What does the V12 in the BMW 7 Series engine mean?
2 Answers
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.
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.
