2004 BMW 760Li

Admittedly, I was a bit unnerved by the 745i's new styling when it appeared—but, now, extended into the 760Li's finely chiseled shape, the bold, extruded decklid, and the tall, well-filled wheel arches and pinched grille have grown on me. Look at any new BMW 7 Series alongside its predecessor and you'll have to agree—the latest version is more majestic, with a commanding, modern presence. That's particularly true of the long-wheelbase variant. And it's why the new 7 Series has been breaking BMW sales records the world over.

BMW has mastered the knack of taking excess weight out of a big car and making it nimble and agile.

Under the hood, the V-12 supplies a lot more than high horsepower. BMW offers the world's first direct-injected gasoline V-12, incorporating a common-rail high-pressure injection system with a high 11.3:1 compression ratio that maximizes fuel economy. You may think economy and V-12 don't belong in the same sentence. BMW North America's CEO, Tom Purves, insists that while his luxury buyers aren't worrying about the cost of fuel, they are pleased that the 760Li's 10-percent increase in fuel economy makes it "the smart buy" in the segment. BMW's sophisticated Valvetronic Double VANOS variable valve timing system provides infinitely adjustable valve and cam timing, ensuring a seamless transition from economical cruising to full throttle power. When cruising at 100 mph, the engine revs are just 2,500 in Sixth, even less for a barely legal 70 mph. Top end, electronically limited, is 149 mph.


The 760Li's impressive handling is due in part to a light-alloy suspension system and standard Active Roll Stabilization (ARS). Both front and rear anti-roll bars are supplemented with integrated hydraulic actuators, virtually eliminating lateral body movement under hard cornering. Standard are electronically controlled shocks and rear air springs that ensure maximum grip, while a myriad of sensors and computers instantly fine-tune the V-12's lightning-quick (by wire) throttle responses. Star-spoke forged-alloy 19-inch wheels are standard. In an interesting switch, optional 18-inch exclusive alloys are available with run-flat tires. The huge 13.6/13.7-inch cross-drilled disc brakes with ABS, plus electronic brake proportioning and dynamic brake control, haul this baby down like a giant hand.

The 760Li's rear seats adjust 14 ways and include articulated upper backrests and 4-way lumbar support.

The 760Li incorporates nearly all of the 745i's inclusions and options. You get 10 airbags, (including knee bags for front passengers), that imperceptibly shifting six-speed manu-matic transmission (now with Steptronic selectable sport and manual modes), adaptive transmission control and steering wheel-mounted upshift and downshift controls. There are 60-something computers(!)—several to power BMW's updated Dynamic Stability Control system, which bundles ABS, all-speed traction control, the aforementioned dynamic brake control and brake proportioning—and over 85 electric motors, including a tiny dash-mounted unit that "sniffs" interior air then alerts an array of filters. Several features are infinitely variable: like the speed-sensitive, road-sensing, power rack-and-pinion steering, and the V-12's specially-designed intake runners that optimize power and torque for every rev selection, ably assisted by variable intake and exhaust cam timing and Valvetronic intake valve lift control. Oh, and did we mention the electronic parking brake?


Inside, there are yards of micro-perforated leather trim, even more leather on the instrument panel and front seat sides, and a leather bag for vehicle documents. Lumber lovers will enjoy the high-gloss, 2-tone wood trim and discrete C-pillar mounted Ambiance LED Lighting. The superb, 420-watt Logic 7 sound system boasts seven channels, 13 speakers and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. It utilizes the space between the car's framerails for subwoofer echo chambers. Standard 20-way front comfort seats are paired with rear seats that adjust 14 ways and include articulated upper backrests and 4-way lumbar support, active ventilation and 3-stage heating plus massage. If you insist on the rear climate control and cool box, though, you have to pay extra. Other options include active cruise, rear seat side airbags and security glass.