2016 BMW 750i xDrive Sedan – Review and Test Drive
This is the Future of Luxury Cars
What you get for the bargain price of $7,600 for the two packages is nothing short of incredible. Ventilated and reclining rear seats, a footrest for the rear passenger on the right, iDrive touchscreens mounted into the seatbacks that allow passengers to control everything from entertainment (there are too many options to simply say “radio”) to side and rear sunshades.
The rear seats are extremely comfortable and I had trouble convincing friends and colleagues to allow me to ride in the rear while they drove me around (it may have had something to do with the cap I insisted they wear). They offer eight different massage options with varying intensities and the Vitality Programme offers a choice of eight animated (yes, you read right) exercise programs that “mobilize” back and shoulder muscles. The front passenger seat can be moved quite far forward and the backrest folds forward to provide maximum legroom.
While you’re in the rear you can gaze upward at the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof. The dual-panel moonroof has built-in LEDs which can be adjusted to one of six colors including white, blue, orange, lilac, and green.
The driver and front passenger get heated and cooled massage seats while all occupants benefit from ionized air purification and a choice of different scents that include fresh water, fresh plants, and an “authentic” vehicle scent.
The 7er is unparalleled as a driver’s car, and this is borne out by the driver’s seat. I frequently forgot I was in the biggest sedan BMW offers as it felt more like my 535d in terms of handling and maneuverability, far better than my 5er. It handled the twisties with aplomb and was a joy to drive.
Driver assistance technologies abound. Active cruise, blind spot monitoring and assist, lane departure warning and assist, and collision warning all sound like the driver is being disengaged but I have come to believe that, with thicker pillars and diminished visibility due to increased safety standards, such items are a necessity, not an interfering technology overkill.
The 7er can virtually drive itself with the addition of traffic jam assist and active steering assist but that would truly be a shame as the owner would be missing out on a superb driving experience. Another trick up its sleeve is gesture control. Simply wave your hand or flick your wrist in the direction of the central display and you can answer the phone or tell the car’s navi to program a route for home.
Finally, in the technophile’s dream list of features, is the 7er’s key fob, the Display Key as BMW calls it, offers information about the vehicle, whether it’s locked, current fuel level, estimated range, and whether it requires service. While it works well, it needs to be recharged (there’s a recharging pocket inside the center armrest), and it’s noticeably larger, which may be of concern to those who keep their car keys in their front trouser pockets.
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