It was 25 years ago that BMW launched its first production V-12 engine, with the unit, code-named the M70, debuting in the E32 7-Series flagship sedan. BMW engineers joined two of the automaker’s legendary straight-six units on a single crankshaft, forming a 60 degree V-12 that displaced 5.0 liters and produced an impressive--for the time--300 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. A variation of this engine, the S70/2, would eventually be developed for the McLaren F1 supercar.  

In honor of the 25-year milestone, BMW is launching a special edition 760Li model as part of its 2013 7-Series lineup. Only 15 examples will be offered to U.S. customers, each priced from $159,695 including destination. By comparison, a regular 760Li starts at $140,200.

The new special edition, dubbed the V-12 25 Years Edition, is fitted with full Merino leather with a champagne and custom black piping. Together with this, the cars also get black floor mats and rear footrests, this time with champagne piping. Additionally, the door sills, headrests and iDrive controllers are all specially badged with V-12 25 Years Edition.

Some extras include custom 20-inch wheels from BMW Individual, a rear-seat entertainment system with its own iDrive controller, Alcantara headliner, leather trim for the pillars, BMW Individual piano black wood, and shadow gloss exterior trim. Of course, a full range of exterior colors is available as well as additional options, allowing owners to create something unique.

Powering the car is the 760Li’s twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12, which boasts a total 535 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to rocket the big sedan from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and see it easily reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Sales of the V-12 25 Years Edition 7-Series have just started, and with only 15 coming to the country you had better act fast if you hope to have one on your driveway. Deliveries are scheduled to start early next year.