• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2004 BMW 745Li Road Test

Class Leading Performance, Cutting-Edge Technology and Style

I recently road tested the Z4, BMWs entertaining roadster, reminiscent of the classic, long hooded open air sports cars of the 1960s. 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 weeks ride, a BMW 745Li. Its 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 persons fondness for gizmos and ones 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 754Lis technically challenging, advanced electronic gear to its fullest potential is about as likely as

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

breaking an Enigma code or creating nuclear fusion from household products. Heck, the 745 doesnt even fire-up with a key. The vehicle is energized when the "remote control" (BMWs terminology) is pushed into a slot in the dash. After the remote has been authorized, the sedans 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 Bangleization 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

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

appeared. Im a huge fan of the 1995 through 2001 edition of the full-size, five-seat 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 7s 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

This is a large sedan, designed to transport five occupants in lavish comfort without sacrificing the high performance thresholds that distinguish it as a BMW. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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 7s styling while van Hooydonk penned it.

Apart from the "misaligned" trunk and unorthodox taillight treatment, I have come to admire the rounded surfaces and bulging lines of the 745Li. This is a large sedan, designed to transport five occupants in lavish comfort without sacrificing the high performance thresholds that distinguish it as a BMW. The "L" designation in the nameplate indicates length, and theres plenty

The "L" designation in the 745Lis nameplate indicates length, and theres plenty of it. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

of it. Without the "L," the 745i displaces 198 inches of roadway lengthwise. Add the "L" and an additional 5.5 inches of roadway disappears, for a grand total of 203.5 inches of length. With the extended length, which elongates the cabin, comes substantially more rear seat real estate. Those at ease in the rear avail themselves to a minimum of 43.4 inches of legroom and plenty of headroom. In fact so much legroom exists that BMW has included moveable wedges for those in the rear to rest their feet on.

So how does all that space compare against some of the competing super-sized sedans? Well, the Audi A8L checks-in 5.0 inches longer than the 745Li, but grants 1.0 inch less legroom. The top-tier Mercedes S-Class pulls the tape to within 5.1 inches of the BMWs length, and resultantly offers 3.0 inches less legroom. Lest I be accused of not mentioning

The optional multi-media package includes a console-mounted fold away screen viewable from the rear seats. It features the ability to watch TV, not just a DVD. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

a domestic biggie, the Ford Crown Victoria wins for overall length, exceeding the BMW by no less than 8.5 inches, but the Crown Vics exceptional length fails to augment its rear seat legroom, which is close to 4.0 inches less than the 745Lis; however, with a trunk large enough to park a Buick, its obvious Ford focused on cargo rather than just human accommodations.

Page:  1  2  3  4

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo