GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: BMW M760Li xDrive -- UPDATED

UPDATED 3:30pm 12/12/2016: BMW Group Australia has advised the new M760Li xDrive will be available here afterall, "in small numbers, from the first half of 2017, to provide extra choice for customers".

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BMW has released a new flagship version of the near-new 7 Series limousine ahead of its world debut at the Geneva motor show on March 1.

Dubbed the M760Li xDrive, the first M Performance-tuned 7 Series is fitted with a beefy 441kW/800Nm version of BMW's 6.6-litre V12 and all-wheel drive.

That makes BMW's answer to the Mercedes-AMG S 63 and Audi S8 unlikely to ever be offered in Australia, even if the car-maker's local subsidiary believed there was demand.

"Not at this point," said BMW Group Australia's Lenore Fletcher of the new 7 Series flagship's prospects for release here.

"We have 7 Series well covered. We don't see demand for this in Australia."

For the record, the newest 7 Series' 800Nm torque output arrives at just 1500rpm and is claimed to accelerate the lengthy limo to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

Top speed is limited to 250km/h, but its electronic speed governor can be lifted to 305km/h as part of an optional M Driver's Package. Official average fuel consumption, for those interested, is aided by an idle-stop function and stands at 12.6L/100km.

Unique features include an M Performance-specific tune for the eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, which incorporates a gear-change strategy assisted by navigation data and is claimed to deliver sportier gear changes and more instantaneous downshifts throughout the rev range.

BMW says the M760Li xDrive outperforms its segment rivals for both driving dynamics and ride comfort, thanks in part to a new Executive Drive Pro suspension system with active roll stabilisation and exclusive matt Cerium Grey metallic 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with performance tyres.

The rear-biased xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, meantime, is aided as standard by an Integral Active Steering system with a more direct steering ratio and rear-wheel steering.

Braking is via a new 19-inch M Sport package comprising blue metallic callipers and M badging.

Naturally, there's all the standard driver-assist features of the latest 7 Series, including Driving Assistant Plus (steering and lane control assistant, lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, rear collision prevention and crossing traffic warning), plus Traffic Jam Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go and Speed Limit Info functions.

A new generation of BMW's Surround View system now also includes 3D View and Panorama View options.

Exterior differentiators include an exclusive galvanised Cerium Grey finish for the grille, front apron strip, foor-handles, door rub strips and bootlid handle, plus Cerium Grey mirror caps, V12 badges on the C-pillars, M logos on the sides of the car and rear xDrive lettering.

A new M sports exhaust system with flap control is punctuated by galvanised Cerium Grey twin outboard exhaust tailpipe embellishers.

Inside, M Performance extras an exclusive M leather steering wheel with M logo, Pearl Gloss Chrome multifunction buttons and shift paddles, illuminated V12 door sill logos, a M760Li-badged 330km/h speedo, M pedals and M driver's footrest.

The list continues with BMW Individual decorative inlay with Piano Finish Black and V12 badging for the centre console, and V12 badging for the optional Touch Command Panel in the rear centre armrest.

Rounding out the unique additions are Fineline black fine wood interior trim strips with high-gloss metal effect, deep-pile rear floor mats, Alcantara Anthracite headlining and Exclusive Nappa leather trim everywhere else.