Thanks to the downsizing trend that many top brands have been following lately, we might have to say goodbye to the top-of-the-line V-12 engine in BMW’s lineup. As of yet, BMW->ke178 hasn’t given the green light to its inclusion in the next-generation 7-Series->ke323.

The V-12 engine has always been the pièce de résistance for the flagship BMW. Other than the plethora of creature comforts and gadgets that would make your kids happy, the V-12 engine gave the 7-Series immense power -- 544 horses of it -- that would make your gearhead friends happy as well. M-Series cars aside, this engine made the BMW 760Li the most powerful and costliest Bimmer ever made. It was more like buying the cheaper, German cousin of the Rolls Royce Ghost.

If it is axed, BMW may replace the hole left by the V-12 with a tuned version of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine from the M5. BMW claims the difference between the two is size of the hole burnt in your pocket when it comes to gas consumption.

For people who are planning to buy the flagship limo just for the V-12 engine – likely only a handful of people – don’t lose hope yet, as the consideration of this engine is still under review. However, with the downsizing trend picking up pace and popularity, this move seems inevitable.

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