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| BMW
760 Li |
Broadcast
dates : 2nd October 2005
8th October 2005 |
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David
Bullard hates driving around in big limos on his own. Which
is why he invited Leratho Kganyago Miss Soweto 2005, to
accompany him in the latest stretched BMW, the 760Li.
The first thing that struck Leratho about the big Beemer is
the sheer luxury of the cabin and ride quality. This is
floating on air – literally!
That’s because the 760i comes with self-levelling air
springs at the rear.
The suspension adjusts itself continually to road conditions
and driver input. It’s absolutely mouth watering.
The modern BMW design language led by Chris Bangle has
arrestingly bold themes, often obscured by ill-conceived
detail work.
The revised 7 Series is a classic example of a successful
metamorphosis. Just a few deft touches have made a big
difference.
Introduced four years ago, the 7 Series drew gasps of horror
from the Style Police, but proceeded to break all sales
records for BMW. Interestingly, the previous generation
"ugly" Mercedes-Benz S Class did the same thing
for Daimler-Chrysler in the early 1990s.
There have been numerous revisions to the interior as well,
including the introduction of an I-Drive system for the rear
passengers.
Our test model was the top of the range 760Li model, with a
stretched wheelbase for extra legroom, and top-level trim
including a DVD player.
The controls have been made more user-friendly, while
retaining the austere, understated look to the dash.
And of course the 760Li is powered by the silken V12 six-litre
engine.
The only engine unchanged in the new 7 Series line-up is the
V12, probably because it was well-endowed in the first
place.
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The
big downer of the I-Drive is still there, in that airflow
direction still needs a computer boot-up. Levers and dials
still make so much more sense on the move.
The Beemer is that rare combination of almost brutal
efficiency and genteel refinement. It comes very close to
the S-Class in terms of overall poise, but of course a new
Merc flagship has just been launched in Germany, and it
remains to be seen how good will that car be.
The pace of engine development at BMW and Mercedes never
ceases to astound us – it’s reached the point where we
are tempted to say – okay guys, enough already!
BMW 760 Li
- Engine: V12
petrol, 5 972cc
- Power: 327 kW @ 6
000 rpm
- Torque: 600 Nm @
3 950 rpm
- Transmission:
Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
- 0-100 km/h: 5,5
seconds
- Top speed: 250
km/h (limited)
- Fuel consumption:
17,0 litres/100 km (estimated)
- Price: R1 136 000
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