BMWs are apparently for smart people. How else can you explain the many puzzling control mechanisms in the 750Li? From the often-dissed but undoubtedly versatile iDrive to the weird seat controls to rear switches that toggle between window and power-sunshade control, the whole car is full of devices that require research and experimentation, but they offer considerable convenience to a resourceful driver once they're all figured out.
And no one can argue that this approach does not greatly reduce control clutter, leaving the driver to explore the BMW's stalwart straight-line speed and communicative handling attributes. Gadgets notwithstanding, the 750Li is still a driver's car, with a hefty feel at the wheel, good throttle response, and disciplined ride-motion control.
Without beating you up, the BMW goes where it's aimed, turns in without rolling like a harpooned whale, and clings to the intended line with considerable tenacity. The steering wheel loads up enough to tell the driver what the score is at the contact patches, and there's a stability-control system to back up the driver who runs out of talent. It is, however, fairly conservative, and you need to delve into the iDrive to switch it off.
But check this out. The BMW tied the all-wheel-drive Audi for highest skidpad grip, at 0.87 g, and won the lane-change contest outright. The charts tell us that BMW's 4.8-liter V-8 spots the Benz's 5.5-liter V-8 a whole 22 horsepower, but it doesn't feel like it. Although it trails the S550 by just 0.1 second to 60 mph and through the quarter-mile, the Bimmer still feels plenty strong. The unthrottled Valvetronic V-8 responds well at low and medium engine speeds and then pulls with increasing vehemence as the tach needle rises. You can run triple-digit speeds all day without distracting the boss in back from the Wall Street Journal.
For those in back, the BMW offers a roomy cabin for two. The situation worsens when you add a third occupant, mainly because the prominent seat bolsters prevent outboard passengers from scooting sideways to make extra space. But as they say, two's company, three's a crowd.
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