The latest BMW 7-Series to hit the SA market, the highly-equipped 745Li, features an all-new long wheelbase for ride comfort and limousine-like luxury.The latest BMW 7-Series to hit the SA market, the highly-equipped 745Li, features an all-new long wheelbase for ride comfort and limousine-like luxury.
The 745 Li is based on the standard wheelbase 735i and 745i models, but is 140mm longer. The extra length is incorporated into the rear doors. The longer wheelbase improves ride comfort and gives rear-seat passengers more legroom (an extra 89 mm). Self-levelling pneumatic suspension is fitted at the rear as standard.
The 745Li shares the dramatic – if controversial – sweeping headlights and protruding boot lid of its siblings. It has chrome inserts in the bumpers and along the roofline.
The Li is powered by the same new V8 engine as fitted to the 745i, featuring fully variable intake manifold, continuous adjustment of camshafts (Bi-VANOS) and inlet valves (Valvetronic). This produces 245 kW at 6 100 r/min and 450 N.m torque at 3 600 r/min.
The 745Li has an overall fuel consumption of 11,2 litres per 100km. The engine is mated to a standard six-speed auto ‘box, which features a sequential manual mode. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
It will be joined during the first quarter of next year by the 300 kW V12-powered flagship, the 760Li.
The cabin is about luxury and space with the dashboard following a simplicity design. Thanks to “idrive” a metal knob takes pride of place in the centre console. It functions like a computer mouse, and allows the driver to operate a host of functions such as entertainment, ventilation, the onboard computer and satellite navigation.
It also features automatically dipping door mirrors, including electrical folding for manoeuvring in tight spaces and ease of parking. The rear seat shows off the limousine-like comfort. The centre armrest is crammed with controls. The rear seats are electrically adjustable and have a memory function. Adjustment range includes backrest rake, seat height, as well as adjustable headrests with side supports.
There’s also a second cordless phone handset in the rear console.
Rear passengers can use separate SIM cards to make calls without the driver having access to the numbers. Each phone can have a different number but cannot be called at the same time.
An option is a rear monitor with TV and DVD changer. The 16,5 cm (diagonal) television flat-screen is positioned between the front seats. It features automatic contrast regulation depending on sunlight intensity and can be stowed away when not in use.
Electrically-operated side and rear roller blinds are also provided. Included in the selling price of all BMWs is a standard five-year/100 000 km Motorplan maintenance contract.
