Mercedes-Benz has been offering AMG performance versions of its flagship S-Class sedan for years with no real response from cross-country rival BMW – despite rumors to the contrary for nearly five years. However, new spy photos and details suggest that BMW will finally strike back with an M version of its latest 7-Series sedan.
In mid-2009 our spies spotted this prototype of what is to become the M7, equipped with a typical M-style front bumper with huge air-intake underneath the lamp units. The rear skirt appears to be modified, too, but more interesting is the fact that the new M7 will receive a front hood made of aluminum to improve handling and weight-balance.
The 2010 BMW 760i, the current range-topping model, offers a Twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 that boasts a beastly 536 horsepower – meaning that the M7 would require even more power than that to be worthy of the coveted ‘M’ badge. Some reports suggested either the X6 M’s bi-turbo V8, or the 5.0L V10 from the M5 and M6, but considering the power numbers of the 760i, which would slot below an M7, we expect that BMW may borrow an engine from either its sister company in Rolls Royce, or the now canceled 8-Series.
Whichever motor it ends up with should be good for 550-600+ hp, making this massive sedan nothing short of a rocket. That would in fact be an enormous increases in power over the current 407 hp 750i, but also over the Alpina B7 (507 hp) and even the powerful Porsche Panamera delivering 500 hp.
Although details are scarce and based largely on rumor, in addition to the possibility of gaining an engine from the now defunct 8-Series, there is even a possibly that an entirely new suspension will migrate downward from the now-canceled 8-Series BMW and make the M7 a truly unique performance sedan.
Now, some are speculating that some of what was developed for the now forgotten 8-series may end up coming to life in an M7. Expect anything sharing a 7-series and the M badge to come in over $150,000.
