In the automotive world, the letter “L” has always been associated with long-wheelbase models, and BMW’s 750Li is no exception.
Holding the substantial key fob, slightly smaller than the most compact cellphones available today, in your palm, you quickly realise that BMW has pulled out all the stops to offer one of their most technological advanced luxury sedans to date.
Switch the key fob on, wait for it to connect to the car and you can then start the engine – yes, remotely while you stand but a few metres away. Press and hold the “P” button, and you’re now able to move the car forwards and backwards via the small screen on the key fob. Surely one of the ultimate car-related party tricks currently available.
However, it is from behind the wheel, or indeed from the rear passenger seats, where the 750Li is best experienced.
Behind the wheel
First, the facts. Physics will tell you that the longer wheelbase will ride better than the standard version, but you would have to drive the two cars back-to-back to experience the slight difference. Having said that, after a number of days behind the wheel, the overall experience is of a ship that wafts down the road with an immense level of ease, particularly as I preferred to toggle the drive selector to the “Comfort Plus” mode the moment I climbed on board. It is a 7 Series, after all…
The 4,4-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine does a sterling job of pulling this hefty sedan down the road. One has the option of selecting “Sport” mode and moving the gearlever to the manual position, allowing the engine to rev out all the way to 6 500 r/min. However, leave it in the auto mode, and it is remarkable how the engine mapping sees the 750Li take advantage of all that torque rather than the power.
But, after a quick blast through a twisty mountain pass (where the car coped rather well), I started to feel as though I was doing the car an injustice. Indeed, the vehicle is best left in full auto mode, with the engine ticking over between 1 500 and 2 500 r/min, with barely a murmur from the drivetrain.
Meanwhile, the semi-autonomous driving technology, activated via buttons on the left spoke of the steering wheel, works faultlessly. The system forces you to keep your hands on the wheel for it to stay engaged, but it’ll even steer around slight bends. Obviously, you still need to pay attention, as any roadworks, sudden turns or any lack of road markings, must be managed by the driver.
In the back
Yes, this is where you really want to spend your time. Each B-pillar features large interior lights, to go with the traditional roof lights. The two rear pews can be cooled or warmed and the air-con can be set for each individual, separate to the zones chosen by those up front. Fold the centre armrest down and you’ll find a telephone as well as a removable tablet that allows you to manage the two individual screens in the rear.
It’s been quite a while since I enjoyed spending so much time sitting in the rear of a car. Watch colleague Nikesh Kooverjee’s video explaining some of the technological highlights of the 7 Series.
Summary
I would love to know how many of these cars are actually bought for family use, and how many are picked up by companies (such as corporates or those in the hotel and tourism industry). Regardless, for me, it surely ranks as one of the ultimate family cars.
But, with chilled bottles of champagne or white wine in the handy rear-sited refrigerator, the ambient lighting set to one’s preference, and all that extra leg-room (although rather limited headroom), there’s little doubt that the car will actually be bought for the individual who occupies the rear quarters … rather than the one driving.
