If we needed any more evidence that M Performance versions of BMW models are nearly as insane as full-bodied M cars, then here’s another one for the bibliography.
Pestered by fans for long enough about an M7, BMW has delivered what might be the best compromise we could hope for — the M760Li xDrive V12. All those letters and numbers equate to a twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine and supercar levels of acceleration.
As the long wheelbase version, there’s an extra bit of mass to move, but the M760Li has 592 horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque, and an xDrive all-wheel drive system to help. 60 mph is achieved in just 3.9 seconds (an improvement of nearly a full second over the 750i M Sport) while the top speed is still limited to 155 mph.
BMW went a few steps further to assure that the big estate could handle, too. The all-wheel drive system has been calibrated for a rear-wheel drive bias, M Performance software hastens up the shifts from BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission, and BMW’s Executive Drive Pro adaptive suspension sorts out those bends in the road.
Compared to the standard 7 Series, the M760Li includes unique 20-inch alloy wheels, a quad exhaust system, and a lowered M Performance body kit with sculpted front and rear bumpers. For some extra flair (and cash), an optional rear spoiler is available. And speaking of flair, that quad exhaust system includes valves that can be opened to release more snarl from the twin-turbo V12 engine.
Inside, an M Performance steering wheel, illuminated V12 side sills, and M pedals add to the luxurious cabin. LED headlights, keyless entry/ignition, multi-way adjustable seats, wood trim, and more are all standard in the range-topping sedan.
Among its rivals, BMW’s M760Li now sits just below Audi’s S8 Performance Plus with its 605 horsepower turbocharged V8 and Mercedes-AMG’s S65 and its 621 hp 6.0-liter V12.
The all-new version goes on sale toward the end of this year, and we can all assume it will not be priced as a budget model.
BYD has launched the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i in China, and the first thing that caught my eye is its price. According to CarNewsChina, the plug-in hybrid sedan starts at 79,900 yuan, which is about $11,980. That’s an incredibly low price for a brand-new car, especially by US standards.
What’s even more impressive is the range. The Qin Plus DM-i can drive up to 137 miles on electricity alone, which should cover most people’s daily commutes without using a drop of gas. Once the battery runs out, the 1.5-liter engine takes over. Thanks to its 17-gallon tank and roughly 91 mpg with a drained battery, the combined range reaches up to 1,423 miles.
Apple won the PC market’s worst quarter, but that’s not the entire story. It won the race by stumbling less than everyone else.
PC makers shipped just 57 million computers worldwide in Q3, which might look good, but it’s a 21% year-over-year plunge (via Counterpoint Research). And despite Apple’s Mac shipments falling by 11%, to 5.6 million, its market share rose from 8.7% to 9.8%. How did that happen?
Update (October 22 23:54 PT): In response to our query, GM clarified that offline recording support is already available on eligible vehicles. Like Tesla's Sentry Mode, it requires owners to connect a USB drive to save incident recordings, which can be viewed on the vehicle's infotainment screen. The upcoming Connected Cameras feature will build on this by giving owners remote access to these recordings via the revamped OnStar app, allowing them to check footage without walking out to their car.
General Motors has announced plans to add a new Connected Cameras feature to its OnStar service starting next year, giving drivers a way to monitor parked vehicles remotely and capture footage of certain incidents.