German Car Zone

Fresh off our experience with BMW's X6 M and discussions of future products with the M Division chief Dr Kay Segler, more news about the future of the M brand has emerged. Once again it's Segler spreading the news, but this time it's not so good: there is no M7 in the works. Instead, the twin-turbo V12 760i will take the top billing for the 7-series powertrains, and when outfitted with the M-Sport package, will comprise the highest-performance 7 available.

While it's always a sad thing to hear a high-performance variant has met the budgetary axe, it's not so sad in this case, as Segler pointed out to Automotive News. "We've looked at that and decided not to do it. The 760 with AWD is a very strong offer. The M sales would be too small for our total investment," Segler said of the M7. With a 6.0L, 536hp twin-turbo V12 under the hood, Segler has a point. Piped through BMW's AWD system, that power is capable of careening the big sedan to 62mph in under 4.6 seconds while delivering a European cycle rating of 18mpg US.

Those figures match or beat the 555hp X6 M's specifications, so in effect, the regular BMW has simply grown so capable as to usurp the need for an M-variant. There are also those that would argue the X6 M is no true M-car at all. And while handling and transitional performance may not be quite up to M-snuff, the car's active damping control and roll stabilization programs do give a competent balance between the ride the average limousine sedan buyer is looking for at the on-road poise necessary for a car to be called an Ultimate Driving Machine. Of course, we'll have to wait until we get the chance to test the 760i ourselves to deliver a final verdict on the wisdom of skipping the M7.


- BMW M Division boss: No M7 in the works - [BMW 7-series M-Sport Package] - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots

That is so sad!

Having a performance sedan like V12 F-01 along with her sister B7, there is no need of a M7, imo!

There is always a Need! Same thing with Brabus vs. AMG. Then again I'm not a BMW fan so this doesn't affect me in the least bit. I got my S65AMG. On the other hand I feel sorry for those fans who have a X6M truck, but no proper M flagship sedan except for a M5.

Hummm, $200,000 for a S-65? I'm happy with 760's time of 4.5sec to 60mph... for far less money!

^ Another fine example of German perfection right there.

Aww..shux...no M7. S65 AMG will still stand alone at the top then.


M

OK I have a proposal for BMW: why don't they offer a sport version of the RR Ghost to match the "speed" line of Bentley's and forget the M7 for good ? with V12 tweaked to north of 600 HP would do wonders .. and could hit 2 birds with one stone. Rivaling MB S65 and Bentley FS Speed. I think that is more reasonable than M7 since an M badged 7 series is expected to deliver both on straights and bends .. but an RR ? It would be nice but of course not required ..

Interesting idea, but a outright sporting/sporty Rolls-Royce just wouldn't be dignified IMO.


M

Bentley did it .. I don't see it a problem. Of course ricy front air dams or rear spoilers are out of the question but maybe bigger rims and some sporty touches here and there would do .. remember its not the phantom , the Ghost, smaller , younger, sportier ..