BMW is killing off its V12

In spite of it ringing like any other so-called special edition variant of a big executive saloon, the Final V12 is very special, not only because it’s the final V12 but because it’ll be rare. Just 12 will be made, only for the US market.

Final V12s will be marked out by unique badging and wheels. If you’re lucky enough to get a slot, be prepared to pony up a fairly significant payout for the privilege. Prices start from $200,000 (£147,000), and there aren’t even any pictures of it yet.

Performance is as you’d expect, fairly spectacular. The 6.6-litre twin-turbo engine produces 610PS (448kW) and drives all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive system and eight-speed automatic transmission. The result is that this two-tonne-plus luxury limo will hit 62mph in under four seconds, all with a 12-cylinder hum and a whoosh of muscular turbochargers. Take the 155mph limiter with a pinch of salt…

It’s the final chapter in one of the most evocative BMW powerplant stories. BMW V12s have powered everything from Rolls-Royces (which we expect will keep the engine for a while longer) to all-time-great hypercars, in the McLaren F1. From Le Mans to Park Lane, BMW-engineered V12s have taken the business of moving important people to important causes in their silky (sometimes screaming) stride. From the first in 1987 in the BMW 750iL to the last in 2022 in the 760i Final V12, a 35-year legacy of power and performance.