This 2011 BMW 750Li ActiveHybrid is a weird car. Well, the drivetrain is weird at least. The herky-jerkiness of the hybrid system is disconcerting. Like the Lexus LS hybrid, applying the brake seems to make the car actually pick up speed for a second before the car starts to slow down--the brakes are inconsistent at best. Then, press the gas after sitting at a light, and there's a definite hesitation.
This car is hard to drive smoothly in stop-and-go traffic. It's not as bad as the big Lexus, but somewhat disconcerting nonetheless.
Once under way it drives fine, like any other7-series. Acceleration is more than brisk (after that initial hesitation), and the rolling kickdown when one stomps on the gas is impressive, to say the least. The thing is fast. And on the road it's nimble and light on its feet for such a big luxury boat. Of course, it's silent and smooth--and fast--on the freeway
The interior is huge and comfortable and the build quality is up among the best in the business.
This is one large vehicle. Yes, it's luxurious and comfortable and cosseting and all, but it's big. I was a little extra careful around curves and corners to avoid any scrubbing of the tires. And, I had to readjust a couple of times pulling into a corner parking spot when we headed off to a Detroit Tigers baseball game.
In the end all was fine, and we made the trip downtown and back home in fine style. But, this BMW felt floaty over the roads, especially on the expressway and while topping 80 mph and then some--without even realizing it. Yes, the power is strong and smooth and stays that way at speed and beyond. And before you know it, you are sailing. But, I wasn't getting the sensation of the rubber meeting the road in this 750Li hybrid.
And speaking of the hybrid system--it is anything but smooth. I echo Wes in that it reminds me of Lexus's. The system abruptly turns the car off when stopped, and it jerks and shudders back to life when you hit the gas. In a car wearing such a large price tag, I would expect something more refined.
The cabin is spacious, particularly in the back seats, but I would have liked more adjustment down in the front seats. Even at my short height, I was quite close to the headliner. All of the materials are lovely and of high quality and the cabin envelopes those inside.
Overall, this car is quite nice. But that hybrid system needs some fine-tuning.
The jerkiness of the start/stop system is incongruous with the otherwise smooth operation of the gasoline powertrain. Not quite sure what the point is here. Sure, I understand that some people driving large, gas-guzzling cars want to feel a bit better about themselves and save a few ounces of fuel. I do understand that. And I understand it from the company's position, too, that it builds a lot of big, gas-guzzling rigs and wants to try and soften the blow. But the execution needs to be way more seamless than this.
Other than the start/stop hesitation, this is a great cruiser. I have always enjoyed driving the 7-series, and this is no exception--hybrid drive included. The car is spacious, very comfortable and drives smaller than its flagship size. And the twin-turbo V8 delivers all 440 horses in a smooth, unassuming fashion. I couldn't ask more from a luxocruiser.
Go figure--this fat pseudo-hybrid is my favorite Bimmer from the fleet so far. Granted, you have to accept what you're driving before you enter. Fortunately, the large ActiveHybrid 7 badges on the rear quarters and the decklid inform your conscience and the rest of the motoring public that this sedan driver is "doing his part." They also help remind your right foot what's happening when the engine dies at a stoplight.
I like stop/start; good thing, too, as it'll soon be coming to everything, damned how I feel about it. Is the execution seamless? No. And I was able to beat the system in a handful of instances where I paused before turning just long enough to shut the car off, thus depriving me of power steering--and just plain power--at the moment I needed it most. BMW isn't alone in needing software tweaks, as recent Audi products had the same flaw. Once you realize how the car is going to react, particularly how the regenerative braking will augment the service brakes, it's easy to drive this beast with gusto.
The rest of the car is prime long-wheelbase 7-series BMW. I prefer these sedans to the 5-series, and I think they do an exceptional job of hiding their bulk with a rock-solid chassis, exceptional visibility and just enough electronic nannies to keep one safe without intruding on the Sirius radio with an irritating beep every time another vehicle enters its orbit.
But the price? I suppose if you're in the market for an ActiveHybrid 7, this is what you expect to pay. But for the cabbage this thing commands, you could have a Toyota Prius for long trips, a Ford Escape hybrid for Home Depot runs and a Nissan Leaf for around town, plus enough change left over to buy a nice vintage Porsche 911 Turbo for when you want to go fast -- along with gasoline and kilowatts to fill 'em all up with.
