-the-range engines providing the highest standard also on account of the maximum demands they are expected to meet right from the start in the development process.

BMW’s outstanding competence in the development and production of twelvecylinder power units is based on a long tradition extending all the way back to the year 1925 when the Company for the first time hit the headlines by building an aircraft engine with twelve cylinders. Back then BMW’s V12 developed maximum output of 750 hp, with two BMW twelve-cylinders powering the Dornier Wal seaplane just five years later in its record flight across the Atlantic.

In the second half of the 20th century BMW became the pioneer in introducing the twelve-cylinder in the most outstanding luxury cars. The BMW 750i launched in 1987, for example, was the first German twelve-cylinder saloon after the war. In the years to follow a long story of success in motorsport likewise contributed to the exceptional reputation of BMW’s twelve-cylinders. The BMW V12 LMR, for example, dominated the racing scene right from the start in its very first race in 1999, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and in the same season clinched overall victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

World debut: eight-speed automatic transmission in the new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li.

The unique qualities of the new V12 power unit with TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection are combined in the new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li with an equally innovative concept for the transmission of power: the newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission making its world debut in a BMW production car. Ideally tailored to the power and performance characteristics of the twelve-cylinder power unit, the eight-speed automatic transmission combines supreme gearshift comfort, sportiness and efficiency at a level never achieved before.

The new eight-speed automatic transmission excels through the innovative configuration of gears and gearsets allowing the use of additional gears and a larger range of gear increments than on the former six-speed automatic transmission, without any negative effects on the size of the transmission, its weight, and the inner efficiency of the system.

The eight forward gears and the reverse gear all incorporate four simple gearsets and five gearshift elements. The innovative arrangement of these components seen for the first time on an eight-speed automatic transmission ensures that only two clutches are open in each gear at any given point in time, significantly reducing frictional losses under all driving conditions to an absolute minimum.

Over and above the wider range of gear increments and the high degree of internal efficiency, this is a further factor contributing to the outstanding overall efficiency of the new transmission system. So again, the intelligent concept of this new eightspeed automatic transmission harmonises perfectly with the BMW - EfficientDynamics development strategy.

Introduction of the first eight-speed automatic transmission in the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li marks the starting point to a generation change in the area of power transmission systems. The six-speed automatic transmissions currently featured in all BMW model series already set the standard in terms of shift comfort, reaction time, gearshift speed, and efficiency and, through their compact design and configuration as well as their universal use in various vehicle segments and power classes, already offer unparalleled all-round qualities. The first and foremost objective in developing the new generation of automatic transmissions, therefore, was to retain all the design features of the six-speed automatic transmission and add new potentials in terms of motoring comfort, performance and efficiency.

Optimum gearset configuration as the result of scientific research.

To achieve significant progress over BMW’s proven six-speed automatic transmissions, BMW’s engineers right from the start initiated an in-depth development process providing the basis for the new transmission. The initial

consideration was that particularly the improvement of efficiency as desired was only possible with a transmission system offering an even larger number of gears and a wider range of gear increments versus a six-speed automatic transmission. A further objective was to keep the number of additional components to a minimum in order to optimise the inner efficiency of the system.

Apart from BMW itself, a number of specialised partners in development such as ZF Friedrichshafen AG participated in the search for an optimum concept fulfilling all these requirements. Working together closely, the complete team developed analytical methods serving to establish and balance the pros and cons of all theoretically conceivable variants of a planetary gear system. To begin with, both the number of gears was open as was the structure of the new transmission system with its underlying concept. The fundamental objectives, therefore, were to achieve the highest conceivable standard of efficiency and to keep the new transmission compact and light.

Studies jointly conducted by engineers and scientists eventually led to a solution offering the best balance of internal efficiency and overall running qualities: the new eight-speed automatic transmission with two additional gears and a gear increment range increased from six to seven gear units, with the number of gearsets being increased by only one to a total of four and the number of clutches remaining unchanged.

Triple progress with two additional gears: gearshift dynamics improved, comfort optimised, efficiency maximised.

Thanks to the larger range of gear increments now offered by the new transmission, the driver is able to use the highest gear at significantly reduced engine speed far more often than before. In the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li, this not only optimises the car’s economy also at higher speeds, but also enhances the smoothness and refinement of the twelve-cylinder.

With the number of gears being increased to eight, the individual steps between gears are smaller than before, despite the overall range of gear increments. Clearly, this benefits the sporting character of the transmission and, as a result, the dynamic nature of the car again in typical BMW style.

While accelerating the harmonious balance of gear ratios provides a very smooth and consistent increase in road speed, a feature corresponding ideally with the ongoing surge of power from the new V12 and again confirming the unparalleled supremacy of the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li.

A further advantage of the small gear increments is the enhancement of gearshift comfort in BMW’s most outstanding Luxury Performance Saloon, with only a slight change in engine speed when shifting from one gear to another.

The reaction and gearshift times even shorter than with the former six-speed automatic transmission benefit both motoring comfort and driving dynamics, with only one clutch having to be disengaged when shifting up or down either one or two gears. At the same time direct gear detection enables the driver to shift up or down by more than two gears, again with extremely short reaction and gearshift times. And last but not least, the downshift from eighth to second gear particularly important for spontaneous acceleration also takes place as a direct gear change requiring the system to open only one clutch.

This particular configuration is of great significance for supreme driving pleasure in the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li, enabling the driver to use the higher gears for perfect efficiency and motoring refinement particularly often while enjoying the car’s maximum performance spontaneously at all times.

Flexible, up-to-date, oriented to the future.

With the number of transmission components being increased only slightly over the former six-speed automatic transmission, the new eight-speed automatic offers an unusually high level of internal efficiency. So-called gear-mesh efficiency, for example, is more than 98 per cent in each gear. And being configured as a direct gear, sixth gear reduces frictional losses to zero.

The low weight of the new transmission virtually identical to that of the former sixspeed automatic likewise benefits the overall efficiency of the car, with the integration of an additional gearset being compensated by the optimisation of weight in other areas.

In all the minimum converter slip, the high degree of internal efficiency, low frictional losses with only two clutches open at a time, the longer transmission ratios on the higher gears and the transmission management giving preference to low engine speeds at all times offer a reduction of fuel consumption versus the former six-speed automatic by approximately 6 per cent.

As a result of these improvements and highlights in technology, the new eight-speed automatic transmission is not only the optimum system currently available, but also a future-oriented solution for the transmission of power in a premium car.

The new transmission may be combined with all kinds of engines and levels of performance, and may be integrated not only in cars with rear-wheel drive, but also in all-wheel-drive models. At the same time the eight-speed automatic transmission may be combined with hybrid drive, making it part of BMW’s Active Hybrid technology combining an eight-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. This innovative drive concept will be reaching production standard in the first hybrid model in the BMW 7 Series in the course of 2009.

Setting the new standard in motoring supremacy: the new BMW 7 Series with twelve-cylinder power unit and eight-speed automatic transmission.

Twelve cylinders and eight speeds – this combination re-defines the most supreme standard of exclusivity and refinement in the luxury class. The drive technology featured in the new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li makes a significant contribution to the significant innovation of power technology ensured by the BMW brand, the unique power and performance characteristics of the new V12 power unit and the innovative concept of eight-speed automatic transmission joining forces to provide a truly fascinating driving experience.

Superior power is thus converted into equally superior driving dynamics with an exceptionally high standard of motoring refinement. Offering supreme smoothness and full availability of enormous power reserves at all times, the twelve-cylinder simply begs the driver and passengers to enjoy a most comfortable driving experience wherever they go, experiencing sporting performance of the highest calibre as an unparalleled asset in luxury performance motoring.

The eight-speed automatic transmission perfectly supplements both the supremacy and the dynamic character of the power unit. At the same time the exceptional efficiency of both top models in the BMW 7 Series results not just from the V12 power unit, but also from the transmission. Innovations developed in the context of BMW EfficientDynamics allow this luxury saloon to combine acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.6*) seconds with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 12.9*) litres/100 kilometres.

The outstanding position of the new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li is further underlined by suspension technology specially developed for this Luxury Saloon, combining innovative driver assistance systems partly exclusive to BMW with a wide range of comfort amenities all featured as standard. More than ever before, therefore, both models meet the demands and requirements of the most discerning motorist seeking individual mobility of the highest calibre as part of his or her lifestyle dedicated to absolute perfection.

 

Comments

Bristol411S3
April 9, 2009 2:21 PM
Is a version of this engine going into the RR4?

caraddicted
April 9, 2009 2:48 PM
performance is perfect : 4.6 0-60,544 hp also efficient : 155km\20liter with a V12 6.0:D

BENZian
April 9, 2009 3:10 PM
...they only thing is that the Benz V12s have owned this segment since...well forever...but most importantly since the introduction of the twin turbo V12s beginning in the 90s...BMW is rather late to the game...


Edited by user on April 9, 2009 at 3:10 PM
M
April 9, 2009 3:21 PM
Don’t worry BENZian they'll manage to exceed and excel, I guess they already have done that with this model!

mmr66
April 9, 2009 3:22 PM
2nd only to the S600

Lutzie
May 10, 2009 8:28 AM
Yes... big Beemers have never quite cut it against the peerless S-Class.

ubercool
April 9, 2009 3:40 PM
Oh my god, that front end looks worse every time i see it, i've seen farm animals which are prettier than this fat sow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ubercool
April 9, 2009 3:45 PM
The stitching on the roof lining is poor, a blind person could do a better quality job than bmw!

benz_man
April 9, 2009 5:39 PM
This must be a pre-production photog car. I can't imagine BMW letting its interior supplier(s) get away with something so obviously flawed.

ubercool
April 9, 2009 3:47 PM
The steering wheel is ugly aswell, looks like it's from a another era.

kimbo
April 9, 2009 3:55 PM
have you ridden 7-series? I did and I love the interior. Steering wheel is perfect, quite small, but it gives some sporty feeling. The interior really is amazing, so classy and modern with high, lexus like quality feeling.

Windtalker01
April 9, 2009 7:27 PM
Huh..... the steering wheel is ugly.... Then I must say the new S-Class and E-Class steering wheels are 10 times more uglier than BMW!!!

500lbman
April 9, 2009 3:49 PM
All this new technology designing a brand new 6.0L V12 and it basically matches the 5.5L S600's performance. Oh, but it gets a couple of more miles/gallon. If you can find me a V12 owner that cares about fuel economy I'll give you my life savings :)

isaacu
April 9, 2009 4:34 PM
Until now, BMW were very brave not to offer a "500 bhp" flagship despite obvious pressure from competitors. Finally, they've "bitten the bullet" and their rivals will "rest less easy".

This is a fine flagship.

isaacu

Samuel_spektor
April 9, 2009 5:07 PM
Let's not forget that although the S600 and 760 compete in the same segment the BMW is using a 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 while the car from daimler uses a 5.5 liter twin-turbo V12. However, there is an S class that uses a six liter twin-turbo V12 and that is the S65. The 6 liter monster in that developes 604 BHP and 738 ft-lbs of torque. Merc really does rule the twin-turbo V12.

AG4
April 10, 2009 4:45 AM
Yes, but the S65 AMG does not compete with this.

Another way to look at it... It takes a more expensive AMG performance model to beat the "regular" V12 7-series model.


Edited by user on April 10, 2009 at 4:48 AM
Zero
April 12, 2009 2:49 PM
Well, there's another way of looking at it; BMW needs to do more to try and smash the S600's foothold in this market.

BMW has come to late in the game to make any real difference, and whilst these vehicles will be good, they will probably not tempt people away from the S-class, and will have a harder time tempting those who own or are going to purchase an S600.

The engine in the BMW is good, but the 5.5 litre engine Mercedes still uses, produces the same power but alot more torque (830 as opposed to 750 Nm). That extra torque is a major advantage to the S600. And remember, this engine has been around for years, and uses "old technology" such as SOHC and 3 valves per cylinder.

The BMW engine, which is new, full of technology can only manage to equal the Mercedes' V12 on power alone. This is particularly poor for BMW, whose engine also has a 0.5 litre displacement increase.

HEMI426
April 9, 2009 5:19 PM
This could be the best car in the world, better than an s class. But I don't see the piont of the 2 turbos, and I think that the old 6.0 v12 could easely make more hp for example bmw has a 3.0 six inline that can make without turbos 272 hp, so dubble that and you allso have 544 hp

hell666
April 9, 2009 5:31 PM
Benz will always rule the TTV12 segment, the BMW may make 20kw more, but to get to those extra KW you have to rev to 5000 rpm. Benz's torque however, is full on from 1800-4000, therefore can use it's 80nm more earlier.

Not to mention the design of this 5.5 V12 is very old now, using a relatively simple SOHC fuel injected 3 valve design without VVT, compared to the direct injected DOHC 4 valve "infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment" super high tech BMW.

The problem is, this engine will never be at home, as BMW builds engines that love to rev and wring every last HP out at a high redline. Hardly a 7 Series driver.

I'll take an S600 over this, and an S65 over that.

ShinyG
April 9, 2009 6:18 PM
How do you know how the 760 behaves as a result of its torque curve? Are you an insider? :p I'm pretty sure the engineers who designed this engine were aware of the target audience and made sure the car delivers smoothly throughout the rev range. Remember BMWs N/A engines are famous for their smooth torque delivery on the big saloons so my guess is the turbo version will be even better. They would have a tough time making the engine have as much torque as the MB V12, but I thrust BMW's engine department. They are pretty much the best in the world!

lucifa
April 9, 2009 6:52 PM
Lol at how ShinyG would thrust BMW's engine department. Brand loyalty taken too far? ;)

ShinyG
May 7, 2009 4:32 PM
Maybe you can give me a reason why NOT to thrust BMW's engine dep. In other words: name one bad contemporary BMW engine in terms of performance and describe how that affects this discussion.

khd
April 9, 2009 5:32 PM
great engine, great g-box (if it works), great car luv the interior too... looks good in white (suprisingly). this shoud definetly stir up the luxuary V12 segment. just think in 5-10 years time this thing will be around 10k or less second hand (if previous trends follow)...

Siawa
April 9, 2009 5:36 PM
For me, it fails to deliever business look from exterior... I mean look at it's core competitors: S-Class n Audi A8

Interior is finally decent and not boring like rest of BMWs.

Targa_Florio
April 9, 2009 5:38 PM
Probably a very good car and an excellent & smooth engine but... WHAT AN UGLY PIG !!!

I'm missing the E38 from 94 to 01, it was a bit anonymous yet very classy, like most BMW of that time

benz_man
April 9, 2009 6:03 PM
I'm obviously a Mercedes fan, but I'd definitely take this 760 over the updated S600. This is just the better product.

DSC_OFF
April 9, 2009 7:35 PM
Yeah all that extra hp and torque on the S65 gets it from 0-60 faster by 0.1 seconds. The five speed transmission isn't helping. I bet the bimmer would run circles around it in the handling department, all for 50K less.

GermanCarsRule
April 9, 2009 8:18 PM
6000 ccm 554 hp 750 NM 0 - 100 km/h: 4.6 sec 12,9 l / 100 km ?

ENGINE OF THE...WOLRD!!!

Swifty
April 9, 2009 9:47 PM
Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG: V12, 6000ccm, 612hp, 1000Nm, 0-100: 4.4s 13,6L/100km

God among engines

Swifty
April 9, 2009 9:47 PM
...ohh and I forgot, all that for several years already, withoust twin scroll turbos, DOHC etc.

simple and clean

GermanCarsRule
April 9, 2009 10:24 PM
This 760i is a production version, the Mercedes S65 is a AMG - tuned version. You have to compare the 760i and the Mercedes S600.

The facts: BMW 760i: 6000 ccm 554 hp 750 NM 0 - 100 km/h: 4.6 sec 12,9 l / 100 km MB S600 6000 ccm 517 PS 830 NM 0-100 km/h: 4,6 sec 14,3 L / 100 km

That's the truth because there's no M Version of the 760i.

pismeov
April 10, 2009 1:51 AM
three things: 1. it's 5.5 litres for the merc's v12 2. the s600's v12 is "weaker" version. the engine found in the maybach 57/62 makes 543hp. 3. the amg's v12 is essentially just the 5.5l v12 enlarged to 6 litres. in fact, both engines, the 5.5 in the s600 and the 6.0 in the amg even have the same engine name: the m275 v12.

oh and another thing, as far as i know, aren't the s65/cl65/sl65 and maybach 57s/62s production cars? i mean you can buy 'em from the factory...


Edited by user on April 10, 2009 at 1:53 AM
leiferfinn
April 10, 2009 12:27 AM
When S Class came out the wheel wells were considered garish. The 7 series' garish attribute is its front. Each needed to pick one controversial design point while retaining an otherwise relatively beautiful figure. This design accomplishes that (unlike the last 7 series, which although a success BMW needed to move away from design directionally). This car will blow MB out of the water otherwise performance and quality wise for the money I believe. You watch and see.

Zero
April 12, 2009 3:02 PM
BMW will need to produce something much more special than this to "blow MB out of the water". Fact remains, the S-class has built a very strong reputation in this segment, and the market share it has currently is huge. This BMW, whilst it is very exciting, probably doesn't the appeal, so people won't buy it. I'm a fan of this car, I think it will be great, but I just don't think it can stand up to the S-class' numbers.

GOR777
April 10, 2009 1:10 AM
I'll say one thing. This car is SUPER. If Mercedess engines are better than why they are not winning any engine award of the world? BMW makes the best engines ... and that's a FACT!

Zero
April 12, 2009 3:30 PM
Thats clearly not "fact". Mercedes has actually won awards for how well their diesel and petrol engines burn their fuel with high precision. These include some V6 and the larger 5.5-litre V8 engine.

To your claim of "BMW makes the best engines", I feel this claim can be disputed hugely. For example, this new engine is great. I like it. BMW's 6.0 litre V12 twin-turbo has lots of power and huge torque. But then, Mercedes' V12 is many years older, uses a single overhead camshaft, has only 3 valves per cylinder, but it still manages to compete with this BMW engine on paper. That could be seen as a testament to the greatness of the Mercedes V12, or inadequacy of the BMW V12.

And, just to note, whilst Mercedes have had few engine awards, they have had numerous awards for safety of their cars, particularly the S-class. The S-class has ther awards such as "best luxury car", "best design and technology", etc, but it has also had the first award from TUV as the certified "enviromentally friendly".

I think its unfair to say Mercedes engines have had no awards, but instead, you should look at the bigger picture. The S-class has had many awards. Whenever a car gets announced targetted for this segment, it always gets compared to the S-class, because it is so prominent in the market. BMW needs to try harder, I'm afraid.

MAB
April 10, 2009 3:09 AM
....Blue gauges? But the rest is still the traditional red? A potent addition to the line-up and it will fill its niche well, but I still want an M7 to debut just to hear the crescendo of BMW-purists cries after the X5M/X6M NYC reveal.

jolz24
April 10, 2009 3:52 AM
audi and mercedes benefited from bmw's no turbo policy for many a-year,, now bmw has dropped that like a hot potatoe,, this is only the beginning,,

boyke69
April 10, 2009 8:13 AM
Wow, what an engine. I still think the E38 is the best 7-Series ever though.

GermanCarsRule
April 10, 2009 10:54 AM
Of course: you can buy the s65 oder S63 from the factory but MB is just the distributor of AMG. Bute the AMG versions are no production series - they are tuned. The competitor of 760i is MBs S600.

phobos
April 10, 2009 10:54 AM
wow great engine...but the merc already have the current v12 for years now...if merc deside to end their " no horse power war " they can have a better performance v12 engine

norther
April 11, 2009 2:23 AM
not only that it is less powerful than mercedes' engine, it is also more STUPID. 6.0l and two turbos equals 544bhp. man, these luxury models are more useless by the day. bigger, super- turbo- toilet charged and so little bhp. does it worth the taxes, the fuel economy and the...im a bit greenpeace here...pollution? how more american can these engines be? i was so happy when i read the news about the new m5 engine; that 4.4 twin turbo 550 bhp, if im not mistaken. thats 100 and some horses per liter. and this lump from the 7 series is almost 2 liters larger, with 2 turbos and 544...my god. not even 100 horses per liter. just like the 335: 3 liters, 2 turbos, and 306 bhp they say, which im sure its 300. how much is that without the turbos, 100bhp? how much is this 6 liter lump without the turbos, 300bhp? or are the turbos 5 horses each? stupid...useless and expensive.

AG4
April 11, 2009 5:36 AM
Because the 760Li's twin-turbo V12 is not an M performance engine.

It was designed to be relaxed and offer decent fuel economy. People seem to overlook this important part.

The 544hp twin-turbo V12 is the "regular" top engine of the 7-series, its not an M performance engine like the twin-turbo V8 of the X5 M/X6 M. If the twin-turbo V12 were an M-engine it would probably be producing more than 600hp.

Like I said earlier, it takes a performance AMG-tuned S65 to beat the 760i/760Li which is an S600 competitor.


Edited by user on April 11, 2009 at 5:46 AM
norther
April 11, 2009 3:15 PM
so ...your saying. bmw, or merc, couldnt squeeze 500 horses from a 6 liter lump, without the 2 turbos? ..and make it "smoooootthhh" for my grandpa to drive it and...etc etc all that crap? and what do you mean by "decent" fuel economy? from my maths, a bigger engine + superchargers equals more fuel consumption. and the engine from the 335, which is not an M power engine, it is.....just an engine; 3 liter, two turbos and 306 bmw "approved" horses.. which im sure it is 300, what do you call that? compact, powerful, economical, smooth ..bmw engine? i want to make myself clear, i dont have a thing against bmw, nor merc....or any other. i just have a thing against big useless engines. i wrote about audis 5.2 biturbo from the rs6 too, they were cheap too. that engine should've at least 600bhp. oh, and they used it on the r8 too, without the turbos, boasting "only" 525 (which is good)..BUT..let us not forget that it's sister, the gallardo uses the same engine, and produces 560bhp. and lambo is what?..a vw group "product". not very smart, aint it?

benz_man
April 11, 2009 6:58 PM
I'd like to help you understand norther, but I don't know where to begin.

pismeov
April 11, 2009 11:27 PM
to AG4

no, it doesn't take an s65 to compete with the 760 as a regular s600 already accelarates to 60 in the same time as the 760, and only loses 27 horsepower yet makes 79 more nm of torque. so if anything, it's like they're even. and as i said, if mercedes wanted to match the 760's horsepower, they easily can (and should) just by putting the maybach's v12 in the s600 and still out-torque the bimmer. but if "beating" something is this important, consider this, it took bmw 6 years to finally beat a v12 that mercedes first introduced to the 2003 s600 as a 500ps motor.

but in all honesty, i don't think anyone will really feel the difference between 517hp and 544hp in sedans of this type.

PotatoEater
April 11, 2009 9:28 AM
BMW for the AM, Merc for the PM. The bentley for sunday, and the lambo for saturday. Problem solved.

indianautosblogcom
April 11, 2009 10:13 AM
unless you have driven this car and it's Merc counterpart, you really can't tell which one's better. Just because this car is 100hp lesser in power, you can't judge it's slow. It needs to be driven to be judged.

Moko
April 12, 2009 7:10 AM
i agree with potatoeater lol ahha aha hha a

isaacu
April 12, 2009 4:21 PM
Having read a lot of the contributors' comments regarding the BMW/Mercedes V12 engine rivalry and the merits and demerits of their respective V12s, I have this to say: "BMW always make more technically "intriguing" engines vis a vis Mercedes. They also tend not to "stress" their regular engines. Witness the just superceded V12 E65 producing an unstressed 444bhp."

Some of the gloss might have been taken away from BMW's Motorsports' division by rival manufacturers in recent years, but you really do not want to challenge their ability to produce "masterpiece" engines....

As I mentioned in earlier commentary above, it takes a very brave (aka confident) company not to bite the "500 bhp" bullet when everyone else would have you believe that you are dead without it.

The argument between "BMW V12 vs. Mercedes V12" is a "ding-dong" one. It will only run and run....

isaacu

SpeedFreak15
April 12, 2009 7:48 PM
so isaacu what would you prefer the merc or the bmw? they havent let out the specs for the 2010 s class so my decision is posted till they do...

SpeedFreak15
April 12, 2009 7:51 PM
oh and one more thing i think this car would sell a lot more if they did something about those ginormous rear lamps.

kooper
April 13, 2009 2:07 AM
The new BMW V12 is impressive for sure. I think people miss the point here, it's not about which car is faster to 100 since for this type of car, a few 100ths of a second is academic. What matters is that MB doesn't have it all their own way any more. Sure Merc can stick the Maybach's V12 in the S Class, but that would leave even less reason for prospective customers to buy a Maybach (whose sales already aren't doing all to well). I think people looking for a car of this type just want power to be there when they ask, both the BMW and Merc delivering where that's concerned.

Other than that, it's probably down to which one appeals more in terms of looks, interior comforts, status (the Merc takes it there I think) etc.

As for myself, I'd probably take the BMW. Not because of the engine alone or the looks for that matter, but purely because it's the newest flavor of the week.

RCarvalho
April 13, 2009 9:51 PM
BMW 760i, the best car in the world!

isaacu
April 14, 2009 2:47 AM
Given the money to own either the BMW V12 or the MB V12, it would have to be an "AMG bodied" Mercedes-Benz S600 in the garage. It is not only an "intergalactic starship", but it also carries too much "easy authority".

isaacu

octagon
April 14, 2009 8:50 AM
Nice but I would much rather have a new Porsche Panemera any day

dbehmoaras
April 16, 2009 6:57 AM
Can't compare the two.

fiveminds
April 16, 2009 8:44 AM
The way i see it come up with a new company that produce cars that compete with the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry with four doors and a turbo diesel engine you will have a new bread winner with X-drive under 25K

uae_33
April 20, 2009 4:29 PM
I hope Audi have something to say about there car A8

waiting to see what's the new for Audi A8 ????

bmwsafan
April 21, 2009 12:42 PM
BMW will always remain an eye catcher whether urgly or not even though its not cheap as the ranges go up. What is up with the square-tail pipes these days they are the usual trend...It looks as if its on purpose/they are from the same designer even M-Benz is using this type for their E63 AMG

Kiyoshi
May 2, 2009 3:43 AM
Wow! What an ultimate silky bomb! I am really surprised at the splendid combining between tremendous power of 544hp and high standard in emission control. The BMW760i is a towering-achievement of modern engineering. It can take the crown in upper-luxury segment from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class! Along with it,its front mask is very eye-catching in accordance with whole body shape,looking quite sharp and technical as a state-of-art missile. PS. My own car,the Lexus IS350 2009 has been loosen up clearly,so it can accelerate as fast as the BMW750i,the V8-turbo variant of brand-new 7 Series Bimmer!

dennismd0306
May 6, 2009 10:03 AM
i'm an S-Class fan but wen i saw the 750 @ the Johanneburg International Motor Show 2008, i new BMW had private Jet Class car in the making (760). i wonder if they'll decide on climbing up the ladder 2 take on the S65. gr8 work 4 BMW. keep it up.

TheSilentKnight
May 8, 2009 3:52 PM
Two words guys and gals. "M-7". 760i/Li is S600's rival, the up-and-coming M7 will be the S65 AMG's rival. To describe the power of the M7, think of the same engine, but with the volume turned up a few notches ( aka; a lot more power and torque. Alot ).

MAGJR1219
May 9, 2009 4:55 AM
WHAT BMW 3.0 INLINE 6 CYLINDER HAS 272HP?

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