Test Drive: 2009 BMW 750i

I took a late summer drive up through the snaking Fraser River Canyon in search of new locations to shoot this car. Its intended purpose is to shuttle executive types swiftly and securely at Autobahn speeds, and after exploring some of B.C.’s longest hills and curvaceous roadways behind the wheel of the 750i it is obvious that this is a driver’s car, albeit with first-class amenities. Acceleration is the strength of BMW’s new twin-turbo V8 (aided by an ultra-smooth ZF six-speed automatic) – BMW quotes a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.4 seconds – and when fitted with the optional chassis control system (Dynamic Drive), the car feels as agile as a 3 Series. The 4.8-litre V8 of the previous iteration has been replaced with the responsive 4.4-litre that debuted in the X6. This gem of an engine delivers 400-horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque at much lower r.p.m. than the previous power plant, due to the very efficient and quick spooling turbo-chargers.

2009 BMW 750i. Click image to enlarge

The driver can select from a menu of four system settings – Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ – to tailor the car’s ride and handling to suit the moment. The response of the throttle, transmission, suspension components and traction/stability control is adjusted according to the driver’s selection, and a visual reference appears on the iDrive Control Display to notify the driver of what has been changed. The normal and comfort settings deliver a tranquil cabin environment with a smooth, isolated ride. Switch the settings to one of the two sport modes and the car becomes spirited and ready to react instantaneously to the driver’s steering, throttle and braking inputs.

There are no secondary controls for the transmission on the steering wheel, but enthusiast drivers who like to select their own shift points can do so using a side gate on the console-mounted shifter. While operating in either sport mode I found that the ZF transmission did an excellent job when left to work on its own, as gear selection was very effectively optimized to correspond with how I was dancing on the pedals.

The suspension system is all-new for 2009, and its double-joint spring strut front axle helps deliver a smooth ride, precise handling, and very little body roll. The brakes were more than up to the task of hauling this rather big sedan to a stop, and even with heavy use during my trip up the canyon they proved consistent and reliable.

The interior is cloaked in top-quality Nappa leather and your choice of wood trim. The seating layout is optimal for four passengers, but three can easily occupy the rear seating area, although the middle seat occupant will have to contend with less legroom. The addition of a fifth passenger will also interfere with the ability of the two outboard passengers to access the controls for the rear entertainment system, as its iDrive-like control module is fitted to the fold down centre armrest. The front seats do an excellent job of providing lateral support when exploring the cornering limits of this big machine, and with 16 power adjustments available, you can customize them for your body with ease.

The instrument cluster and centre stack do not look cluttered despite the multitude of buttons and controls required to operate its many systems. The second generation of BMW’s iDrive control is much easier to operate as it has had much of the clutter removed from its list of options, and now offers seven quick access buttons including dedicated ones for the navigation, phone, radio and CD systems. I found all the most commonly used controls to be within easy reach of hand and eye, allowing me to focus on the road ahead. The addition of head-up capabilities for speed of travel, navigation commands and a host of other system information will further appeal to the technically savvy buyer.

The 2009 BMW 750i offers a potent combination of luxury, convenience and performance in a much more attractive wrapper, and its arrival should ensure that the company will continue to grow the ranks of its exceptionally loyal clientele.

Pricing: 2009 BMW 750i Base price: $104,900 Options: $23,100 (Executive Package: $7,700; Sport Package: $4,500; Multimedia package: $3,500; Technology Package: $5,500; Integral Active Steering: $1,900) A/C tax: $100 Freight: $1,995 Price as tested: $130,095 Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives Specifications Specifications: 2009 BMW 7 Series Competitors Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Audi A8 Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Cadillac STS Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Jaguar XJ Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Lexus LS 460 Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Crash test results National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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