The V12 badge will soon be no more at BMW, with the German brand killing off its biggest combustion … [+]
BMW USA
It’s out with the old power and in with the new power at BMW, with the sophistication of battery-electric power and emissions rules killing off the classic V12 engine.
BMW has confirmed the massive 6.6-liter V12 twin-turbo engine is in its final year after more than 30 years as the unchallenged pinnacle of luxury and affluence within the brand.
The V12 has been surpassed by pure EV powertrains as the symbol of luxury at BMW, and the engine will quietly die this year, but not before BMW delivers its The Final V12 batch of 12 760 xDrive V12 limousines this year.
The road-going 5.0-litre V12 began production in 1987 in the M70, with just two valves per cylinder and single overhead camshafts, and will end production as the current 7-Series is phased out this year.
Gas-guzzler taxes and prices, along with the rise of luxury EVs, have signaled the end of the profligate V12s, and the silent surgency of EVs have surpassed the refinement offered by bolting two in-line sixes together.
Starting at US$200,995, The Final V12 run will use 20-inch wheels, high-end luxury and a twin-turbo V12, with a pair of mono-scroll turbochargers, infinitely variable valve control and direct injection delivering 601 bhp between 5,500-6,500 rpm.
It will combine with all wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission to shove the 760i to 60mph in 3.6 seconds.
See? Even its acceleration has been superseded by the luxury EV set.
