2020 BMW M760i

The 7 series is obviously contested by the Mercedes S-class and that is really the car it has to beat to be the best in the segment. It’s joined by two other German biggies – Audi A8L and Porsche Panamera GTS – who also happen to understand the concept of luxury quite well.

Trim	740i	750i	M760i
MSRP	$83,650	$96,950	$156,700
Key Features	5 Spoke light alloy wheels	750i includes all standard features of 740i in addition with:	M760i includes all standard features of 750i in addition with:
	Adaptive LED Headlights	4.4L, Turbocharged, V8 engine	6.0L, Turbocharged, V12 engine
	Automatic high beams	Double Spoke light alloy wheels	Aerodynamic kit
	Power-folding, heated side mirrors	Icon Adaptive LED Headlights	Cerium grey accent finishes
	Chrome accent finishes	20-way power Multi-contour front seats	M rear spoiler
	14-way power front seats	Nappa Leather upholstery	Rear Comfort seats
	Dakota Leather upholstery		Massaging front seats
	High-gloss Fineline Wood interior trim		Instrument panel with Nappa Leather finish
	Black panel center console with brushed aluminum, touch-sensitive controls		Door sill finishers with illuminated V-12 logo
	Power trunk-lid opening and closing
	Soft-close automatic door operation
	Power rear-window sunshade
	Automatic 4-zone climate control
	Micro-filter ventilation system with replaceable active-charcoal filters
	Panoramic moonroof
	Rain-sensing windshield wipers
	Park Distance Control, front and rear
	Ground-illuminating lights in exterior door handles
	LED Light Carpet
	Interior courtesy lights with automatic-dimming function
	Extended Ambient Lighting
	3-stage heated front seats

The 7 series comes in three trims – M760i, 750i and the M760i. The M760i is powered by a 3.0L, turbocharged Inline-6 cylinder engine whereas the 750i is powered by a 4.4L, turbocharged V8 engine. The top of the line M760i comes powered by 6.0L, turbocharged, V12 engine. Unfortunately, we do not get the long wheelbase variant in any of the trims but there is a plug in hybrid variant that comes with a 2.0L, inline-4 engine coupled with an electric motor. You can also choose between rear wheel drive and all all-wheel drive variants. The M760i comes in AWD variant only.

“At low rpms, the engine emits a nice but menacing burble; press hard on the right pedal, and the twin-turbocharged V-12 roars out a unique and well-tuned exhaust note.” – Motor Trend

Engine and Transmission

Models	BMW M760i Sedan	Mercedes-Benz S63 Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
MSRP	$156,700	$149,550	$136,600	$ 161,900
Engine	6.6L, Twin Turbocharged, V12 engine	4.0L, Twin Turbo, V8 engine	3.8L, Twin Turbocharged, V8 engine	4.0L, Twin Turbocharged, V8 engine
Transmission	8-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	601 hp	603 hp	530 hp	550 hp
Torque	590 lb-ft	664 lb-ft	524 lb-ft	567 lb-ft

The BMW M760i comes powered by a massive 6.6L, twin turbocharged V12 engine producing 601 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. All that 590 lb-ft of peak torque is available right from 1500 rpm which means the car just flies when you floor the throttle. The engine feels effortless delivering all that performance and it is always up on its toes, waiting for that input on the pedal. The responses are immediate while still being smooth and refined. It’s not an M-division engine but only tuned by the M-division but it’s still plenty great. What’s best is the growling sound at the exhaust you wouldn’t find in most other performance limousines.

The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and it’s very smooth and efficient. In the auto mode, it will change gears seamlessly without you ever noticing it. The shifts are instantaneous and in the manual mode, you can rev up to 6,500 rpm before you shift the cogs. You have paddles mounted on the steering wheel as well.

All cars in the competition are powered by a twin turbocharged V8 engine producing round about the same power and are mated to 8-speed gearboxes except for the Mercedes which comes mated to a 9-speed gearbox. While the Mercedes AMG S63 has the best numbers on paper, the Porsche and the Maserati seem quite underpowered. The Beemer seems to be sitting at the sweet spot.

Acceleration

Models	BMW M760i	Mercedes-Benz S63 Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
0-60 MPH	3.6 sec	3.5 sec	4.7 sec	3.4 sec
Quarter mile	11.7 sec	12.0 sec	12.7 sec	11.3 sec
Engine	6.6L, Twin Turbocharged, V12 engine	4.0L, Twin Turbo, V8 engine	3.8L, Twin Turbocharged, V8 engine	4.0L, Twin Turbocharged, V8 Engine
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	11.0	8.8	10.3	8.4

The BMW M760i sprints from naught to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. That’s not the fastest in the competition but the Mercedes and the Porsche edge ahead by just a tenth and two-tenths of a seconds respectively. The M760i comes with a fantastic launch control system and 3.6 seconds for a luxury limousine is really plenty fast. The fastest in this competition is the Porsche Panamera Turbo at just 3.4 seconds in spite of being less powerful than both the Merc and the BMW. That’s Porsche being Porsche, credit to an even better launch control system. The Quattroporte GTS is the slowest and by quite a margin but it’s also considerably less powerful.

Ride and Handling

The M760i comes with air suspension as standard and like you would expect, the ride is silky smooth. It irons out every bump and pothole on the road like a road roller. However, the really sharp bumps and imperfection does manage to filter through a little. That’s a consequence of large wheels and low profile tires more than a problem of the suspension. The ride quality is still very smooth, refined and comfortable. It’s not S-class comfortable but still pretty competent.

The M760i comes with five driving modes – Comfort, Comfort+, Eco and Sport. In the Comfort+ mode, the ride quality is sublime, absolutely pristine and silent. Dial up the notches to the Sports mode and suddenly the exhaust comes to life, the suspension gets stiffer and throttle response and gearshifts become more aggressive. In the Sport mode, the ride is considerably firm and it can take on corners pretty well. This is really a barge but you can carry more speeds into a corner than you can think of with this car and it will remain planted and come out sailing on the other side. If you have equipped your car with the optional all-wheel drive, then the traction from the AWD system is really amazing and confidence inspiring.

However, it’s not quite as sporty as you would expect a BMW to be. It’s largely let down by its steering which is light even at higher speeds and does not allow for much feedback. BMW’s are particularly known for their steering but it’s a letdown in the M760i. Seems like this is really meant to be a luxury cruiser as the steering does not inspire much confidence. However, the steering is light and easy at lower speeds and it really helps in effortless driving in the city. 

Braking

Model	BMW M760i	Mercedes-Benz S63 Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
Brake Front (in.)	14.7	15.4	15.0	16.1
Brake Rear (in.)	14.5	14.2	13.6	15.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5128	4564	4189	4630
60-0 MPH (ft.)	109 ft	156 ft (70-0)	118	153 ft (70-0)

The BMW M760i comes with 14.7 inch brakes at the front and 14.5 inch brakes at the rear. They are not the biggest brakes in the competition but they get the job done pretty well. In fact, they bring this massive car to a stop from 60 mph in just 109 ft which is really impressive for such a car. The M760i is a heavy car and 109 ft is really in sports car territory and really impressive. The pedal feel is strong and consistent and it maintains its composure well under hard braking as well.

 

Model	BMW M760i	Mercedes-Benz S63 Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
MPG (city)	13	17	15	18
MPG (highway)	20	26	22	25
MPG (combined)	16	20	17	21

The BMW M760i returns 16 miles to the gallon combined which is an impressive number for such a heavy and luxury car with a V12 engine. The competition fares much better with their V8 engines though. While you wouldn’t care much about fuel economy if you are buying a 7 series but its good for you to know that your car is not so much of a gas guzzler.

“The front seats in the 7-Series are dreamy: leather, power adjustable, heated, all-day comfortable. Throw more money at them, and they get better: massagers, coolers, more adjustability, softer leather. We’ve logged hundreds of miles behind the wheel of the 7-Series and haven’t recorded a sore back.” – Motor Trend

Design

The interiors in the M760i is really a class apart. It has one of the best layout and ergonomics of all the luxury sedans. A large 10.1 inch floating infotainment screen takes center stage on the dashboard. The AC vents sit below it and the wood trim nicely carves its way around the AC vents which is a very nice detail. Below the AC vents are two bands of switches for the climate controls and music system and unlike every other manufacturer, BMW obliged to give physical switches for these controls and not screens which are very cumbersome to use.

Still, to satisfy the tech obsessed people, the screens for the climate controls and music controls are haptic touch screens but they feel like regular buttons to use. The center console flows down to make for some cup holders neatly hidden away under a wooden trim and then comes the center console controls with the gear selector and the i-drive rotary wheel. All materials used within the cabin are either metal, leather or wood and built quality is sensational with every surface feeling luxurious to touch and feel. The aesthetics are not as pleasing as the S-Class but it’s the best combination of practicality, form, technology and luxuriousness. Characterized by sharp lines all around, the M760i boasts of quite a bold interior.

The instrument cluster is all digital but there are physical outlines on the screen for the tachometer and the speedometer which is again a nice little detail. All the screens in the car are themselves high definition with very clear graphics and are very convenient to use as well. In fact, several controls like the gesture control, touch controls and the rotary knob make it very easy to interact with the car.

Seating and Comfort

Model	BMW M760i	Mercedes-Benz S63	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
Passenger capacity	4	4	4	4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.9/59.2/41.4	42.1/59.7/41.4	N/A	N/A
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.9/57.7/44.4	39.2/59.1/43	N/A	N/A

The BMW M760i has the best space of all the sedans in the competition. It has the longest wheelbase and it largely benefits because of that allowing it have maximum space for the rear seats. The seats themselves are very comfortable. They are heated and cooled and come with several massage functions. The headrests are cushioned and seats are wrapped in Nappa Leather with quilted stitched. They are very well sculpted to hold you well, in utmost comfort.

The rear seats can be had in either a bench option or you could have individual seats as well. When had in the bench seat configuration, you can seat three people comfortably. You also get rear entertainment screen from where you can control almost every function in the car as well. The arm rest folds down to reveal the seat controls and even a pop out tablet from where you can do your massage, set up the ambient light or anything you could fancy really.

When you have opted for the individual seats, you get a fixed center console with the pop out tablet, heated/cooled cup holders, executive seats which can be configured in several ways, rear foldable tray tables and even a refrigerator to keep your champagne chilled. There’s also a panoramic sunroof that adds further to the premium-ness of the cabin. Stretch out your seats, pull out your champagne bottles, pour out your drink and enjoy a sky full of stars under your panoramic roof as the world passes by.

Infotainment System

BMWs i-drive system is certainly the best infotainment system in the entire car industry. With multiple ways of interacting with the system, it’s very convenient on the go and the system itself is very intuitive and responsive. The 7 series is BMWs flagship and they have loaded it with every technology they could think of. The screens have crystal clear graphics and the interface itself is very smart.

The 10.3 inch screen can be used as a touch screen or you can use the rotary knob on the center console. The coolest party trick is the gesture control by which you can change volume or configure it do some specific function. The digital instrument cluster is quite configurable too and is operated by buttons on the steering wheel.

Cargo

Model	BMW M760i	Mercedes-Benz S63 Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	18.2	18	18.7	17.4

The BMW M760i has 18.2 cu.ft of cargo space which is the second best in the competition. You could pack all you could ever need for a weekend trip for your entire family and still be left with some space to spare probably.

“The 2020 BMW M760i is handsome and perhaps among the last of the automaker’s cars not to receive hand-me-down styling from its SUVs.” – The Car Connection

Design

The BMW 7 series is certainly one of the better looking luxury sedans out there, better than the ones from Mercedes and Audi. There’s a distinctive sporty character in the looks and it still manages to have a sense of poise and sophistication you would expect from a luxury sedan.

The face is dominated by the large kidney shaped grille which has grown broader over the years. The grille is flanked by the wrap around headlights right from the edge of the grille and it really gives the 7 series quite an aggressive look. The headlamps have laser technology and the corona rings have better detailing than in the 740i. The bumpers are quite aggressive with big air intakes on either side garnished by some cerium grey trim around them which look really sporty and add a lot of character. The bumpers in the M760i look the best in the entire 7 series range.

The side profile is very neat, garnished with a band of grey accent running along the length of the car along the sills from the front fenders. The window line is typically BMW and when had with nice rims, the long, sleek profile of the Beemer really looks elegant. There are exclusive M badges on the front fenders and V12 badges on the C-pillars to distinguish the M760i from the rest of the range. The M760i also gets bespoke 21 inch wheels and the chrome around the windows have been blacked out for a sportier look.

At the rear, there’s another grey accent band on the boot joining the two LED tail lamps. The tail lamps are themselves much sleeker than before and the look is finished off with well-designed quad exhaust pipe housings accentuated with some more cerium grey trim around them. The M760i also gets a mild deck lid spoiler. The entire design is neat but aggressive and with an undertone of classy-ness.

Exterior Dimensions

Model	BMW M760i	Mercedes-Benz S63 Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
Curb weight (lbs.)	5128	4630	4189	4630
Length(in)	206.6	208.2	207.2	204.7
Width(in)	74.9	75.4	76.7	76.3
Height(in)	58.2	59	58.3	56.4
Ground clearance (in)	5.8	5.0	N/A	6.4
Wheelbase (in)	126.4	124.6	124.8	122.0
Track width (in) F/R	63.5/64.6	63/63.2	64.3/64.8	65.2/64.5

The BMW M760i is not the largest sedan but sits somewhat in the middle of all its competitors. It is the third longest after the Mercedes and the Maserati. It’s also the least wide of all the vehicles. It is taller than the Porsche which has the least height but has the maximum wheelbase. The M760i is very proportionate and looks like a proper stately sedan. In fact, all the cars here look very stately indeed.

Exterior Features

• Double Spoke light alloy wheels Icon Adaptive LED Headlights
• Automatic high beams
• Power-folding, heated side mirrors
• Aerodynamic kit
• Cerium grey accent finishes (front air intakes, rocker panel strips, rear trunk strip, twin tailpipes)
• M rear spoiler
• Non-metallic or Metallic paint

This is the absolute pinnacle of luxury on wheels from BMW and with the kind of people who would be buying this car, safety is utmost important. This is a car with an array of sensors gauging everything on the road and knows what’s up ahead even better than you. The steering, the brakes, the suspension – every aspect of the car can jump in to protect you if need arises. It even knows when you are dozing off behind the wheel and would urge you to take a break. Your life couldn’t be better protected on any other set of wheels.

Safety Features

• Adaptive Brakelights
• BMW's Active Protection System detects imminent accidents, then prepares by automatically pretensioning safety belts, closing windows and moonroof, and activating post-crash braking; includes Fatigue and Focus Alert.
• Front and rear Head Protection System
• Active Front Headrests
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system
• 3-point safety belts with force limiters and head restraints at all seating positions
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
• Acoustic safety-belt warning
• Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners
• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Automatic-locking retractors
• Impact sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery; automatically unlocks doors; and turns on hazard and interior lights
• Daytime Pedestrian Protection
• Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
• Speed Limit Info
• Lane Departure Warning
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Rear CrossTraffic Alert
• Programmable LED Daytime Running Lights

BMW M760i vs Mercedes-AMG S63

The Mercedes S-class is really the benchmark in the luxury sedan segment and for the 7 series to really succeed, it has to beat the S-Class. On the performance front, both cars are very similar indeed. The Mercedes is more powerful but the 7 series is lighter, therefore neutralizing each other’s performance. The BMW is a still a little better to drive but the S-class has the best ride quality in the entire segment.

However, when it comes to luxury, the S-Class still remains unbeatable. The aesthetics of the S-Class and the entire ambience in the cabin is simply unmatched. The 7 series is luxurious enough and with the right ergonomics and bold look inside and out, it makes for a very good package but there’s something about the S-class which exudes luxury like no other. On the upside, the 7 series is better with its technology and gadgets. The Mercedes is a little more expensive than the 7 series and because the 7 series makes for a better package and is also better value for money, it would be our pick of the two.

BMW M760i vs Maserati Quattroporte GTS

The Maserati is quite underpowered in comparison to the M760i and it is also the slowest of all these executive sedans. Very frankly, the Quattroporte GTS does not come close the M760i in almost every regard. It’s not as luxurious, it does not perform quite as greatly as the M760i and it does even have all those cool technology. In fact, the GTS has become quite dated by now.

What the Quattroporte GTS has better than the M760i is its personality. The Quattroporte GTS looks stunning and there’s a certain heritage with owning a Maserati brand. It’s quite old school and while it wouldn’t be any ones obvious choice, it could very well be a pretty cool style statement. It’s also much cheaper than the M760i and while it’s still not great value for money, it is still pretty cool for what it is. The M760i is but a better buy.

BMW M760i vs Porsche Panamera

The Panamera and the BMW M760i are very different cars. While one takes luxury very seriously, the other is quite performance focused. The Porsche Panamera is the fastest sedan here and being a Porsche, it naturally inherits all that dynamics and handling you would expect from a Porsche. On the down side, it rides quite firm and the feeling is nowhere close to the luxurious ride of the M760i. It’s not harsh per se, but it’s significantly stiff for a luxury sedan.

The Porsche Panamera has become better looking over the years and in its present guise, it perhaps looks the most attractive. The interiors are very finely designed and it comes with a lot of technology and screens too. However, it does not feel near as luxurious as a M760i and it does not even intend to. The Panamera is about going fast with four people in an executive sedan with all creature comforts but not luxury overdone. Priced a little more than the Beemer, a choice between these two is pretty easy. If luxury is all you care about, get the M760i. If you like going fast and if you really want to enjoy driving your executive sedan, buy the Panamera.

The BMW M760i is a very competent luxury sedan in the face of the S-Class. It looks sporty and classy, the interiors are fantastic with right ergonomics, all possible creature comforts and the right amount of technology. The engine is great and it drives fine if not as great as other BMWs, still a better driver’s car than the Mercedes.

On the down side, the ride quality is still not S-Class level and the Mercedes S-Class just has that ambience of luxury which is really unmatched by other manufacturers. That said, the M760i is a more complete package combining the right amount performance, luxury and cool quotient and makes for a great alternative, perhaps even better than the Mercedes S-Class.