Not usually noted for its subtle approach to modifying cars, Mansory has shown remarkable restraint with its tuning programme for the BMW 7 Series.

Perhaps recognising there aren't too many customers for garish colours and bling body kits at this end of the market, Mansory has limited its exterior efforts to LED daytime running light and a carbon fibre grille at the front, There's a discreet roof spoiler and reshaped back bumper to incorporate a diffuser, with a new sports exhaust emerging through rectangular pipes.

Mansory can't quite keep itself from a bit of bling on the outside, so there are 22-inch alloy wheels. These are a huge 10-inches wide and shod in some of the lowest profile tyres money can buy.

Under the bonnet, it's the usual Mansory madness with a 640bhp engine upgrade for the 760i, dropping the 0-62mph time to just 4.2 seconds. If you prefer the 750i, Mansory boosts the smaller petrol engine to 490bhp.

On the inside, Mansory has redesigned the steering wheel so it apparently fits the driver's hands better. There's also carbon fibre or wood trim inserts, leather and suede furnishings, and Mansory says its trimming department can fulfil any customer's whim. Mansory doesn't discuss prices unless you're in the process of buying a car, but don't expect any bargains.

Alisdair Suttie - 22 Mar 2011