BMW adds 570-horsepower twin-turbo V8 to 7 Series lineup with M760 xDrive

Following the debut of the facelifted BMW 7 Series earlier this year, the Bavarian brand is bringing the eight-cylinder engine back to its full-size sedan with the introduction of the M760 xDrive. Slotting into the M Performance lineup, the new model effectively replaces the previous 760i while packing a noticeable bump in output.

While past generations featured a flagship V12 engine in the M760i, BMW is not reviving the twelve-cylinder powerplant for this iteration, leaving buyers seeking a dozen cylinders to look toward the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Instead, the M760 relies on an updated 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Output is estimated at around 570 horsepower, representing a healthy increase over the 536 horsepower delivered by the outgoing 760i. Power is transmitted to all four corners via BMW's standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

In line with BMW's revised naming strategy, the traditional 'i' suffix has been removed, as the letter is now reserved exclusively for fully electric models. Unlike the previous 760i, which was kept out of European showrooms, the new M760 xDrive is headed to Europe, indicating that BMW has successfully adapted the V8 to comply with stringent Euro 7 emissions regulations. The newcomer becomes the third M Performance offering in the 7 Series family, joining the plug-in hybrid M760e and the all-electric i7 M70.

BMW's decision to maintain a pure internal combustion V8 comes as rivals take differing approaches in the executive segment. The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance utilizes a complex plug-in hybrid system, while Audi is phasing out the A8 this year without an immediate replacement. Additionally, BMW plans to launch an ultra-luxury BMW Alpina sedan in 2027 with a specially tuned V8 tailored for effortless low-end torque to challenge the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.

While official pricing and torque specifications for the M760 have yet to be confirmed, the previous 760i delivered 553 pound-feet (750 Newton-meters) of torque and carried a base price of $117,395 in the United States. The return of the V8 demonstrates Munich's ongoing commitment to traditional luxury sedans alongside its extensive crossover portfolio.