They like to be called twelfth, like a hunted prey. They are still available from BMW, although not from us. Because of the emission regulations. But soon they no longer roll off the assembly line for US customers either: With one last series, the Munich company says goodbye to the twelve-cylinder.
When BMW equipped the second generation of the 7 Series with a twelve-cylinder engine almost three and a half decades ago, the S-Class was outclassed: nobody expected such a car. The bolide from Bavaria made 300 hp, the performance gave reason to limit the top speed at 250 km/h. The installation rate of the silky-smooth engine, whose character wonderfully complemented the brand’s own and character-defining in-line six-cylinder, climbed in percentage terms into the double-digit range. Up to the current sixth model generation, BMW pulled through the twelve-cylinder, which was soon used in various Rolls-Royce models. But now it’s over. In Europe, the meanwhile 305 km/h fast M760i, which was also available in a more discreet Excellence version, had not been available for order for some time. It survived in the USA: The sedan is still on the price list for currently 157,800 dollars (almost 140,000 euros). Now BMW has announced the end of production: In June 2022 “the last twelve-cylinder engine ever built will be running in a BMW series car”. off the assembly line, the Bavarians, who are actually so open to technology, postulate apodictically. The last twelve units will be marketed under the model name BMW M760i Final V12, with a considerable premium: a smooth 200,000 dollars (around 176,000 euros) will be charged for the special model. Rims, rocker strips and engine cover with the lettering “THE FINAL V12”, a special V12 label on the rear and a plaque with the anonymous inscription “1 OF 12”. In addition, the proud owners will receive a trophy suitable for their desk or mantelpiece, on which the chassis number is specified.Anyone who lives in the USA and can show “a long history as a V12 owner” should be invited by their trusted BMW dealer in the next few days be able to place his order. Everyone else who would like to drive a German twelve-cylinder sedan in the future can only turn to Stuttgart afterwards. The once declassified S-Class is still available with twelve cylinders – as the Mercedes-Maybach S 680. (aum/Jens Meiners)
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