Now driven by four
BMW has made a name for itself with outstanding rear-wheel drive cars. Now, the big 750 also comes with the brand’s xDrive system whose merits remain undeniable. Quick to respond yet totally imperceptible, it beautifully teams up with Active Steering and Dynamic Damping Control technologies — the latter including Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes — to literally turn this 5,000-pound machine into a world-class performer.
Of course, the sportier the mode, the stiffer the suspension. This tends to make the ride (just) a tad less comfortable for members of your royal family sitting in the back. On the plus side, driving dynamics are significantly improved at the same time, which creates memorable moments on the road.
Four hundred ponies eagerly neigh under the hood yet remain orderly and civilized under acceleration. Sprints are lively though not explosive and passing manœuvres are undertaken in smooth, safe fashion (maybe a bit too smooth at times, however).
The 750Li proves surprisingly competent and agile in corners despite its outrageous proportions. It truly handles like a smaller car. Unpleasant understeer once associated with older BMWs is long gone. Here we have a much more balanced sedan, especially with Dynamic Driving technology (as was the case of my tester). You can go through complex series of manoeuvres and the 750Li will never flinch.
Technology galore
No self-respecting premium full-size automobile would be complete without a myriad of advanced technologies, particularly on the safety and driving fronts. This time, the list includes Head-Up Display and side-mounted cameras which provide a better view of traffic coming from the sides. There’s also Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, a rearview camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Night Vision with pedestrian detection. (Personally, though, the massaging rear seats made me smile the most).
The 2010 BMW 750Li xDrive features all the ingredients that any prestige sedan should have, including great driving dynamics, effective performance, world-class luxury and exclusiveness. On that note, my loaded tester retailed for nearly $140,000. While the base model is more affordable, you really have to love comfort to swallow this kind of price…
BMW has made a name for itself with outstanding rear-wheel drive cars. Now, the big 750 also comes with the brand’s xDrive system whose merits remain undeniable. Quick to respond yet totally imperceptible, it beautifully teams up with Active Steering and Dynamic Damping Control technologies — the latter including Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes — to literally turn this 5,000-pound machine into a world-class performer.
Of course, the sportier the mode, the stiffer the suspension. This tends to make the ride (just) a tad less comfortable for members of your royal family sitting in the back. On the plus side, driving dynamics are significantly improved at the same time, which creates memorable moments on the road.
Four hundred ponies eagerly neigh under the hood yet remain orderly and civilized under acceleration. Sprints are lively though not explosive and passing manœuvres are undertaken in smooth, safe fashion (maybe a bit too smooth at times, however).
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| Driving the 750 is a pretty unique experience. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The 750Li proves surprisingly competent and agile in corners despite its outrageous proportions. It truly handles like a smaller car. Unpleasant understeer once associated with older BMWs is long gone. Here we have a much more balanced sedan, especially with Dynamic Driving technology (as was the case of my tester). You can go through complex series of manoeuvres and the 750Li will never flinch.
Technology galore
No self-respecting premium full-size automobile would be complete without a myriad of advanced technologies, particularly on the safety and driving fronts. This time, the list includes Head-Up Display and side-mounted cameras which provide a better view of traffic coming from the sides. There’s also Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, a rearview camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Night Vision with pedestrian detection. (Personally, though, the massaging rear seats made me smile the most).
The 2010 BMW 750Li xDrive features all the ingredients that any prestige sedan should have, including great driving dynamics, effective performance, world-class luxury and exclusiveness. On that note, my loaded tester retailed for nearly $140,000. While the base model is more affordable, you really have to love comfort to swallow this kind of price…
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