What does the V12 in the BMW 7 Series engine mean?

[DeCooper]

The V12 in the BMW 7 Series engine refers to a 6.6-liter, 12-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine arranged in a V configuration. This engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 585 PS, a maximum power output of 430 kW, and a peak torque of 850 Nm. The maximum power is achieved at engine speeds between 5,250 and 5,750 rpm. It features direct fuel injection technology and utilizes an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT). The BMW 7 Series is a large luxury vehicle under the BMW brand, with dimensions of 5,212 mm in length, 1,902 mm in width, and 1,478 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3,210 mm. The interior highlights include a new 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and the latest iDrive 7.0 multimedia system.

[LaFrank]

I've always been fascinated by the V12 engine in the BMW 7 Series. The V12 refers to an engine layout with 12 cylinders arranged in two banks of 6 cylinders each, with the two banks angled like the letter V. This design makes the engine more compact while delivering stronger torque. In a luxury sedan like the BMW 7 Series, the V12 provides an endless surge of power, like a reservoir releasing floodwaters—even a light tap on the accelerator delivers a strong push-back sensation. Additionally, the firing intervals between cylinders are extremely short, with vibrations canceling each other out, making it almost impossible to feel any shaking inside the car. However, with stricter environmental regulations nowadays, such large-displacement engines are becoming increasingly rare, and owning one is practically a collector's dream.

[SanDante]

Anyone who has driven the BMW 7 Series V12 version will surely remember that silky smooth feeling. The V12 engine essentially consists of 12 cylinders arranged in two banks in a V-formation, like two rows of soldiers working in perfect coordination. Its advantage lies in the large number of cylinders, which delivers exceptionally linear and smooth power output without the sensation of turbo lag during acceleration. At high speeds, the engine RPM can be kept remarkably low, making the cabin as quiet as a library. However, this complex engine structure does come with high fuel consumption, and maintenance isn't cheap—changing spark plugs can take half a day. Fortunately, BMW's tuning expertise allows this beast to unleash over 600 horsepower while remaining as gentle as a cat.

[MaximusRose]

I've studied the BMW 7 Series' V12 engine, and its structure is quite ingenious. Simply put, it packs 12 cylinders into a single engine block, arranged in two banks at a 60-degree V-angle. This design shortens the engine length, making the front-end layout more reasonable. Compared to a V8 engine, the V12's four extra cylinders allow for smaller cylinder diameters, reducing piston movement inertia and enabling faster RPM increases. I remember attending an automotive sharing session where an engineer mentioned that with this layout, the crankshaft completes 12 power strokes in just two rotations, resulting in exceptionally smooth acceleration. With the rise of modern hybrid technology, these pure high-displacement engines have become symbols of mechanical artistry.

[LaCollin]

Last time when I accompanied my friend for a test drive of the BMW 7 Series V12, I had a profound experience. The sales manager explained that V12 refers to the engine with 12 cylinders, arranged in two banks like piano keys. The power performance was truly impressive, accelerating from standstill to 100km/h in just over 4 seconds, yet the ride was exceptionally smooth. This kind of engine can unleash maximum torque at low RPMs, making overtaking crisp and effortless. However, the weight is substantial, with the entire system exceeding 250 kilograms, placing high demands on suspension balance. Nowadays, BMW is gradually replacing large-displacement engines with electrification. The latest 7 Series model uses a V8 plug-in hybrid instead of the V12, so those who want to experience the pure mechanical charm should act quickly.