2004 BMW 745Li Road Test

Class Leading Performance, Cutting-Edge Technology and Style

I recently road tested the Z4, BMW's entertaining roadster, reminiscent of the classic, long hooded open air sports cars of the 1960s.

The flagship Bimmer is big, brash and in many respects, beautiful. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Although full of modern-day sports car technology and performance, the two-seat Z4 draws heavily on the past, at least in how it feels, which is in contrast to this week's ride, a BMW 745Li. It's also chalk-full of technology and performance, but draws heavily on a futuristic-feel. The flagship Bimmer is big, brash and in many respects, beautiful. It is also a complex, often befuddlingly sophisticated labyrinthine of electronic and mechanical marvel.

But does it really need to be? The answer to that question is an unequivocal "yes", and "no", depending on a person's fondness for gizmos and one's innate ability to remember patterns and execute fingertip commands. For those of us dumbfounded by a multi-function remote control, the hope of utilizing the 754Li's technically challenging, advanced electronic gear to its fullest potential is about as likely as breaking an Enigma code or creating nuclear fusion from household products. Heck, the 745 doesn't even fire-up with a key. The vehicle is energized when the "remote control" (BMW's terminology) is pushed into a slot in the dash. After the remote has been authorized, the sedan's powerful 8-cylinder workhorse can be started with the push of a dash-mounted button.

As controversial as its electronic complexity is, the exterior styling of the 7-Series underwent an equally controversial Bangle'ization in 2002 and remains largely untouched for '04. Not that I am anti-Bangle, referring of course to Chief BMW designer, Chris Bangle, but I was somewhat disappointed upon spying this latest 7-Series incarnation when it first appeared. I'm a huge fan of the 1995 through 2001 edition of the full-size, five-seat

Probably the most notorious aspect of the new 7's styling is its trunk and taillight arrangement. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

luxo-performance series. The clean, low profile, symmetrical lines and expansive window treatment suited my conservative tastes to a T. Without quibble I still consider the previous 7 to be one of the sharpest looking sedans around. Granted, any design that began in 1995 and was successful enough to see the millenium, never mind exceed it, a long and prosperous life by automotive standards, would be in need of a redo.

Possibly the most notorious aspect of the new 7's styling is its rear decklid and taillight arrangement. When I first saw the styling element referred to as a floating trunk design, I questioned whether the trunk lid was actually intended for the car I was viewing or whether it was some sort of a last minute stand-in because the proper trunk lid had not yet arrived. Unfortunately, the lid I was viewing fit just as Bangle, or more correctly BMW designer Adrian van Hooydonk intended - Bangle, while still responsible for the final design, only oversaw the 7's styling while van Hooydonk penned it.