2017 BMW M 760i

The M760i is a new model introduced for this year. Aside from having a tweaked exterior, the spirit of the Bavarian is tuned by its M performance division. You get a massive V12 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which boasts mammoth outputs of 601 horses and 590 pound foot of torque.

Along the competition for the Beemer are two of its German rivals, the Audi S8 Plus, Mercedes Benz AMG S63, and the Italian Maserati Quattroporte GTS. Would the new model live up to the standards set by the 7-series? Let’s find out.

Priced at $153,800, the long and elegant sedan boasts an enthralling list of opulence and performance features. Right from a powerful V12 to quality interiors, the attention to detail in the new M760i is unparalleled.

Featuring only a single configuration, the 4-doored Bavarian model gets additional packages at an extra cost – some packages include Driver Assistance Plus II at $1,565, Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package at $5,290, Rear-Seat Entertainment with 7” Touch Command Tablet at $2,485.

Trim	BMW M760i xDrive
MSRP	$153,800
Key Features	12-way power driver seat
	Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
	Radio w/Seek-Scan, Compatible Remote CD, MP3 Player, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control, Aux Audio Input Jack, Steering Wheel Controls, Voice Activation, Radio Data System, Weatherband, External Memory Control and 20 Gb Internal Memory
	Multi-Contour Seats
	Sport Heated Leather Steering Wheel w/Auto Tilt-Away
	Power Fuel Flap Locking Type

We recommend

This Beemer already comes kitted with a plethora of varied luxurious features and a powerful powertrain underneath it. Our recommendation is the standard sedan, but in the end whichever package you do get, it would simply enhance the stunning experience this sedan already provides.

Fitted under the hood is a beefy V12 Twin-Turbocharged mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission; together they power all the wheels with a mighty output of 601 horses and 590 pound foot of torque.

In its default setting, Comfort mode, the powertrain drives almost inaudibly alongside a smooth punch of torque delivery at such low 1500 RPM. Tune up the modes to a selection of more aggressive mode and you’d feel the stiffening of the suspension, quick gear shifts, and rapid power delivery. Gear shifts without any hesitation, and there is an option to choose manual mode with paddle shifters.

In spite of only being tuned by M performance division, the M760i showcases the raw performance of the same found on a BMW Aplina. However, the V12 isn't what you’d expect it to sound like, and is unforgivably “manufactured”, in the sense that it sounds artificial.

In spite of being V8s, the Audi S8 Plus, Mercedes AMG S63 and the Maserati Quattroporte are “more powerful” than the V12 in the BMW.

Models	BMW M760i xDrive	Audi S8 Plus	Mercedes Benz AMG S63 4MATIC	Maserati Quattroporte GTS
MSRP	$153,800	$115,900	$144,700	$145,500
Engine	6.6L V12 Twin-Turbo Supercharged	4.0 Twin-Turbocharged V8 Cylinder	5.5L DOHC Bi-Turbo 32-Valve V8	3.8L, Twin turbocharged, V8 engine
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	7-speed AMG Speedshift automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower	601 hp @ 5500 rpm	605 hp @ 6100 rpm	577 hp @ 5500 rpm	523 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque	590 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm	517 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm	664 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm	524 ft-lbs. @ 2,250 rpm

Acceleration

Propelling all the wheels from a standstill, the V12 drives the M760i from 0-60mph in 3.5s while taking 11.2s in quarter mile test. Evidently, for a luxury sedan, the level of performance is outstanding, allowing it to also achieve the top step on the podium amongst its competition.

Close behind the Beemer is its four-ringed German rival, the S8, while the Silver Arrow is the slowest of the two. Italy’s Quattroporte is the slowest of the lot, which is surprising as it houses a smaller 3.8L but with better torque than the S8 Plus.

Models	BMW M760i xDrive	Audi S8 Plus	Mercedes Benz AMG S63 4MATIC	Maserati Quattroporte GTS
0-60 MPH	3.5 sec	3.7 sec	3.9 sec	4.1 seconds
Quarter mile	11.2 sec @ 120 mph	11.6 sec	12.2 sec	12.2 seconds
Engine	6.6 Liters	4.0L	5.5L	3.8L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	11.0	9.8	9.8	10.3

Ride and Handling

Thanks to the all-wheel drive system, the drivetrain rides the Beemer as smooth as butter. The sedan has a great driving experience with responsive and light steering wheel and comfortable ride. It has super soft suspension, allows comfortable highway driving absorbing minor bumps with absolute ease. But get over a rough path and you’d feel the uneven tarmac with evident body roll when going around a corner.

With available driving modes, Comfort, Comfort+ and Sport, where comfort drives as the word suggests, but tune up to Sport mode and you get a tad stiff suspension, adds weight to the steering feel and allows for a more aggressive driving experience. But even in the most assertive driving modes, the Beemer exhibits noticeable body roll.

Braking

With large 14” front and rear rotors, the 5128 lbs. 4-door sedan takes 151 feet to come to a stop from 70-0 mph, which is laudable considering its heavy built. The brake pedals feels firm and soft to the foot.

Amongst the competition who weigh close to or more than a 1000 lbs., the Beemer takes the least time in the brake test while the rest sit at 156 feet.

Model	BMW M760i xDrive	Audi S8 Plus	Mercedes Benz AMG S63 4MATIC	Maserati Quattroporte GTS
Brake Front (in.)	14.7	15.7	15.4	15
Brake Rear (in.)	14.5	14.0	14.1	13.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5128	4685	4806	4189
70-0 MPH (ft.)	151	156	156	156

Gargantualy-powered vehicles and the gas guzzler tag go hand in hand. With the BMW M760i, a combined mpg of 20 is significantly lower than the rest of the competition, who all can go the extra mile compared to the Bavarian model.

Model	BMW M760i xDrive	Audi S8 Plus	Mercedes Benz AMG S63 4MATIC	Maserati Quattroporte GTS
MPG (city)	13	15	15	15
MPG (highway)	20	24	23	22
MPG (combined)	16	18	18	17

“The cabin of the BMW 7-Series offers the highest-quality materials and brims with technology items.” -thecarconnection

Seating and Comfort

Being the flagship series of the manufacturer, the 7-series is packed with abundance of state-of-the-art luxuries and tech. The rather long wheelbase of the Beemer allows for a roomy interior capable of seating 5 passengers with extraordinary comfort and wide legroom and headspace on Nappa Leather stitched front and rear seats. Upon entry, the ambient LED lights up and lavish wood veneer finish with chrome accents make up parts of the interior.

Model	BMW M760i xDrive	Audi S8 Plus	Mercedes Benz AMG S63 4MATIC	Maserati Quattroporte GTS
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.9/59.2/41.4	37.2/59.1/41.4	39.7/59.7/41.4	NA
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.9/57.7/44.4	38.1/57.8/38.7	37.4/59.1/34.1	NA

Interior Features

The lavish sedan includes –

• Bench Front Facing Ventilated and Rear Seat
• Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
• WiFi Hotspot Mobile Hotspot Internet Access
• Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
• Nappa Leather Upholstery

Infotainment System

The new iDrive 5.0 10.2” infotainment system allows touchscreen capabilities and introduces Gesture Control feature for the interface. A cool optional package includes a Samsung tablet in the rear seat giving access to the system remotely.

The iDrive system on the M760i is user-friendly, intuitive, responsive and well optimized for touch capability. The gesture feature works when your hand hovers close to the screen, but this feels redundant for you’d rather use the touchscreen.

Unfortunately, BMW charges an extra $300 for Apple CarPlay, when other cars of similar price range or even lowered priced ones offer it for free. Thankfully, Android Auto is standard.

The following features included are –

• 2 USB ports
• 4 12-volt plugs
• harman/kardon Surround Sound System
• Window Grid Diversity Antenna
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio -inc: 1 year All Access subscription

Cargo Volume

Although the BMW sedan has a roomy interior room, the boot space speaks otherwise. The rear end of the sedan allows 18.2 cubic foot of space, while the Quattroporte GTS can accommodate 18.7 cubic foot of luggage.

Model	BMW M760i xDrive	Audi S8 Plus	Mercedes Benz AMG S63 4MATIC	Maserati Quattroporte GTS
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	18.2	14.2	16.3	18.7

“The 2017 BMW 7-Series is looks strong and substantial, with the boldest take yet on BMW's kidney grille.” –thecarconnection

Design

Long wheelbase with an elegant body sat atop its chassis, the M760i greets you with twin-kidney grilles and air intakes on along the bumper. Character lines run along the hood, with the BMW insignia sat right atop the grilles. Overall, the sedan has a rather safe approach to design, being more conservative resulting in a good looking but nothing too fancy a looking car.

Drawing from the headlamps is a character line running along the fenders and right below the window all the way to the LED taillamps. The rear of the car feels like its “smudged” inside, and incorporates twin chrome exhaust tips on either side. Rolling the sedan is a 20” 5 twin-spoked wheels with painted accents.

Dimensions and Weight

The Bavarian sedan weighs the most amongst its rivals. It shares mostly similar dimensions alongside AMG S63, and Quattroporte. The S8 Plus is tad smaller car in comparison to the rest.

Model	BMW M760i xDrive	Audi S8 Plus	Mercedes Benz AMG S63 4MATIC	Maserati Quattroporte GTS
Curb weight (lbs.)	5128	4685	4806	4189
Length(in)	206.6	202.6	208.1	207.2
Width(in)	74.9	76.7	75.0	76.7
Height(in)	58.2	57.4	59.0	58.3
Ground clearance (in)	5.3	4.6	5.3	NA
Wheelbase (in)	126.4	117.9	124.6	124.8
Track width (in) F/R	63.5/64.6	64.3/63.9	64.6/64.7	64.3/64.8

Exterior Features

The sedan includes a plethora of opulent features like –

• 20” Light Alloy wheels
• Express Open/Close Sliding And Tilting Glass 1st Row Sunroof w/Power Sunshade
• Black Side Windows Trim
• M Performance division badge
• Door Auto-Latch

Amongst its safety features the M760i includes -

• DSC III Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Lane Departure Warning
• Active Driving Assistant Forward Collision
• Rearview Camera

Audi S8 Plus vs BMW M760i xDrive

With Audi S8 Plus, the BMW M760i tussles along the lines of luxury and performance, where the S8 clearly takes the top step of the podium mainly because of one reason – price. It costs around $40,000 cheaper than the Bavarian sedan and provides utmost opulence and safety packages. Its infotainment system is not as good as the Beemer’s, nor does it provide enough cargo space. But for the price it is offered and undercuts the BMW, it is a better purchase as compared to the M760i.

Mercedes Benz AMG S63 vs BMW 760i xDrive

Tough call this one; while both cars are similar in performance, ride quality, comfort and opulent amenities, the BMW M760i is more driver-focused in amalgamation with luxury. Mercedes AMG S63 is priced around $10,000 less than the Bavarian 4-door sedan and provides better fuel economy, but can accommodate a few less luggage than the Beemer.

Would you prefer S63 – mostly grandeur focused sedan with great performance– or the M760i which balances luxury with driver-oriented focus? The call is yours.

Maserati Quattroporte GTS vs BMW M760i xDrive

The Maserati is a rare breed of car which flaunts exclusivity more than the Beemer. But let’s face it, the BMW M760i is far better a sedan than the Quattroporte. Although comes at an extra $8000 bucks, the Beemer has better value for money; it is more powerful, rides comfortably and parades far more opulence and luxury. Adding to that, it also boasts the best-in-class infotainment system. So the one you should go for is the BMW.

The 2017 BMW M760i is a car you’d flaunt not for its looks, but for what it’s got inside. An M-tuned sedan with 7-series luxury and opulence gets you feeling grand whether you are seated in the back or are the one driving it.

Its performance is unprecedented especially with the sonorous V12, rides with supreme comfort and gets you state-of-the-art safety features and amenities. Technologically speaking, the sedan boasts just mind-boggling smart characteristics.

If you’re looking for a 7-series, the M760i is definitely the choice of your poison. Despite being conservative from the outside, it’s the inside which screams “buy me!”.