BMW 750Li - The Magnificient 7 Series

BMW's new flagship is like a jumbo jet with the reflexes of a fighter plane

The BMW 7-series is the company's largest and most luxurious saloon. Of the new model range, which kicks off with the twin-turbo 3.0-litre 740Li, is 5.2 metres long, but handles like something far smaller. That is thanks to the new system dubbed the Integral Active Steering.

During low speed manoeuvres like U-turns, the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction of those in front, slimming the car's turning circle by as much as 70cm.

On the highway, the rear wheels are gently pointed in the same direction as those in front, making high-speed lane changes more stable.

The BMW 750Li is almost ludricrously agile for its size and the Integral Active Steer system does its stuff unobstructively, leaving you to point the car where you want to go and call on the huge grip it musters to get you through corners at an indecently swift pace.

A new button on the dashboard toggles between four different driving modes from Comfort through Normal, Sport and Sport+. These weight in on the active suspension dampers, the drive-by-wire throttle response and the gearbox to conjure up distinct settings for the car, to match your own levels of aggression behind the wheel.

Throw in the 407bhp-strong performance from the flawlessly smooth, revvy engine, and you have a limo that's fun to drive.

The rear seats recline, adjust for height, and even come with individual DVD screens and a massage function. BWM says the 750Li has the most head and legroom in its class and when that class includes the likes of the Audi A8 6.0L and the Mercedes-Benz S 500L, that says a lot.

The ability to pamper its occupants is something you would expect from a series 7 BMW. But what is really surprising is that the BMW 750Li is a sporty looking car. The lines are sleek and coupe-like, with BMW's trademark double grilles sitting prominently on the nose to exude aggression.

Even the controls have been given a throrough once-over, with a driver-centric focus to their layout and a careful rethinking of their user-friendliness. The odd positioning of key controls in the last 7 series has been done away with. Stripped of its fripperies, what's left of the 7 series is a more conventional but more straightforward car with plenty of focus on delivering pleasure as straight up as possible.

BMW 750Li Facts

Ups
Class-leading agility and handling
Sports car-like performance
Supreme refinement and cabin space

Downs
Just two seats in the rear
Wind noise at high speed

Engine
4,395cc, 32V twin-turbo V8

Max Power
407bhp at 5,500-6, 400rpm

Max Torque
600Nm at 1,750-4,500rpm

Gearbox
6-speed automatic

Top Speed
250kmh (limited)

0-100 KMH
5.3 seconds

INTERIOR PICTURES OF THE BMW 750LI