The 750i is an excellent blend of luxury and sport, combining some of the best traits of the class leaders in those two areas. As such, it delivers a comfortable (if firm) ride, impressive levels of refinement and interior quality, and a comfortable interior, without sacrificing agile handling and outstanding acceleration, thanks in part to several updates for the 2006 model year. However, impressive as all that is, it lacks both the handling prowess of the Jaguar XJ8, and the levels of comfort and luxury found in the Lexus LS430. Couple that with a lofty price, and third place is the best that this car will be doing.

        As noted, the 750i has a smooth, comfortable ride, though it sometimes feels a bit too firm for a high-end luxury vehicle. The ride is exceptionally absorbent at high speeds, less impressive at low ones over uneven pavement. The car is very nimble, with exceptionally-contained body roll, but lacks the true precision of the Jaguar XJ8. The engine is very smooth, refined, and powerful, making the 750i by far the quickest vehicle in this group. Wind and road noise are also well-suppressed. Fuel economy is reasonable by this class's standards, especially considering the engine's power.

      Inside, the front seats are large, well-shaped, and comfortable enough, but a bit too firm. The rear is nicely-shaped and roomy enough, but also harder than the luxury norm. The dash is very nicely finished as well (especially after its 2006 update). However, the car features annoyingly complex instruments. Though redone for 2006, many traditional buttons are replaced by the BMW "iDrive", a console-mounted knob that lets occupants scroll through computer menus instead of simply using a button to do such basic functions as tune the radio or adjust the climate control. This system, intended to clear up the dash, requires too much concentration from the driver, and makes quick changes complex for any occupant, and is really not especially useful in any way except for interior styling, which has still received critical complaints. The driver sits comfortably, though a somewhat low seating position hurts visibility. Entry/exit would be easier if the doors opened wider, especially in the rear. The trunk is quite roomy.

      Overall, the 750i is an excellent vehicle. Its recent upgrade brought improvements to the vehicle's comfort, refinement, luxury, and sport, and slightly improved its ergonomics. However, good as it is, the high price is second only to the Mercedes, without a great deal of additional feature content. For that reason, the vehicle cannot place any higher here without further steps towards the comfort and refinement of the Lexus and Mercedes without diminishing its levels of sportiness, or a price drop. As neither are likely, the 750i remains an impressive ultra-luxury sports sedan for those willing to pay for it.

Pros:

-Acceleration

-Handling

-Ride

-Refinement

-Trunk Volume

Cons:

-Features for the Money

-Ergonomics

Overall:

An excellent blend of performance and luxury, with a high entry fee.

Options Added to Vehicle Reviewed:

 -

Price of Version Reviewed:

$79,175

Powertrain:

4.8-liter V8

360 horsepower

6-speed automatic

Vehicle Overview