In a world that’s soon to welcome an all-electric 3 Series, it’s hard to fathom that BMW offered a V12 in its 7 Series until as recently as the last World Cup. But they did alright, and some driving experience the M760Li offered up as well, with an engine fit for a Rolls-Royce and all the technology BMW had available in its considerable arsenal right up until 2022. The last time PH drove one, a three-year-old example was deemed better than a then-new Audi S8, thanks to its effortless comfort, surprising agility, and epic 6.6-litre motor.
Manhart is as much a fan, seemingly, as John was back then, as it has launched a range of upgrades for the M760Li - despite it going out of production four years ago. They reckon this MH7 700 is a ‘modern interpretation of the ultimate luxury saloon’, with power for the N74B66 engine now rated at 711hp. The torque is even more impressive, though, and that’s what’s really important for easy, enormous speed: 590lb ft has become 774lb ft. Or more than twice that of an M240i. It’s all achieved through the MHtronik powerbox and a Manhart exhaust that promises ‘an even more distinctive sound’. When it comes to having a V12, if you’ve got it then flaunt it, right?
Perhaps more than any other Manhart BMW, you’re probably going to want to keep a long-wheelbase 7 Series looking quite stealthy. For those who don’t, there are Manhart’s Concave One wheels available, plus some carbon body bits and, of course, the decal set. The air suspension can even be lowered for a punchier stance, and perhaps that’s one more modification to let through - no harm in a bit more moodiness with 711hp under the bonnet.
The totally overhauled interior may appeal to M760Li customers more than carbon mirror gaps, here with new colours, stitching and logos. Certainly more interesting than plain old black. Exactly what it’ll cost to make an M760Li like this isn’t quite clear for the moment, as there’s not a price for the exhaust, but with the €2,635 powerbox, €1,100 decals and €500 air suspension fiddle you’ll be a lot of the way there (if carbon door handles can be resisted). And how much for an M760Li donor car? About £100,000 less than would have been paid at the end of the 2010s…
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