2012 BMW 750Li Review By Steve Purdy
2012 BMW 750Li
The Ultimate Riding Machine for a Potentate
By Steve Purdy
TheAutoChannel.com
Michigan Bureau
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Our test car is the 750Li with xDrive (all-wheel drive). The “L” refers to “long wheel base,” as in limo. This is just one of 5 models in the 7-Series lineup that includes two twin turbo, inline 6-cylinder models - 740i and 740Li, a regular size of this V8-powered 750i and the V12-powered, 535-hp 760Li which boasts even more torque, 550 pound-feet to be precise.
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Handling characteristics and chassis dynamics are among the best in
the world for the large sedan category - hence, the BMW claim to be
“the ultimate driving machine.” Front suspension is a multi
link arrangement with double wishbones made out of aluminum. Rear is an
integral-V aluminum multilink.
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Beyond all those great performance numbers we find a purely Teutonic, no-nonsense, luxury automobile finished inside with Nappa leather, wood and other fine materials, none of which call attention to themselves. The front seats are adjustable 20 ways and heated. The power adjustable steering wheel has an amazing amount of range. BMW’s iDrive system has gotten better with each generation and I found this one easily manageable. The standard audio system has 14 speakers including 2 subwoofers under the front seats.
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Our 2012 BMW 750Li with xDrive shows a base price of $91,200. Standard are 19-inch, run-flat, all-season tires on light alloy wheels, rear view camera, power trunk lid, keyless entry, push button start/stop, soft-close automatic doors, Xenon adaptive headlights with auto-leveling and cornering lights, hard disc navigation system with voice command and real time traffic, iDrive and everything else you might expect on a modern German luxury car.
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The 750Li comes with BMW’s standard new car warranty that covers the car, including powertrain, for 4-years or 50,000 miles. It also includes all routine maintenance during that period.
It was just about a year ago that I had the pleasure of reviewing the Jaguar XJ-L and the Audi A8L back to back. While these, along with the BMW 750Li, are focused on the same buyer (all three are about the same price with similar performance numbers) the former will appeal to those who like a little attention and the Audi to those who love the technology with a strong personality.
This BMW is more about subtlety, performance and quiet prestige, with a huge back seat. Tell your favorite potentate I recommend it without reservation.
© Steve Purdy, Shunpiker Productions, All Rights Reserved