Thirty-five years after the first V12 engine went under the hood of BMW’s M70, the German automaker has announced it would be retiring the powerful motor that has given life even to non-BMW autos. This decision may have been motivated by the increased clamour for greener, more sustainable means of transport that has seen the rise of electric vehicles, but whatever its reason, BMW is making sure that the V12 is not bowing out quietly.

The last V12 engines in BMW cars will appear in a special collection of 12 cars only. Image courtesy of BMW

In commemoration of the end of a truly memorable era, BMW will produce a limited-edition series aptly named The Final V12. The Final V12 is a collection of a dozen M760i xDrives featuring the last BMW-produced V12 engine that, supported by two mono-scroll turbochargers, infinitely variable valve control (Double VANOS and Valvetronic) as well as high-precision direct injection, will deliver up to 601 hp available between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm.

These limited-edition M760i xDrives will be decked with special elements to set them apart from their standard counterparts. Expect to see a bold ‘V12’ icon at the rear in place of the ‘M760i’ badge, Threshold plates, and an engine cover with the ‘The Final V12’ lettering. A centre console-mounted plaque, marked with the words ‘The Final V12’ and ‘1 OF 12’ further confer the seal of exclusivity on this marque.

A BMW V12 engine — Subtle adornments will separate the Final V12 collection from the standard M760i xDrive. Image courtesy of TopGear

Eventual buyers would be given the option to customise their order, so while the interior will don a BMW Individual Piano Black Finish trim, they can choose from several tones of opulent Full Merino leather and a palette of over 80 colours for their exterior to further set their autos apart.

BMW will offer each of The Final V12 units in a fully-equipped configuration, which includes its Driving Assistance Professional Package, Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with Laserlight, Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, and Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound Audio System as well as Luxury Rear Seating Package.

A BMW M760i xDrive — The special edition will be available to US customers only. Image courtesy of BMW

The sole bummer? The Final V12 is available to only US residents at a retail price of $200,000, which is exclusive of a $995 destination price. It is not clear why the German brand has made this decision, but, if you do not already own a V12, (and you want one badly) you can take consolation in the fact that this announcement is just for BMWs, not for other brands it owns, like say Rolls Royce. So, there may yet be a bit more time for you to lay your hands on a luxe auto with a V12 engine before they finally go extinct.

Source: HotCars