BMW introduces anniversary edition 760Li

Twenty-five years ago, BMW delivered the first V12 7-series sedan. It used 5.0 liters of displacement to make a whopping 296 hp, which was powerful for its time.

Now the marque from Bavaria introduced the 25th anniversary edition of that V12 sedan with more displacement and much more power. Only 15 examples of the model will be produced for the U.S. market. The cars will be delivered early next year.

The 2013 BMW 760Li will sport badges reading “V-12 25 Years Edition” and will be offered in a full range of colors. Champagne Merino leather is standard along with black piping. Floor mats, footrests, doorsills and headrests are all uniquely designed as well. Rear-seat entertainment is standard, as are 20-inch wheels, Alcantara trim and piano-black inlays.

A 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 making 535 hp and 550 lb-ft is under the hood. That's good for a 0-to-60-mph sprint of 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 130 mph without the M Sport Package, 155 mph with the option. Those specs are made more impressive by the sedan's 5,015-pound curb weight.

The cost of the special edition is $159,695 including shipping charges. The government adds a $2,100 gas-guzzler tax. The base BMW 760Li starts at $143,195 including shipping charges and gas-guzzler tax.

Correction: The first V12 BMW 7-series had a 5.0-liter V12. It was the next generation that came with a 5.4-liter as the story originally read.

By Jake Lingeman