The V12 engine was supposed to be dead and gone for about six years now, but thanks to the magic of turbocharging, and a healthy disregard for the “green” opinions, the thing is still going strong. Meet the 2017 BMW M760Li xDrive, the range-topping version of the new 7er with a 612 horsepower 6.6-litre V12 engine!

The latest iteration of BMW’s V12 powerhouse, which is also found in all Rolls-Royce models, pumps out 448 kW/610 hp at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) at 1,550 rpm in the BMW M760Li xDrive. That oomph translates on the road into a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – 305 km/h (189 mph) with the M Driver’s Package. Despite this ferocious turns of speed the engine remains relatively light on fuel, averaging about 13 liters per 100 km or 22 mpg imp.

Boasting an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as well as xDrive all-wheel-drive, BMW M760Li xDrive offers not just plenty of speed, but exquisite sure-footedness and excellent comfort. The car comes with M brakes and suspension as well as exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in matt Cerium Grey metallic. And then there is the host ot techie features such as Integral Active Steering system, Driving Assistant Plus system which includes the Steering and lane control assistant, Lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, Rear collision prevention and Crossing traffic warning functions.

Obviously, such a top-end model comes with a magnificent interior the highlights of which include electrically adjustable front comfort seats with memory function and the Fineline black fine wood interior trim strips with high-gloss metal, high-quality deep-pile floor mats in the rear compartment and an Alcantara Anthracite headliner, and Nappa leather trim for the seat surfaces, seat side sections, head restraints, door cards, centre armrests and side armrests.