As the autobahn outside Dresden opens up in front of us, I push hard on the accelerator. There's a surge of power and we glide effortlessly toward the wide horizon. I'm enjoying the serenity of the experience - a cushioned ride, an empty road and plenty of power.
We're moving forward at warp speed. The sheer size and speed of the new 7-Series nudges slower traffic to the right well before we're on top of them - you have to love German driving discipline.
While concentrating on the glass-top autobahn, I detect a slight change in the car's demeanor. I glance at the heads-up display projected onto the screen in front of me. The big numbers read 255. I glance down at the black panel speedo and notice the needle is pinned on the stop.
Taken just after lifting off...
Taken just after lifting off the throttle, we managed to swing the speedo all the way round to the stop
We've maxed-out the 400hp twin-turbo 750i and the speed limiter is holding us at a whisker over 155mph. "155 at 9:30 in the morning. What a wonderful start to the day," my passenger declares. He's right. The gridlock of Los Angeles feels like its 5872 miles away.
The crisp, cool morning air is giving the twin-turbo V8 (first seen in the X6) extra urgency, but we're soon on the brakes and exiting the autobahn. It's only now that this 4564 lb sedan (curb weight of the long wheelbase 750Li is 4640 lb) feels its size. When accelerating hard, it feels smaller, more compact.
As we head into the scenic German countryside, this vanishing trick is repeated. BMW's engineers continue to practice their witchcraft, making you believe in the impossible.
Finally, Mk2 iDrive makes...
Finally, Mk2 iDrive makes sense
This time, they've done it with the most advanced chassis ever seen under a BMW. It starts with multi-link double-wishbone front suspension and continues the new "Integral V" aluminum rear suspension. This works in combination with the variable ratio and hydraulic power-assist Active Steering that also controls the Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering. They then added Dynamic Damping Control with four settings for shock absorber firmness, transmission shift characteristics, engine-throttle response and power steering assist (Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus).
In Sport mode, the default settings can be adjusted by the driver. In Sport Plus, the stability and traction controls reduce their intervention, giving you more freedom to enjoy the car. Finally, Active Roll Stabilization reduces body lean in corners.
What this assault of technology means is you find yourself throwing the 7-Series around like it's a smaller 5-Series. The chassis responds predictably and safely, with very little indication of the control systems in play. It really does shrink the size of this 16.7ft long vehicle, making it the most luxurious sports car ever; or the most sporty luxury car, depending on your point of view.
400hp, 450 lb-ft 4.4 liter...
400hp, 450 lb-ft 4.4 liter V8 from X6 carries two turbos inside the vee of the engine under that plastic cover
This fifth generation 7er is the most advanced yet and also the best yet. Whether it will continue the sales success of the previous generation remains to be seen, especially since it's launching into an uncertain economic climate. What's more, BMW only plans to bring the 750i/Li to the States, making it susceptible to rising gas prices. However, they did give us the opportunity to drive the 730d. It uses a new version of BMW's 3.0 turbo-diesel and is claimed to be the most efficient in class.
And with BMW USA not ruling out the possibility of bringing this Stateside if conditions prevail, there could be a greener option for US drivers.