It’s a good time to be rich.
Actually, it’s always a good time to be rich. But for the elite, corporate-raiding executives of the world, there’s never been a better time to own a large, over-the-top uber-luxury sedan.
The current Audi A8, Jaguar XJ-L and Mercedes-Benz S-Class all pamper occupants with elevated levels of comfort, luxury and technology. But there’s a new sheriff in town and it goes by the name of BMW 750i xDrive. All-new for 2016, the 7 Series BMW doesn’t just improve on the old model, it redefines what a luxury executive sedan should be.
Big Car, Big Power
The new 7 Series is available with six, eight or soon, even 12 cylinders. Regardless of which engine is chosen, all are turbocharged and sending gobs of power through an eight-speed automatic. In the 750i xDrive, all four wheels receive their share of a 4.4-liter V8’s 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.
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Despite the car’s stretched 206.6-inch wheelbase and immense curb weight of 4,610 pounds, the 750i xDrive can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds. It’s deceiving just how quick this car is. Power builds so smoothly and effortlessly that, at times, it’s easy to forget just how fast the car is actually going. Luckily, there’s a massive head-up display to help keep the driver informed of current velocity levels.
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Smooth and Supple
But it’s the ride that really impresses. Smooth and supple is the best way to describe the 750i as a whole. The adjustable air suspension eliminates road imperfections so well that it plays tricks on the mind. If a giant crack in the road is dead ahead, yet the big Bimmer will tramples over it and nothing will be felt from the inside.
Part of this has to do with the sheer size of the new 7 Series. It’s a big car and drives that way. Still, handling is well sorted out and it’s surprising how quick the car is to respond to a driver’s inputs. Safe to say BMW still has driving dynamics nailed down, even when it comes to a barge like this.
First Class Cabin
But enough about how the 7 Series drives, it’s the interior that will have friends and family seething with jealousy. Give them one ride in the back seat, especially when it comes equipped with the Executive Lounge Seating Package and they may never want to get out. It transforms the back of the car into a first-class airline cabin.
For starters, there are dual, fully power adjustable seats. More than that, they’re heated, ventilated and can be set through one of several massage programs. Heck, it’s even possible to perform one of BMW’s Vitality exercise routines on the go, using the massage seats and rear display screens for a mild workout.
And to rest after a not so vigorous exercise, the right side rear passenger seat can transform into ultra-relax mode. By pushing a single button, the front passenger seat slides all the way up to the dashboard, the headrest folds down, the seat reclines inward and a foot rest deploys from the seat back. To say this set up is a comfortable way to be transported is overstating the obvious, like winning the lottery and saying it’s “alright, I guess.” Passengers of all shapes and sizes will fit in the executive seating with their legs stretched out, including those over six-feet tall.
In Full Control
As should be the case for any high-powered corporate gladiator being chauffeured around in the back of the 750i, nearly all of the car’s functions are readily available at their fingertips. Audio, seat, climate, navigation and vehicle settings can all be altered through either of the seat mounted display screens or a third seven-inch touchscreen mounted between the seats. Basically, BMW’s new iDrive is available to any occupant at all times, which is great since those riding in the back won’t have to communicate with the common folk up front.
If the air quality is not up to proper standards, it’s possible to send out a spritz of fragrance from one of two built in scents and cycle the interior ambient colors to set the appropriate mood. And that accent lighting is pretty much everywhere inside the BMW, including many of the speakers that are actually back lit from inside. But wait, the lighting story isn’t done there. Rear seat passengers also have large vertical soft lights mounted to the doors and
the dual-pane panoramic moonroof features thousands of built-in color changing LED lights.
If the day’s sun is a bit too much or the paparazzi are in hot pursuit, the 750i comes equipped with power operated sunshades for the rear window and both doors. Once shaded from the outside world, why not surf the web using the Bimmer’s on-board WiFi and center touchscreen that’s actually a removable tablet as well?
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The Driver is Well Taken Care of As Well
But all of the technological wizardry isn’t just reserved for those lounging in the rear compartment. The driver can enjoy leading edge technology as well like BMW’s pedestrian detecting night vision camera, active steering, adaptive cruise control and adjustable drive modes. Plus, they get to play with BMW’s new gesture control for basic infotainment operations.
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And after hours, once the dignitaries have been dropped off for the evening, drivers of the 7 Series can show off the new display key to their friends. It features a built in mini-touchscreen with pages of information about the car and allows for remote operation of functions like the door locks and climate control. It may not be the quickest operating smart device, but the fact it’s so small and still a legitimate key for the car makes some of its lag acceptable. And for those worried about it needing to be charged, the key can be wirelessly charged in the center console via a built-in pocket.
The Verdict: 2016 BMW 750i xDrive Review
Starting at a price of $98,395 after destination charges, the 2016 BMW 750i xDrive isn’t exactly in everyone’s budget. As tested, the prices ramps up to $127,945, which is a healthy jump. But, looked at in context, that price is actually quite a good value. Compared to a lot of other ultra-luxury sedans and SUVs, it’s hard to match the 750i’s levels of performance, comfort and technology for that price.
Plus, the new 7 Series is a technological wonder on wheels. It’s perfect for any high-powered executive’s overloaded daily grind and weekend jaunts to the international bacon and caviar concourse.
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