For every new car in the industry, there is potential for an
automotive journalist (like me) to exploit it via review, story and
photography. This gives the new car buyer an additional tool to use when
deciding and makes the assignment all the more rewarding for the
reviewer. Some cars, like green vehicles, do not warrant over the top
excitement in their background (usually, something representative of
“green” – like a forest, suffices).
Sports cars may garner a race track or scantily clad model. Luxury
cars tend to be shown amid a major metropolitan area. SUVs (depending on
their PR department) are shown with families, off road, in the jungle
and at a campsite. The point is: these are images that are supposed to
draw you, the buyer into the vehicle’s image.
So, when I got the chance to drive a 2010 BMW 750i xDrive – I was
stunned at my friend’s suggestion as to what (or, in this case “who”) he
suggested I use with this amazing machine. “Dude, use some exotic
dancers and drape them on the hood!” I was astonished. After I
questioned him about substance abuse, I responded “On a new 7-series…
are you out of your mind!?”
“Exotic Dancers” is another way to say “Strippers”
That got me thinking as I piloted the 750i into the Rocky Mountains;
“Why do so many people use models in shoots?” Don’t get me wrong, I like
beautiful woman just fine – big fan. But, (as stupid as my friend’s
advice was) lots of people use models for a variety of cars.
Why? It’s like saying, “well, this car is not visually interesting on
its own, lets add a girl with big boobs! Remember to add lots of baby
oil!” Some cars ARE uninteresting, or ugly, and indeed need that extra
oomph to make a nice photo – – but not this sweet BMW 750i.
(Finally) Gone is the bitter taste the last few years of challenging
design left. Now, BMW has rediscovered complimentary lines, style and
grace. Remember those things BMW used to be known for? It’s all coming
back now. I feel the completely redesigned 2010 Z4 paved the way as it
is stunning to look at.
Now, we have a sleek, bold look of the 7 series.
The only angle that’s a bit odd visually is looking at the front
end’s blunt nose in profile. Even that point is lost on the rest of the
vehicle’s visuals. Far more important is the sublime 400 horsepower,
(making 450 lbs of torque) 4.4 liter, TWIN-TURBO V8.
Sweet Jesus it’s powerful!
My tester had the optional xDrive and ‘M’ options like higher end
(wider) ‘M’ wheels with interior upgrades. Interior goodies represent
everything you expect in most luxo-barges including forward/side cameras
(that can peer to the sides ahead of the front wheels – like at an
intersection) night vision, the improved iDrive and a host of popular
luxury gizmos. Together, this mega cruiser garnered a price tag of about
$115,000.
That price is worth it based on the powertrain alone.
From a standstill to 60 mph takes less than 5 ½ seconds way up at
5,200 feet elevation. At about 4,000 rpm the V8’s delicious tunes
permeate the hushed interior – it’s a purr that’s addictive. The XDrive
system can divert up to all of its power foe and aft depending on the
performance requirement. This is a first for the 7-series.
Another first is the comprehensive IMS system that allows the driver a
choice of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings. Each choice
changes the algorithm in shock settings, steering effort and shifting
timing. The stability control settings alter as well. This gives the
750i Xdrive 4 distinctive personalities.
AND the rear wheels steer too! Yes, indeed – driving up to 35 mph and
the rear wheels turn slightly counter to the front. Over 35 and the
rear wheels turn the same direction when needed. Combined, these
technical innovations make for a huge sedan that handles like a
mid-sized one from the driver’s seat.
Legroom is generous up front and limousine-like in the rear. My
tester had monitors facing the rear passengers along with a full
entertainment system. Power shades finished the luxury experience
covering all of the side glass and a driver controlled rear shade.
Complaints?
The 6-speed auto-box is sublime in execution but there is a bit of a
learning curve using the gear lever. The IDrive system is better but
still difficult to acclimate to and the excellent seats lack the ability
to cool (at least on my tester).
These gripes are small in the face of so much class and innovation.
Which brings me back to my original disgust with my friend’s
suggestion to rent scantily clad women, drape them over the hood and
shoot photos. Perhaps with a Corvette, Porsche or some hotrod – but not
with this lovely BMW 750… it’s catering to a completely different
clientele.
On our new TFLcar recommendation scale of:
– Buy it
– Lease it
– Rent it or
– Forget it
Nathan concludes: It's a: "So good that you should consider selling one of your limbs to buy it!"
Automotive media, racing, vehicle evaluation, wrecking yards, and car
sales are just a part of Nathan Adlen’s vehicular past. He writes out
of high octane passion! To read more reviews by Nathan Adlen or just to
enjoy more of excellent writing please visit him on at his examiner.com
page HERE
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