BMW’s New 570-HP V8 7 Series Is the Closest Thing to an M7

Unveiled in April, the 2027 BMW 7 Series is more than the average mid-cycle facelift. It introduced a cleaner aesthetic and an entirely new dashboard for the brand’s most luxurious model. What wasn’t revealed until now is a V8-powered model, as only six-cylinder and electric variants were initially shown, but now it’s here. This is the 2027 BMW M760, and it marks a return of a big, eight-cylinder gas engine in the hefty sedan. Packing even more power than the previous 760i, this is the closest BMW fans will get to an M7.

More Power Than Top i7

Up until now, the most powerful version of the facelifted 7 Series has been the electric i7 60 xDrive, which produces 536 horsepower. The new M760 (now without the “i” at the end of its name) makes 570 hp from its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, a healthy increase over the older 760i’s 536-hp V8. Full specifications are not yet available, but the new M760 should be capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in around 3.5 seconds. It’s worth noting that the previous-generation M760i sported a 6.6-liter V12 with 601 hp, but the new one should be similarly quick.

The previous 760i was not badged as an M model, so the new 760M is positioned as a more overtly sporty model. BMW had not yet shared official pictures at the time of writing, but a reveal video from photographer Mike Danger shows off the sedan’s new look. The horizontal slats in its grille are slightly different to the ones on the six-cylinder 740, and it also houses an M badge in its grille. 

The flagship gas-powered 7 Series is expected to come with all the bells and whistles, and as an M-lite model, BMW may have tuned the suspension and steering for extra responsiveness. That’s unlikely to come at the expense of the 7’s supreme refinement and ride quality.

Pricing, Rivals, and Availability

Pricing is unconfirmed, but the new M760 will likely cost close to $130,000 when it goes on sale next year. That would place it in the same price range as the i7 60 xDrive, which starts at $124,700. 

While V8-powered sedans in this class were once plentiful, that’s no longer the case. Production of the current Audi S8 is expected to end imminently, although the aging sedan is still around for 2027. It boasts 563 hp and starts at $130,000. While no longer a match for the M760’s imposing design and thoroughly modern tech, the S8 has an undeniable timelessness. It also has one of the most beautifully crafted interiors in any car.

The M760’s closest Mercedes-Benz rival is the S580 4Matic sedan. While not badged as an AMG model, its 530-hp V8 enables a 3.9-second 0-60 sprint. It starts at $134,600 and is packed with luxury features. This is a more classic luxury sedan experience, whereas the M760 will likely be better-suited to owners who will do the driving themselves.

In addition to the new M760, Alpina confirmed that its first new V8 will be a 7 Series. It’s expected to arrive next year with Alpina’s typically outstanding craftsmanship and possibly more power than the M760.

Final Thoughts

As accomplished as the electric i7 is, the return of a large-capacity V8 in the 7 Series will be appreciated by most BMW brand loyalists. There’s something about the distant yet powerful burble of a V8 (or V12) that suits the personality of a sedan in this class to a tee. We’ll have to wait for BMW’s full release to find out exactly what else has changed compared to the six-cylinder 740, but the M760 may end up being the pick of the 7 Series range when we have a chance to get behind the wheel.