BMW confirms turbo V12 on its way

If you've got $350,000 and need to get where you are going in luxury and in a hurry then BMW has the car for you. Fresh from its international reveal BMW Australia has confirmed the new 760Li will arrive on local roads by the start of next year.

The top of the new 7 Series line-up boasts both more power and comfort than the rest of the range. The wheelbase has been stretched by 140mm for more rear passenger space and a new twin-turbo V12 engine sits under the bonnet.

The 6.0-litre twelve-cylinder powerplant pumps out 400kW at 5250rpm and 750Nm from as low as 1500rpm to make sure you are never late for a meeting. Despite the car's two-tonne weight the engine is powerful enough to launch the car from 0-100km/h in 4.6-seconds.

The power is sent to the rear wheels via BMW's new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Although not strictly keeping with the company's EfficientDynamics push the 760Li does keep its combined fuel economy figure to a rather impressive 13L/100km and CO2 emissions to 303g/km.

As you'd expect from a car in this segment plenty of emphasis has been placed on rear passenger comfort. The two rear passengers can recline in individually adjustable single seats and stretch out with 208mm of kneeroom and 988mm of headroom.

The standard equipment list isn't lacking either. It includes four-zone air-conditioning automatic soft close doors, sunshades, front and rear ventilated seats, active front seats, rear comfort seats, ski bag, heated rear seats, ceramic controls and six-disc DVD changer with iPod USB adapter.

Other standard gear includes BMW Professional navigation, Park Distance Control, cruise control, high-beam assist, lane change warning, lane departure warning, speed limit info, night vision, side view and reversing camera.

BMW Australia spokesman Tim James told the Carsales Network the car would arrive locally either "very late this year, or early 2010".

James said it was too early to reveal any pricing details but with the previous generation 760Li costing north of $350,000 expect a similar pricetag for the new model.

And that will mean an exclusive club of owners. James said the company was anticipating around 10 760Li finding homes in Australian garages per year.

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