what cars have v12

[DelBrayden]

Several high-performance supercars, luxury sedans, and flagship grand tourers have featured V12 engines, though they are increasingly rare due to a shift towards turbocharging and electrification. The V12 engine is revered for its exceptionally smooth operation and high horsepower output, as its specific cylinder configuration allows for perfect primary and secondary balance.

These engines are typically found in the most exclusive and expensive models from brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin. Here are some of the most notable production cars, past and present, equipped with a V12:

Car Model	Model Years (Examples)	Horsepower (Approx.)	Displacement
Ferrari 812 Superfast	2018-2024	789 hp	6.5L
Lamborghini Aventador	2011-2022	690-770 hp	6.5L
Aston Martin DBS	2007-2012, 2018-2023	510-760 hp	5.9L, 5.2L
Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG	2014-2020	621 hp	6.0L
BMW 760i / M760i	2003-2019	438-600 hp	6.0L, 6.6L
Rolls-Royce Phantom	2003-Present	453-571 hp	6.7L
Ferrari GTC4Lusso	2016-2020	680 hp	6.3L
Pagani Huayra	2012-Present	730-764 hp	6.0L

Owning a V12 car is a significant commitment. Beyond the high purchase price, maintenance costs are substantial. These engines are complex, and even routine services can be far more expensive than those for a typical V8 or V6. For most drivers, the intoxicatingly smooth power delivery and exclusive character are worth the premium, but it's crucial to research long-term ownership costs for any specific model you're considering.

[LaylaRose]

If you're looking for the ultimate in smoothness, you want a V12. It's not about being the loudest; it's about the power feeling effortless. Think top-tier luxury and hypercars. Your best bets are Ferrari's front-engined flagships like the 812, Lamborghini's V12 models such as the Aventador, and Aston Martins like the DBS. For pure luxury, Rolls-Royce and high-end Mercedes-Benz S-Class models have used them. They're incredible, but be ready for the gas station and the repair bills.

[ThomasDella]

From a pure engineering standpoint, the V12's appeal is its inherent mechanical balance. This design eliminates certain vibrations common in engines with fewer cylinders, resulting in incredibly refined power delivery without the need for complex balancing shafts. This principle is why you find these engines in vehicles where supreme refinement is a top priority, from the BMW 7 Series to the Pagani Huayra. The power is massive, but the sensation is one of relaxed, turbine-like smoothness even at very high revolutions.

[StBrady]

I remember when more brands had a V12 in their lineup. It was the ultimate status symbol. Today, it's pretty much reserved for the absolute peak—your Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Rolls-Royces. It's a dying breed, which makes current V12 cars like the Aston Martin DBS and the Bentley Mulliner Bacalar feel even more special. They're holdouts against the tide of turbocharged V8s and hybrid systems. If you want a classic, older BMW 7-Series or Mercedes S-Class models with a V12 can be found, but their maintenance is notoriously complex.

[Mercedes]

My buddy has a Ferrari with a V12, and the experience is just different. You don't just hear it; you feel how silky the engine runs. It's not jerky or raw like some high-performance engines. The power builds in a linear, endless wave. It's an engine built for covering vast distances at high speed in absolute comfort. While incredible, the reality is that modern twin-turbo V8s with hybrid systems often match or exceed their performance. The V12 is now more about the emotional, sensory experience than being the outright performance king.