First drive review: BMW 760Li SE

 

What‘s it? The flagship First drive review: BMW 760Li SE, and one which you’re pretty unlikely to discover prowling our streets – nearly all BMW 7-series sold inside the UK come fitted using the excellent 3. 0-litre diesel engine. That’s no reason to not take notice from the 760Li though ; it’s effectively the pinnacle from the firm’s expertise, a showcase of precisely what the engineers can perform given a (relatively ) free rein. There’s pedigree too, BMW celebrating the 25th anniversary of their flagship model owning a 12-cylinder engine beneath the bonnet.

And it’s what lies under that lengthy nose that defines this car : a 5. 0-litre TwinPower V12 petrol unit using the type of numbers which will have a supercar blush. The 537bhp peak power figure doesn’t arrive until 5250rpm but its 553lb ft is available in at only 1500rpm and holds for any further 3, 500rpm. Facelifted earlier inside the year, the BMW 760Li SE differentiates itself from other long wheelbase 7-series because of V12 badging upon the wings and squared-off tailpipes in the rear. What‘s it like? Smooth, but additionally rather deceptive. With everything torque delivered so low down inside the rev-range, the 760Li’s wake up and go is delivered instantaneously. People often talk of cars in which the accelerator need merely be brushed lightly to attain licence-losing speed ; and also a brief foray onto a derestricted section of autobahn proved that, inside the BMW 760Li SE, this hyperbole is entirely justified. In fact it could be driven smoothly and serenely, the engine almost silent at both idle and low throttle openings. The V12 has 89mm piston bores and an 80mm stroke, giving a ratio between the 2 dimensions of 0. 9 – considered ideal by engine specialists – and also the 60-degree bank angle ensures vibration is kept to some minimum.

Keep your throttle deployed through the entire rev range though and because of active exhaust flaps the turbocharged 5. 0-litre snarls with pedigree and class. Fitted with Integral Active Steering, Dynamic Damper Control, Driving Experience Control and Dynamic Drive roll stabilisation, together with self-levelling rear suspension, the BMW 760Li SE is without doubt probably the most involving drives inside the sector. But it’s a legitimate car to relax in and revel in with a slower pace of life, and like several model inside the 7-series range it still suffers given by a ride that remains too firm, exacerbated from the run-flat rubber thumping into potholes along with other road imperfections. Should I buy one? Most likely not. Taking a look at the 760Li in isolation There‘s little to become critical of, certainly nothing greater than using the regular car, itself hampered using a firm ride and also a design that, regardless of the recent facelift, still won’t sit too easy for some. Performance is exemplary, the V12 engine a masterpiece of engineering and refinement and also the interior modern and luxurious. But fuel costs will likely be as astronomical like the purchase price, and nice though It‘s we’d see it a challenge to recommend the 760Li during the 730Ld ; a car that covers 99 per cent from the bases the flagship does for a smaller amount cash. BMW 760Li SEPrice £101, 805 ; 0-62mph 4. 6sec ; Top speed 155mph ; Economy 21. 1mpg ; CO2 303g / km ; Engine 12 cyls, 5972cc, turbocharged petrol ; Power 537bhp at 5250rpm ; Torque 553lb ft at 1500rpm ; Gearbox eight-speed automaticGraeme Lambert EXTRACT#EANF# First drive review : BMW 760Li SE