2002 BMW 745i

Black Cherry woodgrain and leather are the interior motifs. Electronics abound, including auto climate control, GPS navigation, hands-free phone and distance-sensing cruise control.

Inside, the new 7 Series is bigger, sleeker and more refined in both fore and aft seating positions. Complementing the less-cluttered appearance is a list of standard features that goes on for days. Among the many highlights are mass quantities of supple leather and matte-finished Black Cherry accent trim, power assists for just about every imaginable function, dual-zone automatic climate control, trip computer, GPS navigation system, distance-sensing cruise control, hands-free integrated cell phone, 240-watt/10-speaker sound system and front/side/side-curtain airbags.


As with other aspects of this new prestige player, the unexpected is never far away. In this case, it centers on BMW's revolutionary iDrive system. Located where the shift lever—now repositioned and recast as a mini-stalklet on the right side of the steering column—once was, this unique controller element provides complete access to every major operating system. Pushing, pulling or rotating the iDrive knob in the proper sequence brings up visual access to any one of eight functional areas on the dash-mounted LCD screen. From there, you can set or change everything from cabin temperature to suspension stiffness to your favorite radio stations. Those comfortable with high-tech gadgetry are likely to find iDrive as fundamentally intuitive as BMW claims it to be. However, if you're one of those folks whose VCR is still flashing 12:00, be prepared to suffer through a rather steep learning curve if you plan to make this sport-oriented luxo-liner part of your personal scuderia.


Price of entry for a new 745i starts at $68,495, including destination fees, with the long-wheelbase 745Li commanding $72,495. Fitted with optional Adaptive Ride package, our tester bottom-lined at $70,395. Other prime options on the 7 Series include Cold Weather and Convenience packages, an ultra-premium 700-watt Logic 7 sound system, tire-pressure monitor, ventilated front Comfort Seats, power rear-seatback adjusters, power rear/side sunshades, rear-side airbags, and a park-distance control. The 7 Series saga will incorporate two new plot twists in the fall, when the lineup expands to include a Sport version of the 745i as well as the range-topping 760Li, an ultra-luxo variant powered by a new 408-horsepower/6.0-liter V-12.


With its unprecedented emphasis on unconventionality, BMW's newest offering is destined to face some interesting challenges in an ever-more-competitive marketplace. How buyers respond to its bold looks and iDrive technology remains to be seen. What can't be faulted is a powertrain and chassis combination that's second to none. In the long run, that fundamental personality trait will likely have the greatest impact on determining its place in BMW's panoply of ultimate driving machines. (www.bmwusa.com)