Automobile Magazine has just taken delivery of a stunning cashmere silver metallic 2009 BMW 750Li as the newest addition to our Four Seasons test fleet. Our long-wheelbase luxo-cruiser has a sumptuous oyster Nappa leather interior, and to help sample all of the long-wheelbase 7's new technology, we've piled on almost every available option. By skipping only the sport, luxury rear seating, and driver assistance packages, our 750Li's sticker ballooned to a recession-busting $103,720. But there isn't much point in driving a stripper 7-series, now is there?
A vehicle this special deserves something more celebratory than our typical delivery process, which amounts to yanking the keys out of the delivery boy's hands and taking the car home for the night. Instead, we've picked up the car up in San Diego, California and will be embarking on a multi-day bonding experience from here to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Autobahn stormers like the 750Li are designed for lots of high-speed running and minimal driver fatigue, and with 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque available from the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, the 2500 mile trek home should go by rather quickly. The six-speed automatic transmission should help maximize fuel economy during cruising without sacrificing passing prowess on back roads.
Among the features of our 7-series that are particularly suited to a cross-country drive are its premium sound package, which includes an iPod adapter and an upgraded audio system; a rear-seat entertainment system that allows rear passengers to watch DVDs; ventilated front seats; and adaptive cruise control. A fully revised iDrive controller greatly simplifies everything from the radio to the navigation system, but there are so many new gadgets in this new BMW that we probably won't be able to figure them all out by the time the car makes it to Michigan. We'll do our best.
Follow along in our blogs for daily reports from the road and photos of our 7-series going from sun to snow and everything in between. If you've got any questions about the equipment or features of the car, let us know in the comments and we'll get you an answer. Bon voyage! ...next page >>