BMW will build its last V-12 engines for a series production road vehicle in June and will mark the passing of the 35-year-old powerplant by installing them in a limited series of just 12 models for the U.S. market.
Priced at $200,000 excluding $995 in destination charges, customers with a long history of V-12 7-Series ownership will be invited to buy one of “The Final V-12” models. Deliveries are expected in July.
The limited-edition sedans, based on the M760i xDrive, will feature distinctive badging, wheels and a choice of exterior colors and upholstery offered by BMW Individual.
BMW’s roadgoing V-12, introduced in 1987 in the original BMW 750iL, was a 295-hp naturally aspirated 5.0L with single overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder and an innovative drive-by-wire electronic throttle.
Today’s V-12 displaces 6.6L and features BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology. Two mono-scroll turbochargers combine with infinitely variable valve control (Double VANOS and Valvetronic) and direct injection to produce 601 hp between 5,500-6,500 rpm.
This engine together with an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission takes The Final V-12 from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.6 seconds.
The Final V-12 will be set apart from other 7-Series models by a simple, V-12 badge that replaces the M760i badge on the decklid (pictured, left).
Special 20-in. double-spoke light alloy wheels can be painted in the customer’s choice of either Window Grey or Jet Black, then burnished to reveal a dark silver surface highlight. M Sport brakes offer a choice of blue or black calipers.
Threshold plates at each door sill, and a plate on the cover atop the engine, are inscribed with “The Final V-12.” BMW Individual Piano Black Finish trim surrounds the interior and features a console-mounted plaque commemorating the vehicle as “1 of 12.”
The Final V-12 will be offered only in a fully equipped configuration, including BMW’s Driving Assistance Professional Package, Luxury Rear Seating Package, Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with Laserlight, and Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound Audio System.
Customers may select from more than 80 exterior colors and several tones of opulent Full Merino leather from BMW Individual.
Soon after taking delivery, the customer will receive a custom-built desk trophy to commemorate their specific vehicle, recognizing the special-order paint, leather and vehicle identification number as one of The Final V-12 vehicles.
