Range-topping BMW 750Li

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Introduction

When the fifth-generation of BMW's range-topping 7 Series was launched at the back-end of 2008 we declared it better looking and better to drive than its predecessor, yet more efficient and packing a bundle of easy-to-use advanced technology. Now it's time to live with the range-topper - the twin-turbocharged, long wheelbase 750Li - for a week to assess its strengths and weaknesses away from its comfort zone of the German autobahn.

What are its rivals?

Given the price of the 7 Series, there are a surprising number of cars in the same sector vying for the attention of the seriously well-heeled buyers. From the usual suspects come the formidable Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8, while the Jaguar XJ and Lexus LS are also worth considering. Mercedes offers several versions of the S-Class ranging from efficient diesels to the elegant (if expensive) S 500 and S 600 and the more extrovert AMG versions. Audi's A8 is more subtle, even when fitted with a V10 engine in the S8 model or the W12 6.0-litre unit. Lexus majors on comfort, while Jaguar offers buyers a choice of supercharged V8s to compete against the BMW 750i. Slightly left-field options include Maserati's gorgeous Quattroporte and the new Porsche Panamera. The BMW seems to represent really good value when compared to virtually all its direct competitors.

How does it drive?

Of the traditional German luxury marques, BMW has always put itself forward as the keen driver's choice. That has applied to the range-topper too, despite the likelihood that most of its buyers will spend all of their time on the motorway with cruise control in place, or, in the case of the 'L' long wheelbase models, sitting in the back seat clinching a business deal or two on the phone.

To allow the new 7 Series cosset its occupants, as well as excite the driver if he's interested, BMW fits all models with Driving Dynamic Control (DDC). A prominent button on the centre console allows four settings, from Comfort to Sport +, each adjusting the damping, the anti-roll bar stiffness, power steering assistance, throttle and gearbox calibrations to suit. The driver can customise the settings of the Sport mode and the automatic transmission also features a separate 'sport' option.

The DDC system is highly effective. In Comfort mode the throttle is 'softer', allowing for smooth slow-speed driving in particular and the ride is smoothened out. Up the pace though and body control suffers. Normal mode is, unsurprisingly, the best compromise, while Sport gives the 7 a more aggressive personality, making it feel like a much smaller sports saloon. We don't think many owners will go all the way to Sport +, as that also reduces the level of traction control.

What's impressive?

The array of technology on offer and, more importantly, its usefulness. Along with DDC mentioned above we tried out the various parking and manoeuvring assistance systems, including small cameras mounted ahead of the front wheels that really help when you're nosing out of a tight junction. The automatically dipped headlights work a treat too and for particularly bad conditions there's a night vision assist system that displays the road ahead on the car's monitor, helping to pick out obstacles and pedestrians in the distance before your own eyes can see them.

What's not?

Who wouldn't be impressed by the new twin-turbo V8 engine under the bonnet? It's powerful and silent unless you really push it, in which case it sounds brilliant. However, it's a thirsty beast if you're doing anything other than cruising. We averaged about 19mpg (15-litres/100km) in a week where about two-thirds of the time was spent on the motorway. Though the 750i's performance figures shade the 730d's on paper, in reality the six-cylinder turbodiesel engine is just as quick in the real world and significantly more frugal.

A final niggle concerns the six-speed automatic. It doesn't seem perfectly matched to the power characteristics of this V8 engine, often dropping a gear unnecessarily when you summon up modest acceleration. That can't help with the fuel economy. Thankfully BMW has an all-new eight-speed transmission on the way.

Should I buy one?

Not many buyers of the long wheelbase BMW 7 Series choose their car for how it drives. Thankfully, that's not the 750Li's only party trick. It's a massively stylish, comfortable saloon with loads of space and technology that really works. That it undercuts many rivals on price will appeal to some, though we suspect that the 750Li model will be bought by those that don't have to worry too much about costs and fuel economy though, as the 730Ld version does virtually everything it does while using a lot less fuel.

Shane O' Donoghue