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We drive the M760Li - BMW’s most powerful series-production car

A race track is not the place to test a 2.3 ton sedan but when it's the most powerful series production BMW yet, Sean Parker wasn't going to say no to that invitation.

Port Elizabeth - I’ll begin with the numbers; 6.6-litre V12 twin-turbo engine producing 448kW and 800Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. 

Believe it or not, the automaker’s largest car is also its most powerful and quickest for now...(the new M5 is on its way). Try and get your head around the fact that this is the flagship 7 Series: measuring 5.2m and weighing just over 2.3 tons. 

V12 

I had the opportunity to drive it around the Aldo Scribante race circuit in Port Elizabeth. Sure it was awesome to feel the surge of that V12 but I quickly realised that it lacks the agility and precision of its smaller M Performance siblings.

BMW SA said it will likely offer the optional driver's package which elevates the top speed to 310km/h, however because the M760Li is only offered with full run-flat tyres the top speed is limited to 250km/h. 

The M760Li is more at home with calmer throttle inputs through bends followed by a heavy right foot down the main straight. A more thorough test will be conducted when we receive it on test later in 2017. 

The highlight

The V12 engine dominates the experience like a big piece of salami on a mini pizza. The power is transferred to all four wheels (BMW says it’s rear-biased) via an eight-speed sport automatic gearbox. 

The ‘box features M Performance-specific tuning of the gearbox’s shift programmes. When it comes to dynamics the M760Li rides on 20” bespoke wheels, is fitted with 19”sport brakes and uses the firm’s active steering to adjust inputs at high speeds. 

Click/Scroll on the right arrow to view the gallery of the M760Li xDrive:

The M760Li is adorned with V12 (along the C-pillars) and M-badging, to make lesser mortals aware of what's hauling the 'VIP' seated in its confines around. 

There's also a bespoke exhaust design, buyers have the option of an Excellence model which is more plush.  

In conclusion, it was a tad underwhelming driving the M760Li on track. It simply couldn't hide its weight; it's akin to the Guptas trying to erase their email trail, it just ain't going to happen. 

Despite its bulk I was able to experience just how powerful its engine truly is. The M760Li is the type of car that will overtake four trucks without breaking a sweat. 

More from BMW 

BMW SA confirmed that both the M4 CS and new M5 will be coming to South Africa, read more about those models here.

Follow Sean Parker on Twitter

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