MST takes the BMW 740 for a quick spin
Since their introduction in 1997, the Seven series Bimmers have spawned five generations, each one having its own distinctive imprint, from engine to exterior design. Each generational model is also quite a sight to behold, a pleasure to savor and to relish like a full-course smorgasbord.
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| First crack at the spanking new BMW 740li V. Sollorano |
Getting behind the wheel of BMW’s flagship sedan is as much gratifying as the thought that the license to throw around a luxury saloon comes strictly by-invitation only.
The snob appeal makes a perfect pitch considering that not every Juan, Pedro or Maria is well endowed to own one. Much like a gala gown that is not to be worn everyday, a luxury saloon fits certain individuals.
If the clothes make the man, the car heightens the aura of power, fortune and influence its owner wields.
In other words, you don’t get to test-drive a Seven series Bimmer if “they” didn’t ask you to, unless of course you’re a man of clout. “They” in this case is Asian Carmakers, a company controlled by businessman Jose Ch. Alvarez who has taken over BMW’s Philippine operations from the Germans.
Asian Carmakers’ managing director Maricar Parco and her crew of Mike Victa (Prestige Cars) and Pauline Gonzales pulled out all stops to show us what the BMW tenet—freude am fahren or sheer driving pleasure—was all about.
A buffet lunch at Sofitel’s Spiral only whetted up our appetite for the main event —the first-ever outing of BMW’s latest Seven series weeks after its formal launch which we regrettably missed.
In the course of the whirlwind ride-and-drive, we found the following features most striking and highly fascinating.
1. With its shell, doors, and engine crankcase made of aluminum, the BMW 740li is relatively light. But the boys from Bavaria have a special security package that will convert this luxury ride into the equivalent of a mobile fortress. That will raise the sticker price from P9.7 million to double-digit M but will make you into some kind of an ubermensch, impervious to harm or even silver bullets.
2. The in-line 6-cylinder, 3-liter engine is just as powerful and efficient. Twin-turbo chargers tweak output to the equivalent of 326 horses under the bonnet, rendering the 740 variant highly responsive and agile at 0-100 kph in around six minutes. That’s just too fast for a sedan with a long wheelbase.
3. Keyless entry and start-stop push button at the center console, along with a multi-tasking steering wheel, are just some of the delightful features of the drive train. The transmission system has a 6-speed automatic shifter with steptronic “manual sports” shifter that lets you drive the 7 series like a muscle car.
4. Run-flat technology keeps the Bimmer going even if one or all tires have been punctured. The 740 we tested had its left front punctured, the nail still imbedded on it, but the BMW Seven gamely tackled the bends and straight lines. That was quite dangerous because at high speed, an ordinary tire, when punctured, could have exploded and sent the car out of control. Each of the Beemer’s tires has reinforced side wall which, along with an extra hump in the rim, keeps it from collapsing. Flat tire is not an excuse for missing a hot date or a business appointment.
5. The Seven series boasts high-tech chassis system, which features electronic anti-damping control and dynamic drive to allow for steady ride even on rough or bumpy road. The system utilizes active stabilizers on front and rear axles to reduce body movement and enable the car to cut corners smoothly or glide along straights, just like what Mike Victa demonstrated to us during that joyride of sorts.
6. Cameras bolted on the front bumper and rear capture the view outside the car, either side or rear positions. The view is projected on a display monitor placed on the dashboard and within the driver’s field of vision. Keep your eyes on the road and you’d still get the entire picture to be able to wend your way safely through the traffic.
7. iDrive. There’s a remote-controlled entertainment system (MP3, DVD players) to play with, thus leaving the chauffeur undistracted. A DVD package includes two TV screens, each integrated in the front-seat backrests and can be operated separately through the iDrive controller mounted on the rear armrest. It can be also used to operate the radio or telephone. Nice way to keep the backseat driver busy.
