The engine is the heart of a car. V12 engines were a symbol of wealth and luxury back in the day. It was primarily used by top luxury car brands such as Jaguar, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz, among other luxury car manufacturers. However, with the massive change of manufacturers shifting their resources towards EVs and alternative fuel vehicles, most say the V12 engine is dying.
But before this happens, there are still few models, from luxury cars to SUVs and supercars, that house the celebrated performance engine that offers thrilling speeds, massive horsepower, and high-revving screams. That said, here are some stunning new V12-powered cars for 2022.
10 Aston Martin DB11
The exotic Aston Martin DB11 is a perfect car that sits between a sports car and a grand tourer. It is also one of the best Aston Martin DB models ever made. Its long, low, and broad cues turn heads, whether with a fixed roof or the retractable soft top. The automaker offers the rear-drive-only stunner with a mighty 630-horsepower twin-turbo V12, but it comes only in the coupe variant.
Some V12 enthusiasts may think that besides the DBS and DB11, Aston will make two other V12 engine cars – the Valkyrie and the Speedster, but both have been produced in limited editions. Thus, the D11 is an excellent choice for V12 enthusiasts.
9 Ferrari 812 GTS
Ferrari builds the best and the most powerful V12 cars – the marque has been synonymous with this particular engine, building a reputation for reliability and incredible performance. However, in 2022, things are changing for the prancing horse-badged cars. The V12 engine is on its way out in favor of the smaller turbocharged engines.
But until that happens, V12 purists can still get the full Ferrari V12 soundtrack from the 812 and the 812 GTS. At the heart of the 812 GTS lies a monstrous 6.5-liter V12 engine that makes 789 horsepower, enough to catapult the car from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 211 mph.
8 BMW M760i xDrive
According to the German automaker BMW, the M760i xDrive is their last car that will offer the V12 engine. It’s unfortunate to see the engine coming to an end, as BMW’s V12s have powered some of the fastest, rarest, and most exciting cars.
The big 7 Series comes equipped with a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that puts out 601 horsepower. That’s more than enough to hurl the 5159-pound limo from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. That said, the M760i xDrive is the go-to car when one needs to get to an executive meeting fast.
7 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
The Cullinan seems to be a money printer for Rolls-Royce. Ever since the car launched in 2018, demand has been strong, and it shows no sign of going down anytime soon. Moreover, the Cullinan is the only SUV with a V12 engine after Mercedes dropped its V12 in the G-Class models.
The Cullinan also offers a refined driving experience, as though driving on a cloud when it comes to comfort. Its adaptive, self-leveling air suspension makes thousands of adjustments to provide smooth driving. In general, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the best model money can buy for those who desire both on and off-road luxury V12.
6 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
The 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the only V12 powered Mercedes, now that 12-cylinder versions of the G-class, standard S-Class, and SL are no longer in the market. Underneath its elegant skin, the super-luxe Maybach S-Class hides a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 with 621 horsepower, enough to propel the car from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
These figures are pretty impressive, considering the vehicle is roughly the size of a cruise ship. Moreover, the S-Class offers high-end features, making it an ideal car to slip into traffic without too much attention.
5 Lamborghini Aventador S
The Lamborghini Aventador S was introduced in 2011. And although it has undergone several minor changes and updates, one thing that has remained constant is the rear-mounted V12. The Aventador S is a head-turner, and it features a colossal 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12 that churns out over 700 horsepower, enough to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds.
And although it isn’t offered with a manual gearbox like its predecessor, the Murcielago, the Aventador S is one of the market’s rawest and most engaging supercars.
4 Rolls-Royce Phantom
Rolls-Royce is a renowned luxury automaker and has stated that it will hold on to its V12 engine for as long as possible. The Phantom is an opulent car and one of the most expensive cars on the market. It comes with a silky-smooth 6.6-liter V12, which mates with an eight-speed automatic to deliver an incredible 563 horsepower.
Since Rolls-Royce isn’t about performance but uncompromising luxury, its cabin, especially the extended wheelbase model, is exceptionally spacious and comfortable. The Rolls-Royce Phantom is more than a good choice for V12 purists who love to make an entrance.
3 Rolls-Royce Ghost
The 2022 Ghost is the smallest and cheapest luxury Rolls-Royce that offers uncompromising luxury and blends a few surprises along the way. At its heart is the same drivetrain as the Phantom and the Cullinan, which helps it provide a peerless ride quality as other models from the marque.
And as expected of a Rolls-Royce, the Ghost interior presents a refined interior decked out with fine leathers, fabrics, woods, and metals that serve as a palatial space for celebrities and influential classes.
2 Rolls-Royce Wraith
Luxury and performance are the amenities that come to mind when looking at the Rolls-Royce Wraith. The Wraith is the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history, thanks to its V12 engine that puts out 624 horsepower. Inside, the Wraith features everything expected of a Rolls, old-world quality blended with cutting-edge technology.
The standard Wraith comes with a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and achieves a top speed of 155 mph. The Black Badge version delivers an incredible 624 horsepower and increases torque from 605 to 642 lb-ft. In general, the Wraith offers everything expected of a Rolls-Royce with speed as a bonus.
1 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante
The DBS Superleggera Volante is a beautiful work of art that sits at the pinnacle of the Aston Martin brand. It blends beauty with power, making it the absolute Aston Martin. Inside, the DBS Superleggera Volante presents a luxury cabin, and the automaker claims to offer a wide choice of customizable options.
Underneath the gorgeous skin of the DBS Superleggera Volante sits a brutal 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that cranks out a whopping 715 horsepower, enough to rocket it from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Moreover, the Volante can attain a top speed of 211 mph. For drivers attracted to posh interiors and Bond-esque styling, the DBS Superleggera Volante is a stunning car that satisfies their fantasies.