And the accolades are not reserved just for the 745Li's acceleration and handling gusto. The braking ability of the
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| True to its BMW lineage, the braking ability of the stretched 745 is remarkable. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
stretched 745 is remarkable. Strong, fade-free stopping power is definitely a BMW trait, and one that is taken no more seriously than in the 7-Series. Careful engineering and high quality components are required when the buggy to be stopped is as large as the 745Li, and then in as short a distance as possible. I conducted several back-to-back emergency stops in the Li and was astonished at how rapidly it came to a secure halt. I could feel the skin pulling away from the front of my skull as the speedo dropped like a lead weight from 100 km/h to zero. During these procedures, the big sedan remained arrow-straight, only exhibiting the most-minute amount of nosedive. The brake setup that merits such praise is comprised of 4-wheel antilock disc brakes aided in their effectiveness by inner venting, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), the latter of which regulates the braking force applied at each wheel during cornering maneuvers.
In addition to the multi-layered brake programs, control of the 745 is further assured with BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III) technology, which uses wheel specific braking and power deprivation to return a wayward 7-Series to the straight and narrow. Of course this safety net can be disabled should one have the desire to manage the forces of nature exclusive of technology.
But with BMW, safety doesn't end with enhanced vehicle control features. When it comes to airbags, the multitude of passive restraints in the
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| When it comes to airbags, the multitude of passive restraints in the 745Li could re-float the Titanic. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
745Li could re-float the Titanic. The collection begins with driver and front passenger impact-depending airbags supported by an Active Knee Protection System. There are also additional head and side airbags standard in the front and optional in the rear. A Safety and Information Module (SIM) collects crash data from a total of 14-satellite sensors and manages the entire airbag system in the 745Li. SIM determines which airbags to inflate and with how much force. SIM also provides reserve power for the entire safety system should the collision result in an immediate loss of electrical power.
