The nominations for the 2017, World Car, Green Car, urban Cr and Luxury car of the year has been announced.

The journey on The Road to World Car began today at the Paris International Motor Show (Le Mondial de l'automobile) with the celebration of the reigning 2016 World Luxury Car winner - the BMW 7 Series - during a champagne media reception held within the BMW Group's exhibit.

Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc), Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing BMW, Sales Channels BMW Group said, "We are delighted and honoured that the BMW 7 Series carries the prestigious title of World Luxury Car 2016. 

The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series sets new benchmarks in the luxury segment: Customers are especially appreciative of the way the 7 Series combines superb modern luxury with outstanding driving dynamics and many ground-breaking innovations. The success story continues: For the very first time, we are now expanding our offering for the 7 Series lineup under the label of the BMW M and BMW i brands."

The Road to World Car follows our 73 international automotive jurors as they test-drive and tell the stories of the 2017 nominated cars in five categories prior to voting by secret ballot in January 2017. The official list of nominees for the World Car of the Year, World Luxury / Performance Car, World Green Car, World Car Design of the Year and the inaugural World Urban Car can be found on our web site: wcoty.com. The Road to World Car makes a stop in Los Angeles for test-drives in November, then at the Geneva International Motor Show in March when the top three finalists in each category are declared prior to the winners' announcement at a high-profile awards ceremony at the New York International Auto Show on April 13, 2017. The list of all nominated cars follows.

2017 marks the 11th year of World Car's partnership with the New York show, and the fourth consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained their ranking as the No.1 automotive awards program in the world in terms of media reach. "The New York International Auto Show is proud of the tradition it has built with the World Car Awards to recognize the 'best of the best' in the auto industry, said Mark Schienberg, president of the New York International Auto Show. "Over the past 11 years this awards program has grown to become one of the most coveted honors for the world's automakers."

World Car has a dual mission of celebrating the best of today and inspiring the best ideas for tomorrow. Our role is not just to reward current achievement but to also provide insights into the future.

The World Car community brings together a large cross section of experts and professionals from every segment of the automotive industry who serve as an important resource focused on excellence and innovation on a global scale.

The Road Ahead initiative was created in 2014 with our long-standing partner Prime Research.

The Road Ahead identifies emerging global trends throughout the year, via newsletters, trend studies and related initiatives that recognize innovation. The annual Global Trends Report, co-presented by Prime Research and Autoneum annually at the New York International Auto Show is the culmination of research and insights across six months.

During the reception, Peter Lyon, chairman of the WCA Steering Committee, welcomed back the Swiss-based firm Autoneum as a presenting partner of the 2017 World Car Awards for the third consecutive year. "Autoneum's commitment to innovation and excellence on a global scale makes them a good fit for the World Car Awards and our Road Ahead platform," he explained.

Martin Hirzel, CEO of Autoneum, further explained: "For Autoneum as the market leader for acoustic and thermal management with 50 locations around the world, the global World Car Awards are the ideal sponsorship partner. Together we aspire to promote innovation in the automotive industry and thus shape the future of mobility."

As the global nature of the industry continues to strengthen, and the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, World Car is proud to be a part of this amazing journey along with the New York International Auto Show, Prime Research, Autoneum, Bridgestone Corporation, Newspress (media partner) and KPMG (vote tabulation).

THE ROAD TO WORLD CAR:

BEGINS IN PARIS SEPT. 29, 2016. ENDS IN NEW YORK APRIL 13, 2017.

BACKGROUND

World Car Awards

Now entering their 13th year, the annual World Car Awards are the number one awards program in the world for the fourth consecutive year based on Prime Research's 2016 media report. The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.

The awards are administered by a not-for-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. Peter Lyon (chair - Japan), Jens Meiners (vice-chair - Germany), Mike Rutherford (vice-chair - UK), Tamara Warren (director - USA), Siddarth Patankar (director - India) and Gerry Malloy (director - Canada and president, WCOTY Association).

New York International Auto Show

Owned and operated by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the New York Auto Show is an awesome combination of new ideas, technological innovation, exceptional concept cars and nearly 1,000 of the latest new cars and trucks. Over one million visitors are expected to visit the show this year to see what is truly possible from the automotive industry.

Important 2017 Auto Show Dates

Automotive Forum: April 11

Press Preview, April 12 & 13 (credentials required)

Public Sneak Preview, Friday, April 14

Public Show Dates, Friday, April 14 - Sunday, April 23

PRIME Research

PRIME Research, a global leader in strategic communication research and consultancy is once again the World Car Awards' research partner. On an annual basis, PRIME Research and the World Car Awards are co-presenting a Global Trends Report at the New York International Auto Show each spring. PRIME Research is a well-trusted research partner for the automotive industry with a broad range of automotive clients. Its full picture approach, which provides strategic benchmark information and SWOT analyses on over 150 brands and over 10,000 different automobile models, sets the standard in automotive media research.

Autoneum

Autoneum, with its headquarters in Winterthur, Switzerland, is the globally leading producer of vehicle acoustics and thermal management systems. The company develops and manufactures components, modules and complete systems for interior and engine bay as well as heatshields and underbody shields. Customers include leading automobile producers in the key markets of Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Autoneum is represented at around 50 locations in over 20 countries and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, of whom about 5% are in Switzerland. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol AUTN).

THE ROAD TO THE WORLD CAR

2017 WORLD CAR AWARDS

NOMINATIONS LIST - SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR

Audi A5 / S5 Coupé

Audi Q2

Audi Q5

Buick LaCrosse

Buick Envision

Chevrolet Cruze

Chrysler Pacifica

Fiat/Abarth 124 Spyder

Honda Civic

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Genesis G80

Infiniti Q60

Jaguar F-PACE

Kia Cadenza

Kia Rio

Kia Sportage

Mazda CX-9

SEAT Ateca

Skoda Kodiaq

SsangYong Tivoli Air / XLV

Subaru Impreza

Toyota C-HR

Volkswagen Tiguan

WORLD LUXURY / PERFORMANCE CAR 2017

Audi R8 Spyder

BMW 5 Series

Bentley Bentayga

Cadillac CT6

Cadillac XT5

Honda/Acura NSX

Hyundai Genesis G90

Lexus LC500

Lincoln Continental

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-AMG Roadster

Porsche Boxster Cayman

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Volvo S90 / V90

WORLD URBAN CAR 2017

BMW i3 (94 Ah)

Citroën C3 Citroën E-MEHARI

Ford KA+

Smart Brabus Range

Smart Cabriolet

Suzuki Baleno

Suzuki Ignis

WORLD GREEN CAR 2017

Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro

BMW 740e iPerformance

Chevrolet Bolt

Chevrolet Malibu

Hybrid Honda Clarity Fuel-Cell Car

Hyundai Ioniq

Kia Niro Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e (Plug-In Hybrid)

Tesla Model X

Toyota RAV4

Toyota Prius Prime

WORLD CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR 2017

• All of the World Car of the Year entries automatically qualify for the design award.
• In addition, the following stand-alone entries are also nominated as candidates

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet

May European car registrations show a shift even further towards SUV's and away from the standard compact of previous years.

• Car registrations in Europe recorded the best May results since 2012
• SUVs and sports cars drove growth with volumes up by 29% and 28% respectively
• Renault’s registrations up by 34% boosted by the Clio and Captur
• Volkswagen lost market share following a decline posted by the Golf

New car registrations in the 29 markets analysed by JATO Dynamics show that the positive trend in automotive sales is continuing – with new car registrations during May 15.1% higher than the same month in 2015. 

A total of 1.33 million units were recorded, the second highest total this year and the best result in May since 2012. Last month’s percentage growth was also the highest so far this year, and surpasses the 1.5% increase recorded between in May 2015 and May 2014. 

The growth is due to strong increases in four of the five largest markets, with Italy up by 28% and France in fourth position with its volume increasing by 22%. Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece and Hungary also recorded significant increases.

Volkswagen was the best-selling brand, with 148,600 units registered, accounting for 11.2% market share. By comparison, in May 2015, its volume accounted for 12.4% of the total market. Last month’s market share for Volkswagen was the lowest in May since 2008. 

The German brand recorded decreases in major markets such as Germany and Spain, with each declining by 1%, the UK was down by a significant 7% and the Netherlands fell by a dramatic 17%. 

In comparison, the brand grew its market share in some markets such as Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, Sweden and Czech Republic. During May, sales of Volkswagen SUVs were down by 14% whilst compact cars were down by 3%. The most significant movement in May was Renault surpassing the 100,000 units mark with an outstanding 34% increase. 

This was due to demand in its home market, France, where it increased sales by 33%, strong increases in Italy, where it was the second best-selling brand, as well as increases in Germany and Spain. As a result, the French brand was able to increase its market share from 6.6% in May 2015 to 7.7% in 2016, reaching the highest May point since 2010. 

Its SUVs and subcompacts drove the growth with 79% and 26% growth respectively. Volkswagen and Renault were followed by the other three big mainstream brands: Ford which was negatively affected by the UK market, Opel/Vauxhall which saw UK volume fall by 21% and Peugeot which benefited from French growth.

The premium ranking was led by Audi which recorded 75,000 units, which is more than 5,000 units ahead of Mercedes and BMW, which both recorded 69,700 units. 

In contrast to Volkswagen, Audi posted a 19% increase thanks to higher demand in Germany, Italy and Spain. Mercedes was the second best-selling premium, increasing its volume by 13%, but this was only five units ahead of BMW, which recorded a bigger growth of 22%. 

Fiat was seventh in the ranking buoyed by the Italian market where its registrations grew by 33%. This brand recorded its second best market share since February 2011.

“The premium brands are clearly benefiting from the positive growth in Europe. Mainstream brands such as Renault, Peugeot and Fiat are also benefiting from Volkswagen’s slowdown,” commented Felipe Munoz, Global Automotive Analyst at JATO Dynamics.

Infiniti was again the brand to post the highest percentage increase, with a significant 150% jump, with 1,224 units sold in May, of which 887 were its compact Q30. Jaguar sold 5,700 units, a 121% rise, thanks to sales of the XE midsize sedan and the F-Pace, the brand’s first SUV which sold 1,477 units. Other big improvers include Bentley (+65%), Abarth (+60%), Ssangyong (+57%), Honda (+32%), Lancia (+32%), Mazda (+31%), Jeep (+30%) and Lexus (+26%).

While the model ranking was led by the Volkswagen Golf, the real drivers of change were the Renault Clio and Captur, and the Peugeot 208. Registrations for the Golf were down by 2% to 43,900 units, taking it to its lowest market share since June 2011 - 3.23%. In contrast, the Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Skoda Octavia and Peugeot 308 outperformed the segment’s growth of 11%. 

The Clio boosted the B-Segment’s registrations with a rise of 25% which took the segment’s growth to 12%. Other models recording growth included the Volkswagen Polo (+16%), Peugeot 208 (+30%), Toyota Yaris (+20%) and Dacia Sandero (+32%). The Captur meanwhile was the best-selling SUV. 

Last month’s SUVs registrations accounted for 24.4% of the European total, up by 2.7 percentage points compared to May 2015. This segment was mainly boosted by strong sales of B-SUVs, and particularly an 82% increase posted by the Fiat 500X. 

In addition, the Jeep Renegade grew by 53% and the Suzuki Vitara posted a 39% rise, the Ford Ecosport posted a significant 109% increase and the Mazda CX-3 posted a 497% rise.

Compact SUVs (C-SUV) recorded a 34% volume increase thanks to the new Hyundai Tucson, in second position behind the Nissan Qashqai which posted a 10% increase. Within this ranking the Kia Sportage recorded strong growth of 43%, the Renault Kadjar posted a 520% increase and the Ford Kuga recorded a 44%, which outperformed the Volkswagen Tiguan which was down by 18%, moving from second to the sixth position in this subsegment. 

Demand for the largest SUVs (D-SUV and E-SUV) expanded by 26% with the Mercedes GLC, Nissan X-Trail, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7, all recording significant increases.

MPVs continued to lose ground with registrations up by 9% as the Volkswagen Touran and Fiat 500L’s gains were offset by the fall posted by the Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan and Renault Scenic. 

Midsize sedan/SW was the fifth best-selling segment with a stable market share of 8.8%, it was led by the Volkswagen Passat, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class. The market was completed by the City-cars segment which posted 9% growth, Large sedan/SW with 7% growth, Sport cars which was up by 28% thanks to the Ford Mustang at third place, and the luxury segment which grew by 4%.

Felipe Munoz, Global Automotive Analyst at JATO Dynamics concluded: “The market is continuing to experience positive growth with many segments increasing sales. Small SUVs continue to be the big winners whilst MPVs lost out as consumers look towards more appealing designs.”

Many thanks to JATO Dynamics for the use of the

information included within this press release.

New flagship model for the BMW 7 Series range and the Debut of the first M Performance TwinPower Turbo V12 engine

• New flagship model for the BMW 7 Series range.
• Debut of the first M Performance TwinPower Turbo V12 engine.
• Headline outputs of 600hp and 800Nm of torque ensure spectacular performance: zero to 62mph in 3.9 seconds and a (limited) top speed of 155mph.
• Rear bias for xDrive all-wheel drive system, and model-specific suspension tuning.
• Unique exterior and interior design with M Performance elements incorporated.

The recently launched BMW 7 Series now has a prestigious flagship at the head of the range: the new M760Li xDrive V12 marks the debut of a very special V12 engine to provide stunning performance with exemplary refinement.

With TwinPower Turbo technology incorporated for the first time, this new M Performance engine produces 600hp and 800Nm of torque. It’s harnessed by a highly sophisticated chassis specifically tailored to the model, and deployed to the road via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a rear-bias for more dynamic handling.

The new model is instantly recognisable thanks to the M Performance body enhancements, specific trim details and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. An active quad exit exhaust system ensures that, when desired, the presence of the new M760Li xDrive V12 can be heard as well as seen.

Inside, the M760Li xDrive V12 retains the luxurious ambience of the new BMW 7 Series, but adds sporting elements such as the M Performance steering wheel and illuminated V12 logo and exclusive M pedals. Naturally, the specification of the car is extremely high, with a long list of comfort, convenience, safety and dynamic driving features.

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km
M760Li xDrive V12	600	800	3.9	155*	22.4	294

*Electronically limited 

Powertrain: The allure of a V12

The 12-cylinder engine layout traditionally enjoys an exclusive status above all others, and in the new M760Li xDrive V12 provides a superb blend of performance and refinement. 

The 6,592cc M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder engine develops an output of 600hp at 5,500rpm and generates its peak torque of 800Nm from as low down as 1,500rpm.

This enables the car to accelerate from zero to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. It now also links up with the Auto Start-Stop function, which is just one measure that contributes to an impressive official combined fuel consumption figure of 22.4mpg and CO₂ emissions of 294g/km.

For the construction of the all-aluminium block, BMW engineers focused on maximising rigidity while also minimising weight. Using a closed-deck structure, combined with bolts holding the cylinder head down on the floor plate of the crankcase, has ensured the stability of the cylinder liners. 

Double bolts on the main bearings, with an additional connection to the side panels through threaded support bushes and bolts, reduce the influence of lateral forces from the crankdrive on the crankcase. 

Further components that serve to reduce vibrations and noise to an absolute minimum are iron-coated aluminium pistons; forged connecting rods assembled using the cracking process, and likewise, a forged crankshaft.

Two key features have elevated the performance and efficiency of the new V12 onto an even higher level: M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and High Precision Injection. Together they enable sharp responses to even the slightest movement of the accelerator, a linear torque curve and exceptionally low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions for a car in this performance class.

Under an engine cover bearing “M Performance” lettering are two mono-scroll turbochargers, located – thanks to the small 60-degree cylinder angle – in a compact arrangement on the outside of the two rows of cylinders. Each turbocharger supplies six cylinders with compressed air. 

Their positioning allows for short, straight and therefore flow-efficient pipe connections between the exhaust system and the turbochargers. A sophisticated indirect intercooler, minimising the overall volume of air required and reducing lag, cools the air from each turbocharger. An additional water pump feeds the separate coolant circuit required for this purpose, whose air-to-water heat exchangers are positioned directly on the intake manifold.

The engine’s catalytic converters are equipped with advanced exhaust gas sensors and quickly reach their optimum operating temperature thanks to their positioning close to the engine, assisting the M760Li xDrive V12 in meeting the EU6c exhaust standard. In order to reduce backpressure, the M sports exhaust system features mostly straight pipes of the largest possible diameter. The evolution of the rear silencers and flap activation system allows everything from maximum refinement to a full-bodied 12-cylinder soundtrack.

The adoption of high precision fuel injection optimises the combustion process. Injectors positioned centrally in the cylinder head measure out the fuel precisely and spray it into the combustion chambers in finely atomised form and at up to 200-bar of pressure. The mixture cooling brought about by the directly injected fuel also allows a higher compression ratio than that achieved by a turbocharged engine with manifold injection.

The M Performance 12-cylinder engine also features, in customary BMW fashion, Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing. This allows the engine to run under part loads with a high level of residual gas and reduced throttle losses, maximising fuel efficiency. Double-VANOS also contributes to the engine’s rapid responses.

Another optimisation with the new engine is the oil supply system. Its volume flow-controlled pump operates only when required and is therefore extremely efficient.

An eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is fitted as standard in the new M760Li xDrive V12. M Performance-specific tuning of the shift programs delivers sportier gear changes and more instantaneous downshifts throughout the rev range, Launch Control function is also included. The transmission can also be operated via the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel: in manual mode the transmission holds the selected gear even when the engine hits the rev limiter. At the same time, its compact construction, low weight, optimised efficiency and flawless interaction with the Auto Start-Stop function allows it to play a significant role in reducing fuel consumptions and emissions.

Driving dynamics: performance and ride comfort in harmony

The new BMW 7 Series already benefits from intelligent lightweight design. The use of rigid yet lightweight carbon fibre elements in the passenger cell’s Carbon Core structure, gives the car a low centre of gravity that forms an ideal basis for a car that boasts fine dynamics and ride comfort.

The innovative Executive Drive Pro suspension system, first introduced in the recently launched new BMW 7 Series model range, fully enables this duality of purpose. Executive Drive Pro is an active suspension control system, which links the air suspension and the Dynamic Damper Control system to deliver exceptional spring and damper comfort. It includes the updated version of the Dynamic Drive system, which reduces roll at the front and rear axles. The result is sporty driving characteristics coupled with comfortable suspension, specifically tuned for the M760Li xDrive V12’s more dynamic character.  In addition to this the Executive Drive Pro actively looks at the road service ahead to precondition the suspension settings accordingly.

The new car is fitted as standard with exclusive double-spoke 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in a Cerium Grey metallic matt finish and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres (front: 245/40 R20, rear: 275/35 R20).

Integral Active Steering is also standard, the previous planetary gearset used at the front axle has been replaced by a variable steering rack ratio that employs a more direct front axle steering ratio and turns the rear wheels in either the opposing or the same direction when steering, depending on the specific driving situation.

All the driving modes of the Driving Experience Control switch have been comprehensively retuned to suit the dynamic character of the new M760Li xDrive V12. A new Adaptive mode includes an anticipatory chassis control function and automatic selection of the driving mode best suited to the situation at hand. The advance information for regulating the combination of chassis systems is gleaned from the driving style analysis readings, data from the navigation system and a stereo camera.

BMW’s permanent all-wheel-drive system, xDrive, is also an integral part of the new model. This intelligent system is able to distribute torque between the front and rear axle without restriction, and for this variant has been given a rear-wheel bias in-line with its M Performance character. The new car also features the expanded Driving Assistant Plus system optionally available on the new BMW 7 Series model range.

Design: BMW M Performance variant makes a clear visual statement

The M aerodynamic package fitted as standard to the M760Li xDrive V12 imbues the car with even greater visual presence. The new front apron features two large air intakes with highlights in Cerium Grey. The same colour appears along the sides of the car with trim elements on the lower edge of the doors, the air breathers and the door handle trim. Exclusive mirror caps, “V12” badges on the C-pillars and the M logo on the front wings – once more in Cerium Grey – finish the look. At the rear, the sporting design of the rear apron with its black central area highlights the M sports exhaust system’s Cerium Grey twin tailpipe embellishers. An optional M rear spoiler optimises the flow of air.

Inside, carefully selected details emphasise the car’s sporting character: gleaming door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with an illuminated V12 logo; an M leather steering wheel featuring an M logo on the centre spoke and gearshift paddles on the reverse; multifunction buttons on the steering wheel spokes and the spoke inlays finished in Pearl Gloss Chrome. The instrument cluster contains a special speedometer that now extends as far as 205mph, though in the UK the car is electronically-limited to 155mph. This combined with other elements such as the M pedals reinforces the driver focus of the interior.

Equipment: the extensive standard specification of a true flagship

As expected, the BMW M760Li x Drive V12 features an extremely extensive list of equipment as standard. In addition to the hardware detailed in the sections above, there are BMW Icon adaptive LED headlights with anti-dazzle High-beam assistant, the keyless Comfort Access system and Dynamic safety to optimise occupant protection. Electrically adjustable Comfort seats at the front and rear, BMW Gesture control,  sunblinds for the rear windscreen and rear windows, Exclusive Merino leather trim with extended features, an Alcantara headliner, Fineline black fine wood trim with high-gloss metal effect are also included to name but a few key highlights.

The full array of
BMW ConnectedDrive products and services are also fitted, including the latest-generation BMW Professional Multimedia system with high-resolution colour touchscreen and iDrive Touch Controller. BMW ConnectedDrive Services, meanwhile, enable access to the intelligent link-up of driver, vehicle and outside world. Thus, the BMW M760Li xDrive V12 can be configured and equipped to individual tastes. To this end, customers can choose from virtually the full range of optional equipment available for the new BMW 7 Series.

The V12 Excellence Design package: alternative variant emphasises innovative luxury

The V12 Excellence Design package shifts the focus away from the dynamic appearance of its M Performance sibling to emphasise the comfort-related attributes of the BMW M760Li xDrive V12.

Externally, the V12 Excellence Design package trades the M aerodynamic package for visual cues from the Pure Excellence exterior design package. These include 20-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in W-spoke 646 design, high-gloss polished, with mixed-size tyres (front: 245/40 R20, rear: 275/35 R20) and brake calipers in high-gloss Black. The front end has a chrome bar extending across the full width of the car in the upper section of the air intake grille, while the kidney grille bars are in Silver with chrome fronts, and their surrounds likewise sport bright chrome. LED fog lamps return to the front apron.

On the car’s flanks, a bright chrome finish adorns the window frames, the air breathers with door trim element and the V12 lettering on the C-pillars. The M logos rearwards of the wheel arches on the front side panels are deleted. 

Further back, the xDrive badge sits on the left-hand side of the boot lid above the chrome boot lid handle strip, with V12 lettering replacing the model designation on the right-hand side. The comfort-oriented exhaust system has a refined and understated note. Its two chromed, rectangular tailpipe embellishers are now framed in the rear apron by an additional chrome surround.

The Pure Excellence interior design package shifts the design focus within the cabin. For example, the Alcantara headliner, door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with illuminated V12 badge, precise decorative stitching in the lower section of the instrument panel, fine wood inlays for the seat belt outlet covers, armrest and rear roof grab handles, plus deep-pile floor mats for the rear compartment all emphasis further the luxurious nature of the car. 

The leather steering wheel now features wood elements, and when the driver fires up the engine a V12 emblem lights up in the centre of the instrument cluster – whose speedometer extends as far as 160mph.

The BMW M760Li xDrive V12 goes on sale towards the end of 2016 with prices being announced nearer the time.