![]() I prefer these sedans to the 5-series, and I think they do an exceptional job of hiding their bulk with a rock-solid chassis, exceptional visibility and just enough electronic nannies to keep one safe without intruding on the Sirius radio with an irritating beep every time another vehicle enters its orbit.īut the price? I suppose if you're in the market for an ActiveHybrid 7, this is what you expect to pay. The rest of the car is prime long-wheelbase 7-series BMW. Once you realize how the car is going to react, particularly how the regenerative braking will augment the service brakes, it's easy to drive this beast with gusto. BMW isn't alone in needing software tweaks, as recent Audi products had the same flaw. ![]() And I was able to beat the system in a handful of instances where I paused before turning just long enough to shut the car off, thus depriving me of power steering-and just plain power-at the moment I needed it most. I like stop/start good thing, too, as it'll soon be coming to everything, damned how I feel about it. Fortunately, the large ActiveHybrid 7 badges on the rear quarters and the decklid inform your conscience and the rest of the motoring public that this sedan driver is "doing his part." They also help remind your right foot what's happening when the engine dies at a stoplight. Granted, you have to accept what you're driving before you enter. I couldn't ask more from a luxocruiser.ĭIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: Go figure-this fat pseudo-hybrid is my favorite Bimmer from the fleet so far. And the twin-turbo V8 delivers all 440 horses in a smooth, unassuming fashion. The car is spacious, very comfortable and drives smaller than its flagship size. I have always enjoyed driving the 7-series, and this is no exception- hybrid drive included. Other than the start/stop hesitation, this is a great cruiser. But the execution needs to be way more seamless than this. And I understand it from the company's position, too, that it builds a lot of big, gas-guzzling rigs and wants to try and soften the blow. Sure, I understand that some people driving large, gas-guzzling cars want to feel a bit better about themselves and save a few ounces of fuel. But that hybrid system needs some fine-tuning.ĮXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: The jerkiness of the start/stop system is incongruous with the otherwise smooth operation of the gasoline powertrain. All of the materials are lovely and of high quality and the cabin envelopes those inside. Even at my short height, I was quite close to the headliner. The cabin is spacious, particularly in the back seats, but I would have liked more adjustment down in the front seats. In a car wearing such a large price tag, I would expect something more refined. The system abruptly turns the car off when stopped, and it jerks and shudders back to life when you hit the gas. I echo Wes in that it reminds me of Lexus's. But, I wasn't getting the sensation of the rubber meeting the road in this 750Li hybrid.Īnd speaking of the hybrid system-it is anything but smooth. Yes, the power is strong and smooth and stays that way at speed and beyond. But, this BMW felt floaty over the roads, especially on the expressway and while topping 80 mph and then some-without even realizing it. In the end all was fine, and we made the trip downtown and back home in fine style. ![]() And, I had to readjust a couple of times pulling into a corner parking spot when we headed off to a Detroit Tigers baseball game. I was a little extra careful around curves and corners to avoid any scrubbing of the tires. Yes, it's luxurious and comfortable and cosseting and all, but it's big. OROSCO-WRIGHT: This is one large vehicle. The interior is huge and comfortable and the build quality is up among the best in the business.ĬOPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. Of course, it's silent and smooth-and fast-on the freeway ![]() And on the road it's nimble and light on its feet for such a big luxury boat. Acceleration is more than brisk (after that initial hesitation), and the rolling kickdown when one stomps on the gas is impressive, to say the least. Once under way it drives fine, like any other7-series. It's not as bad as the big Lexus, but somewhat disconcerting nonetheless. This car is hard to drive smoothly in stop-and-go traffic. Then, press the gas after sitting at a light, and there's a definite hesitation. ![]() Like the Lexus LS hybrid, applying the brake seems to make the car actually pick up speed for a second before the car starts to slow down-the brakes are inconsistent at best. The herky-jerkiness of the hybrid system is disconcerting. EDITOR WES RAYNAL: This 2011 BMW 750Li ActiveHybrid is a weird car. ![]()
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