ShareThis2009 BMW 750I
TYPE: Rear-drive, five-passenger, full-size luxury sedan.
PRICE: $80,300 base, $96,970 as tested.
WHERE BUILT: Dingolfing, Germany.
KEY RIVALS: Mercedes-Benz S-Series; Audi A8; Lexus LS; Infiniti M45; Jaguar XJ.
POWER: 4.4-liter, 400 horsepower, twin-turbo DOHC V8; six-speed Steptronic auto transmission with adaptive transmission control, electric range and mode selectors, steering-wheel shift controls.
PERFORMANCE: 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds; top speed 150 mph.
FUEL ECONOMY: 15 city, 22 highway mpg; 23.3 gallon tank; estimated annual fuel cost $3,793; gas guzzler tax $1,000.
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 199.8 x 74.9 x 58.3 inches.
WHEELBASE X TRACK: 120.9 x 63.4/65 inches.
CURB WEIGHT: 4,564 pounds.
CHASSIS: Aluminum double-pivot strut front suspension, four-link integral rear suspension with self-leveling air springs (option package); aluminum subframes; active roll stabilization; speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering; ventilated disc brakes with ABS, dynamic traction control, cornering/braking stability enhancement, brake standby/drying/fade compensation/start-off assistant; electromechanical parking brake; 18-inch alloy wheels standard (19, 20-inch optional); performance tires.
STANDARD: Heated front seats; light ash wood trim; tire-pressure monitor; Xenon adaptive, self-leveling headlights with cleaning system; halogen fog lights; rain-sensing windshield wipers with heated washer fluid; exterior door-handle lights; parking-distance control with graphic display; keyless entry with memory; remote trunk release; garage-door opener; auto-tilt side mirrors; leather-wrapped steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio and phone controls, auto tilt away for exit/entry; 20-way power, heated front seats with active head restraints; iDrive multi-function control with programmable keys on steering wheel and console; GPS navigation; voice-command system; dual auto climate control; power windows/locks/mirrors; power moonroof; 10-speaker AM/FM/CD audio with two subwoofers; power outlets; cupholders; cell phone with Bluetooth; front/side air bags; anti-theft system; pathway lighting.
OPTIONS: Convenience Package includes automatic trunk opening and closing, soft-close automatic doors ($1,700); Luxury Seating Package includes heated steering wheel, power rear window and side window sunshades, ventilated/active front seats, heated rear seats ski bag ($2,500); Premium Sound Package includes Logic 7 audio system, six-disc in-dash CD changer ($2,000); Rear Entertainment Package includes rear iDrive controller and monitor, six-disc trunk-mounded DVD changer ($2,200); Camera Package ($750); night vision ($2,600).
(Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.)
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