BMW has added a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 to its flagship 7 Series range, creating the M760 xDrive and replacing the 760i xDrive in markets including the United States. The new model will also be sold in Europe, where its predecessor was never available, giving the facelifted G70 generation the eight-cylinder option it lacked when it debuted earlier this year.
The engine is the latest S68 unit, producing 563 horsepower. BMW quotes a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, a figure that places the M760 among the quickest full-size luxury saloons despite a chassis tuned primarily for comfort rather than lap times. The M760 xDrive is not a full M car but occupies BMW's M Performance tier, combining a more potent engine with sportier styling and chassis upgrades while preserving the 7 Series's luxury-first mission.
Despite sharing almost the same name as the existing M760e xDrive, the new V8 model is substantially different. The M760e pairs a smaller inline-six petrol engine with an electric motor, while the M760 uses a conventional combustion powertrain. BMW has also dropped the « i » suffix from its petrol-powered models, reserving that letter for electric vehicles, which is why the pre-facelift car was sold as the 760i.
The new car does not revive the V12-powered M760i from the previous-generation 7 Series. BMW has opted for eight cylinders instead, and a V12 remains available within the BMW Group only by stepping up to a Rolls-Royce. The M760 therefore sits alongside the plug-in hybrid M760e and the electric i7 M70 xDrive, giving buyers a choice between conventional V8 power, hybrid assistance and fully electric propulsion.
The featured car wears BMW's most expensive paint option, Tanzanite Blue and Frozen Tanzanite Blue, which adds $14,000 to the price in the United States. The finish combines matte and glossy versions of the same colour, separated by a Rolls-Royce-style coachline, and requires additional time to complete. The M760 xDrive also gets the M Sport Pro treatment as standard, along with M-specific mirrors, a quad-exhaust setup and 22-inch wheels. Both ends of the car receive a more aggressive look and additional M badges to distinguish it from lesser 7 Series models.
Inside, the M760 follows the established 7 Series formula of generous space, high-end materials and a technology-heavy dashboard. The walkaround car features a cashmere-and-leather interior with carbon-fibre trim, a sportier contrast to the otherwise luxurious surroundings. The M Sport steering wheel carries a red 12 o'clock marker, and the red-accented shift paddles add another performance-inspired detail. BMW has also added M-specific content to the iDrive X infotainment system, including dedicated graphics and lighting touches.
One curious detail is the engine cover, which lacks the M badge usually found on the latest M Performance cars. BMW has no plans to turn the 7 Series into a full-blown M car, so an M7 is not expected. Instead, the M760 xDrive is intended to look suitably expensive when pulling up to a five-star hotel rather than as though the chauffeur has accidentally driven into a pit lane.
The M760 will not remain the ultimate V8-powered 7 Series for long. BMW ALPINA has confirmed that its first model will be a V8-powered 7 Series with bespoke tuning, reportedly known internally as the G72. That car is expected to build on the M760's mechanical foundations while emphasising effortless performance, long-distance comfort and bespoke luxury, giving the two models distinct personalities.