The only constant in this world is change, and the automotive industry is going through a massive shift in how it powers our vehicles. The internal combustion engine (ICE) is far from dead, but manufacturers are shifting resources and production toward electric vehicles (EV) and alternative fuel vehicles. That is far from a bad thing, but it does mean that inefficient ICEs, like the V12, are on their way out.
Before that happens, there is still time to live your best life in a V12-powered vehicle. If you need speed, horsepower, and the high-revving scream that only a V12 can deliver, then here are your options for 2022.
Aston Martin: DBS, DBS Volante, and DB11
Aston Martin DBS | Aston Martin
At the top of Aston Martin’s vehicle range is the DBS. It comes in two variants, a coupe or a convertible. Both have a brutal 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that cranks out 715 horsepower. That’s enough shove to get the DBS from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 211 mph.
The DBS also has a little brother, the DB11. It’s not as fast, not as powerful, not as expensive as the DBS but has the same 5.2-liter V12. In the DB11, the V12 produces 630 horsepower and delivers a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph. It is a fantastic GT car and should be considered a private jet for the road.
BMW: M760i xDrive
2022 BMW M760i xDrive | BMW
According to BMW, this is their last car with a V12 engine. It’s a bit of a shame, as BMW’s V12s have powered some of the fastest, rarest, and most exciting cars in the past. But, there is little reason to mourn the loss of the V12 as you can still buy it in the M760i xDrive.
The big 7 Series gets a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that produces 601 horsepower. That is more than enough to propel the 5,159-pound limo from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. If you need to get to an office meeting, very fast, this is the car for you.
Ferrari: 812 and 812 GTS
Ferrari 812 | Ferrari
The V12 is synonymous with Ferrari. They’ve built the company’s entire reputation around silky smooth and powerful V12 engines. In 2022, things are changing for the prancing horse badged cars, and the V12 is on the way out in favor of smaller turbocharged engines.
Until that happens, you can still get the full Ferrari V12 soundtrack from the 812 and 812 GTS. The engine powering Ferrari’s front-engine beast is a true masterpiece. 6.5-liters produce 789 horsepower and catapults the 812 from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and maxes out at 211 mph. Extreme is an understatement when describing this car.
Mercedes-Maybach: S680
Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC | Mercedes-Benz
If a Rolls-Royce happens to be a bit too common for you, Mercedes has an option, the Maybach S680. It is more of everything. More luxury, more space, and more power.
A twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 with 621 horsepower powers the S680 and will elegantly propel you from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Impressive from a vehicle roughly the size of a cruise ship, but that is not what this car is about. If you want to be driven, in ultimate luxury, this is the tool.
Rolls Royce: Cullinan, Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, and Dawn
2022 Rolls Royce Phantom | Rolls Royce
Rolls Royce is a company steeped in history, and it has said that it will hold on to its V12 engines for as long as possible. In 2022, every vehicle they make is powered by a V12 engine. In fact, the Cullinan is the only V12 powered SUV on the market.
Rolls Royces aren’t about performance; they are about uncompromising luxury. Every model is fully customized for the individual buyer and comes with the 6.75-liter V12. If you want to make an entrance, you can’t do it any better than in a Rolls Royce.
Honorable Mentions
Enthusiasts, gearheads, and general car fans will surely notice a few omissions from the list. We didn’t forget. They include the GMA T.50, Aston Martin Valkyrie, Ferrari 812 Competizione and Monza, Lamborghini LP780-4 Ultimae, and everything on offer from Pagani.
They all happen to be sold out, so you technically cannot buy them new in 2022.
If you lust after a smooth and powerful V12-powered vehicle, there are plenty on the market right now for you to choose from. The big, inefficient V12 might be on its way out, but until that happens, there is still plenty to get excited about.
Keyword: V8 Not Enough? These Are All the V12 Powered Cars You Can Buy In 2022