BMW 745 Overview

Few mainstream automobiles in the past 20 years have stirred controversy to the extent that BMW's ambitious 7 Series has. The BMW 7 Series still sparks debate three years after it was introduced, but we can assure you this: BMW's largest car is a luxury sedan in the truest sense, and it's impressive to drive. Its responsive engine and six-speed automatic transmission, its magic-carpet ride quality, excellent handling and awesomely powerful brakes deliver the ultimate in big-sedan driver control.

Whichever 7 Series you choose, starting with the standard 745i, you'll get a sedan that's big, smooth, fast and inspiring. It's also equipped with the latest safety technology. No matter where you sit, you'll experience a cabin that's beautiful and wonderfully comfortable. The 745Li and 760Li (L for long) offer even greater legroom in the back seats. All the 7 Series models are exceptionally powerful and responsive, and if the V12-powered 760i and 760Li don't stir something inside you, you may as well call a cab.

The 7 Series has stirred controversy as well as enthusiasm that revolves around two issues: styling and its iDrive interface. Known for brilliant high-performance sedans with conservative styling and straightforward interiors, BMW stepped out of the box with the introduction of this latest-generation 7 Series. The three years since the 7 Series launch have tempered controversy over its stunning styling only a little, and the styling direction introduced on 7 can now be seen on the 5 Series sedan, 6 Series coupe, Z3 sports car, as well as the 2006 3 Series models. One thing is for sure, the 7 Series has presence, something that cannot be said of the previous-generation models.

Virtually everything in the cabin is controlled through a single mouse-like interface called iDrive. BMW's controversial system controls the heater, the radio, the navigation system, and it demands some study to master. Once that's accomplished, however, driving the 7 Series cars is easy and quite satisfying. It will achieve your wishes quickly and efficiently, occasionally bending the laws of physics in the process. BMW says its goal with the 7 Series was building the safest car in the world.

The whisper-quiet cabin is a great place for quiet conversation or magnificent solitude. The 7 Series has a superb-sounding stereo, so it's an insulated sound studio where you can hear Mozart concertos, crystal clear vocals or crisp acoustic guitar notes. And the level of technology the 7 Series offers is mind boggling. Silent, hidden fans and heating elements cool or warm your rear end or your soft drink; microchips can instantaneously detect a skidding tire or apply the brakes full force just in case you were distracted by a phone call; power sunshades keep the sun off your rear passengers. Adaptive headlights turn with the car.

Among the big luxury sedans, the BMW 7 Series is indeed the ultimate driving machine.