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BMW 750Li, 2013: stylish, hi-tech, hefty price

James Raia

The 7-Series is the BMW flagship and it deserves the status. It’s a beast of a sedan, a 4,600-pound cruiser best suited for long, open-road hauls.

The 2013 BMW 750Li, my weekly driver, showcased BMW’s power, as in a 4.4-liter, 32-valve V8 with 445 horsepower and five-second, 0-60 mph prowess.

But the long (201 inches) sedan is also a standard bearer of engineering, technology and for audio enthusiasts, an over-the-top whirlwind of sound.

The 2013 BMW 750 Li has been restyled
BMW 750 Li: Drive’s side view

The 750Li has a base price of $90,000 and that’s reflected in all that BMW represents -— superior handling and superior design as well as industry-best comfort and refinement.

But the available option packages put the vehicle into a category of automotive overload combining plushness and hi-tech wonderment. Comfort I get, but it’s hard to grasp all the gadgetry.

Is it all warranted or is it the manufacturer’s homage to German tech geeks?

My test vehicle included seven option packages.

BMW Equals Lots of Options

The $4,600 Executive Package featured active blind spot detection, power rear shade, ceramic controls and a handful of other items. The $3,700 sound system package included the concert-quality Bang & Olufsen sound system. The $3,700 Luxury Seat Package included ventilated, high-comfort and massaging rear seats.

There’s a Rear Entertainment Package ($2,800) and a Driver Assist Package ($1,900) and there’s night vision detection ($2,600) and active roll stabilization ($2,500).

Add is all up and the BMW 750Li had more than $25,000 in options, pushing the final price to more than $115,000.

Still, there’s an extensive laundry to like about the 750Li.

Likes:

Superior command of the road. The BMW 750Li doesn’t accelerate; it surges around traffic with dominating power.

Impressively small turning radius for such a large sedan.

The front and rear seats have a nearly unlimited choice of adjustments. Drive the car all day. No worries, you’ll remain comfortable.

Horizontally contoured console and extended dash.

The “auto stop/start” engine feature. It takes a little getting used to, but the engine stops when you’re at a stoplight. Release your foot from the brake, and the engine quickly starts up. It’s included as a gas saver, of course, prompting 16 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway. That’s nothing great, but it ain’t bad for a sedan of this magnitude.

Dislikes:

The pushed-to-the-right radio, iDrive control dial. It seems out of position and not particularly intuitive.

What Others Say:

“The upper-echelon of the automotive realm is a demanding arena, particularly when faced with competition from such segment stalwarts as the iconic Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8 and the new Lexus LS 460. But with the help from several key refinements, the 2013 7 Series’ exclusive mix of dynamism and elegance remains stronger than ever.” — Kelley Blue Book.

“In a way, the 2013 BMW 7 Series now seems like a sound middle-ground choice, straddling the lines of sportiness, comfort, opulence and restraint.” — Edmunds.

“The lines of the BMW 7 are sensual and luxuriant, all within the parameters of modern structural design. Walk up to a 7 from the side or three-quarter view, and the beauty of the car blows you away.” AOL Autos.com

The Weekly Driver’s Final Words:

“The BMW 750Li is no doubt a status symbol, the rightfully so proud BMW monolith. Still, $115,000 is a lot to justify even among ‘one percenters’ accustomed to buying cars surpassing six figures.”

Article Last Updated: August 7, 2013.

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