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2006 BMW 750Li Road Test

BMW Flagship Brings New Meaning to "Hostile Takeover"

It may difficult to spot the facelift BMW has given the 7-Series for 2006, but exterior revisions give the flagship Bimmer a new grille, headlights, front bumper, hood, rear bumper, trunk lid, taillights, rear valance, side sills and wheels. Slight mods also apply to the spacious cabin wherein one will find dashboard tweaking, iDrive improvements and updated trim elements. But probably the most influential yet least visible alteration for 2006 is the increased displacement and output of the V8 powerplant that powered last years 745s, and now powers their replacements, the 750i and 750Li. Its a dream of an engine, but more about that later.

In my mind, the styling revisions for 2006 dont go far enough to eradicate the controversial design cues that have plagued this fourth generation 7-Series since its unveiling in 2002. Continuing to be particularly objectionable to my eye

Exterior revisions give the flagship Bimmer a new grille, headlights, front bumper, hood, rear bumper, trunk lid, taillights, rear valance, side sills and wheels. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

is the vehicles boxy trunk lid arrangement that raised many an eyebrow in BMW circles. Yes its better, and yes Ive become more accepting of the big cars styling quirks day-by-day, but the overall package remains far from equaling the clean symmetrical lines I so admire in Audis A8. Despite my frosty reception, the 7-Series projects a distinctive, bold muscular stance that suggests this is not a sedan to be trifled with.

Putting credence to the cars powerful image is an up-sized, highly sophisticated, 32-valve V8. Now displacing 4.8 liters (293 cu in), the crème-brule-smooth

Within normal driving parameters the engine never has to do anything more than loaf along, but like a good sentry it is always ready to snap to attention. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

mill develops a magnificent 360 horsepower twinned by 360 pound-feet of torque. Thats 35 more ponies and 30 more pounds of torque than last years 4.4 liter (268 cu in) V8. Like last year, the V8s output flows through a 6-speed autobox featuring steering-wheel-mounted buttons to control BMWs STEPTRONIC manual-mode shift technology. In addition to manual-mode, the transmission has a sport-mode, which allows it to hold a gear longer and shift gears more quickly. This engine/transmission combo is well suited to each other. Within normal driving parameters the engine never has to do anything more than loaf along, but like a good sentry it is always ready to snap to attention. Although its powerband and

Somehow BMW engineers have learned to defy the forces of physics when it comes to managing its 2,065 kilograms (4,552 lbs) of mass. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

torque curve feel resilient and broad, the availability of six cogs keeps the revs within this V8s sweet spot, providing brisk acceleration off-the-line and nothing short of startling highway passing performance. The 750Lis straight-line athleticism is only surpassed by its outstanding handling characteristics - somehow BMW engineers have learned to defy the forces of physics when it comes to managing its 4,552 lbs of mass. The hi-tech aluminum underpinnings perform a Herculean task of deftly managing the weight without sacrificing the cars premium ride quality. BMWs Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) technology contributes greatly to the task by allowing the 750Li to remain dime-flat as it carves through curves with remarkable stability and composure.

Essentially ASR places a hydraulic coupling in the center

The ultra-comfortable and infinitely adjustable front sport seats in my tester were both heated and ventilated. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

of each stabilizer bar. When not battling cornering forces the joint is decoupled, maximizing the suspensions compliance. When the car encounters cornering-roll the couplings reconnect the front and rear stabilizer bars allowing them to function as stout anti-roll bars capable of keeping the 750Li parallel to the pavement. This mechanical wizardry operates seamlessly. In fact, its almost eerie how such a colossal sedan can corner so tenaciously and securely, without compromising safety or its luxury-car ride quality. Keep in mind though, my tester was equipped with the optional Sport Package, which firming-ups the spring calibrations and shod it in huge 20-inch Michelin sport rubber.

Slightly out-of-this-world handling dynamics is certainly reason enough to be impressed by Bimmers flag carrier, however, for those whose expectations exceed the 750Lis handling and ride accomplishments, its abundant refinements, luxury and comfort, they

The rear passengers can enjoy the benefit of a rear-facing video screen, not only DVD compatible but also "wired" for television and information. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

are bound to strike a homerun. The ultra-comfortable and infinitely adjustable front sport seats in my tester were both heated and ventilated. Among the usual set of power adjustments, they featured power adjustable side bolsters, head restraints and seat extenders. The drivers seat was also equipped with a massage setting - now thats spoilage to the max!

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