BMW will continue building V12 engines, at least until 2023

In recent years, the trend among major car manufacturers has been to reduce the size of their engines, especially those with large displacements. The so-called downsizing involved equipping models with smaller, more compact engines supercharged by a turbo. If this information were extrapolated to the new BMW 7 Series, you might think the German brand had lost its mind, but contrary to what it may seem, BMW will continue building V12 engines.

The Bavarian brand will keep the V12 engine available to its customers for at least another four years. As Michael Bayer, head of powertrain for the current BMW 7 Series, assured in an interview.

BMW will continue building V12 engines

“We will keep the V12 engine of the BMW at least until this generation of the 7 Series ends in 2023,” it was stated during the launch of the new BMW 7 Series.

The same source also confirmed that it could be the last roar of the BMW V12 engine, and there is a possibility that the German manufacturer will get to work on the legendary 6-liter twin-turbo powerplant to adapt it to future emissions regulations, although it would be something “extremely difficult.”

An engine in demand from customers

Although at first BMW intended to move this engine away from its lineup, the truth is that it is a powerplant much in demand by customers. BMW customers in China continue to order the BMW M760Li. Large-displacement engines like this one carry tax penalties in China, but even so, customers keep ordering the model equipped with the 6-liter powerplant.

In China, the German brand’s customers do not want a lesser version of the 7 Series and are betting everything on the BMW M760Li. Christian Metzger, product manager of the BMW 7 Series, has commented that “since we revealed this model, this engine has been the one with the greatest demand. So much so that we have almost reached maximum production capacity.”

BMW M760Li

The BMW M760Li is equipped with a six-liter twin-turbo engine capable of delivering 609 CV, although with the new particulate filters required by emissions regulations, it now produces slightly over 580 CV. This BMW beast is capable of going from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 3.9 seconds. Furthermore, it reaches a top speed of 250 kilometres per hour.

It is important to note that it is available in two versions: Sport and Excellence, an exclusive version aimed at China and North America.

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