Quick response
BMW M760 Li £132,310
WE SAY THINK THAT THE S!" IS FAST? THEN YOU’LL LOVE THE NEW M#!$ L%
Thank you Mercedes! for giving us this car" It’s fair to say that if the S#$ AMG wasn’t as successful as it has been! BMW wouldn’t be bothering to weaponise the (*Series" To be fair to BMW! the (*Series did need a proper flagship! it’s just that we didn’t really expect it to wear an M badge" Note! please! that it’s M(#) Li! not M(" The difference is important! just as it is between an M&+)i and an M& , this is a (*Series first! and M car second"
But look what they’ve given it" Under the bonnet we have a #"#*litre twin*turbo V%&" A bigger motor than either the S#$ or S#- have! the same capacity and pretty much the same engine! as used by the Rolls Ghost" Only more powerful" The V%& used to be a #")*litre! but BMW wanted the extra capacity to boost low*rev torque , the result is -.)lb ft at %!--)rpm" It’s fed to all four wheels via an eight*speed auto! plus there’s active roll control! the full gamut of driver aids and four*wheel steering"
The latter makes a noticeable difference to agility" This is a -"&*metre*long car that weighs &"& tonnes! yet it feels well balanced and capable when you pick up the pace" There’s no steering feel to speak of! but it turns in eagerly /thank you! +WS0 and exits neutrally and speedily /thank you! +WD0"
Sporting? Not really! just capable" An Audi S1 is a more nimble and rewarding driver’s car! but it’s not nearly as cosseting as this" An S#$ makes more noise! but I’m not sure its body control is as good" The V%& is deliciously smooth! acceleration is delivered without effort! and there’s vast amounts of it! accompanied by a faintly detectable growl at higher revs"
If you want more discreet you can have your M(#) Li in Excellence spec" This removes the aero bodykit! M badging! sports exhaust and introduces a wood and chrome theme" Same money! same pace and ability! even less overt" Not that the M(#) Li is exactly showy" Its comfort zone is still noiseless cruising! probably with a captain of industry dozing in the back" And yes! it is only available as a long*wheelbase version" An M car! but not as we know it"