BMW announces 571hp M760e xDrive
Out with the V12 and in with a straight-six PHEV for the latest flagship 7 Series
Lots of things could be said about BMW in 2022, though it certainly couldn’t be accused of not giving buyers a wide choice when it comes to luxury cars. If the XM is a bit much, the 8 Series Gran Coupe too old and the all-electric i7 not really your thing just yet, the new 7 Series now has a M Performance hybrid at the top of its range: the M760e xDrive.
It takes the place of the fondly remembered M760Li of the previous G11/12 generation (this new car is a G70), with its mighty twin-turbo V12 and ferocious ability to depreciate, among other things. In place of the 6,592cc 12-cylinder now sits a 3.0-litre straight six with ‘M TwinPower Turbo’ technology and 380hp alongside 383lb ft. In conjunction with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery, the M760e xDrive has a maximum system output of 571hp (with its temporary overboost), and 590lb ft. So far, so hybrid, matching the old V12 for torque and only giving away 39hp.
Where the M760e is different, says BMW, is in the hybrid technology. The motor itself delivers 197hp and up to 332lb ft, the power figure matching that of the XM (so it’s probably the same unit). The battery is 18.7kWh, or 50 per cent larger than previous plug-in 7 Series. Where it gets clever is a ‘pre-gearing stage’, technology patented by BMW, which ought to make the big 7 Series more responsive both off the line and for roll-on acceleration. Pre-gearing means the electric drive can generate torque to power the car on its own or help the engine out, albeit in a far lighter package than is usually required for those dual roles. Or at least that’s how we’ve read it.
‘The optimised power delivery achieved with the pre-gearing stage between the electric motor’s rotor and the transmission’s input shaft makes a clear difference both when accelerating off the line and putting in a quick burst of speed’, says BMW. It might all seem of limited validity to a 7 Series that’s 2.2 tonnes in diesel form, but when the M cars go hybrid the investment in lighter, sharper PHEV systems will surely prove beneficial.
As an M Performance BMW, the M760e doesn’t really want for speed. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and 50-75mph in 2.7 seconds. Which actually gives away a bit to the V12, not that anyone will notice. The other important numbers are miles ahead of the 22.4mpg and 294g/km previously recorded (and on NEDC, too!). While not official yet, the preliminary WLTP figures for the new M760 suggest 23-29g/km and 217-282mpg. Of course hybrids skew things a little bit, though that’s a pretty drastic improvement. We’re told to expect around 50 miles of battery range.
Although UK prices haven’t been confirmed for the M760e xDrive yet, although it costs €144,000 in Germany. What that might actually be in sterling is anyone’s guess at the moment, but assuming some return to normality a similar number in GBP seems likely - the old V12 was £132,310 at launch. And an awful lot less now; if you’re no fan of the new look and can stomach the running costs (including more depreciation, presumably), this one is half price after just 6,000 miles.
Oh come on, you're better than that. Exactly how much are they paying you to write this crap?
You know it will be low 30s in the real world, because people can't be bothered to charge AND tank up. And in the real world, you don't top out the battery and go on a gentle drive around on 90% electricity.
Oh come on, you're better than that. Exactly how much are they paying you to write this crap?
You know it will be low 30s in the real world, because people can't be bothered to charge AND tank up. And in the real world, you don't top out the battery and go on a gentle drive around on 90% electricity.
Edit: nope I was wrong, that’s what BMW really are staying. Mental.
As a hybrid owner, I quite like what BMW has done with the tech. It's a good stepping stone for someone who isn't quite there will full EV commitment.
That rear badge is horrific. Two different font sizes in the "760" digits alone.
The "half price 2017 example" linked in the article is from a dealer often featured on PH, and equally ridiculed in the replies for its ambitious pricing.
Not wanting to sound like every other PH'er, but I've been a big defender of BMWs in the most recent years, particularly on the G8x. But the iX, new 7 and XM are truly horrid looking cars - I get those who say they're appealing to other markets, but it seems like a massive f**k you to Europe, the home of the brand.
Plus, wtf is the point in this? I got the old M760Li as an overindulgence, but I honestly don't see the point in this over a 745e. Same EV range, and 0-60 in 4.8.. really?! it has 570hp and AWD! My old 530d xDrive could pretty much do that with 285hp lol.
Oh come on, you're better than that. Exactly how much are they paying you to write this crap?
You know it will be low 30s in the real world, because people can't be bothered to charge AND tank up. And in the real world, you don't top out the battery and go on a gentle drive around on 90% electricity.
No one spending £140k on a car like this really gives a s
t about the running costs (or the environment). It's just a virtue signalling exercise.
My FIL has the outgoing M760. I was talking to my BIL and he was saying how he might try to keep it, as it's the last of the V12 BMWs. I now very much think he should, because this really isn't nice. At all.
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