Geneva show: Enter the BMW M760Li xDrive

BMW has fitted a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 petrol engine to its long-wheelbase 7 Series limousine, distributing 441kW of power and 800Nm of torque to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission to create the punchily titled M760Li xDrive.

Such biblical outputs are likely to result in a religious experience for occupants once the accelerator is mashed into the deep-pile carpets and their bodies are mashed into the Nappa leather upholstery, for 0-100km/h comes up in a claimed 3.9 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG S65 is four tenths slower than the Bavarian ’bahn-blaster, its 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 churning out a colossal 463kW and 1000Nm but hampered by the traction limits of rear-drive.

But BMW bragging rights are not assured, for Audi does more with less, its 430kW/750Nm V8-powered S8 Plus using its quattro traction to shave a tenth of a second off the BMW’s triple-digit sprint. The ageing Audi can’t outrun time, though.

Hinting at the M760Li’s true potential, its unique speedometer is calibrated to a supercar-like 330km/h, but maximum velocity is electronically reined in to a mere 250km/h unless the M Driver’s Package option is ticked – liberating a comfortable 305km/h cruise.

Through the use of what BMW calls Executive Drive Pro suspension, which features active roll stabilisation to minimise body movements, the part-carbon-fibre M760Li is claimed to offer class-leading dynamics without sacrificing ride comfort.

Its all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased and intelligently distributes power where it is needed most, which BMW says provides “the dynamic excellence you’d expect of an M Performance model and a supreme level of performance in all conditions”.

Planet-loving plutocrats will appreciate that the M760Li has idle-stop to extinguish all 12 cylinders while stationary, helping achieve the world’s least cared about combined fuel consumption figure of 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

Which translates to 294 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Connecting the M760Li with Mother Earth are 20-inch double-spoke alloy wheels courtesy of M Division and finished in metallic Cerium grey, which also features on the radiator grille, door mirrors, side vents, window trims, boot-lid handle, bumper decorations and quad tailpipes.

Also marking the model out as something special are the aerodynamic bodykit, a smattering of M and V12 badges and an M Division active sports exhaust that “generates an emotionally rich V12 soundtrack”.

The performance theme continues inside, with an M-branded leather steering wheel with Pearl Gloss Chrome buttons and paddle-shifters, illuminated sill plates with V12 branding, another V12 logo on the piano black centre console trim and, if the right option is ticked, the rear centre console too. Finishing off the look are M pedals and driver’s footrest.

BMW’s lavish 7 Series technology fest has been well-documented and the M760Li is no exception, featuring BMW’s latest iDrive system combining rotary controller, touchscreen and gesture control plus wireless smartphone charging for compatible devices.

Wall-to-wall Nappa leather, an Alcantara ceiling, wood trim with high-gloss metal effects around the cabin and deep-pile carpets are designed to provide the M760Li’s hi-tech cabin with a feeling of traditional luxury befitting the flagship variant of a flagship model.

Customers wanting a stealthier Q-car look can opt for the no-cost V12 Excellence pack, which deletes the M Division bodykit and badging, replaces the Cerium grey trim with chrome, and switches to high-gloss polished W-spoke alloys in front of gloss black brake callipers.

The interior switches from piano black to wood inlays and features a more sedate-looking speedometer calibrated to 260km/h. The exhaust note is also more muted.

Australian pricing and arrival date are yet to be confirmed for this money-no-object vehicle, but a reference point can be taken from the Mercedes-AMG S65 LWB, which starts from a heady $489,610 plus on-road costs.

The M760Li will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month, where BMW will also unveil a Protonic Red special edition of the i8 hybrid sportscar and an M2 coupe showcasing products from BMW’s M Performance Parts catalogue.

Also on show will be the brand’s new iPerformance branding, which will be applied to BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles from July starting with the 740e to highlight the technology transfer from the division responsible for the electrified i8 and i3 models.

Finally, BMW will demonstrate its ConnectedDrive feature On-Street Parking Information, which among other things is designed to help drivers locate vacant parking spaces.