The Goodwood Test: BMW M760Li xDrive

Heritage

BMW has never made an M version of its flagship 7 Series but now, as it celebrates its 40th birthday and 30 years since the introduction of the first V12 version, it's given us the next best thing. Seasoned BMW fans will recognise the difference between 'M Performance' models like the M240i and the full blown M2 equivalent. Take that theme and apply it to the 7 Series and that's what we have here. While other 7 Series use downsized petrols, low-CO2 diesels or hybrid assistance the M760Li goes the other way with a 6.6-litre, 602bhp [610hp] V12 derived from that used in the Rolls-Royce Ghost – a perk of BMW's ownership of the brand it would seem.

Design

Like a BMW but bigger, much as every 7 Series that has preceded it. If not exactly beautiful the M760Li is certainly imposing, the M Performance model getting unique 20-inch wheels and Cerium Grey trim to the brightwork (grille, window surrounds, badging and the rest) to add a mildly sinister air to the big BMW. If you want it blingy you can opt for Excellence spec, which restores the chrome and replaces the standard M sports exhaust with a more discreet sounding option. Either way, V12 badging on the rear pillars, treadplates and elsewhere helps remind people this is a king among BMWs. 

Performance

As ludicrous as the £50,000 premium over a 750Li, basically. Making regular use of Launch Control on a limo won't do your chauffeuring career much good but it will at least see your rear seat passengers to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds and en route to 189mph if you've chosen the M Driver's Package and had the limiter raised from its default 155mph. With variable air springs, adjustable anti-roll bars, four-wheel steering and four-wheel drive it can go from wafty Comfort to surprisingly chuckable Sport. Or figure it out for itself via the spooky Adaptive setting that reads the corners and gradients from the nav and sets the chassis and selects gears accordingly. 

Passion

This is, quite simply, the showcase for everything BMW can do. From its Carbon Core body to that monstrous engine and the incredible chassis technology to the incredible opulence, the M760Li has all the toys from the cupboard thrown at it. It'll do a commendable impression of a classic BMW sports saloon but can also waft in silent comfort like the best in the class, albeit for significantly less money than any V12 powered rival. By the standards of the genre, it's perhaps not the most stylish limo around but the understatement outside hides some amazing engineering beneath, whether you're driven or doing the driving yourself.

Price tag of our car: £132,310 OTR before options