The final ingredients in the handling recipe are fat, sticky 235/60HR16 Continental ContiTouringContact radials on 16x8.0-inch forged alloy rims teamed with vehicle-speed-sensitive recirculating-ball power steering. That total package allowed our over-two-ton 750iL to pull a stout 0.84 g on the skidpad and slip through the slalom at a respectable 62.3 mph, figures well supported by its exemplary real-world road manners. Dialing up the EDC's Sport mode brings an added measure of tautness without compromising ride quality. Stopping power also is plentiful. Huge, ABS-abetted vented discs on each corner haul this maxi-Bimmer from 60 mph to a stop in just 126 feet.
In short, the BMW 750iL is precisely the kind of car that makes being rich seem worthwhile. It's a lotto-drawing four-door fantasy, to be sure. But for a lucky few, this dream can come true.
| TECH DATA |
| BMW 750iL |
| GENERAL/POWERTRAIN |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-passenger |
| Vehicle configuration | Front engine, rear drive |
| Engine configuration | V-12, SOHC, |
| | 2 valves/cylinder |
| Engine displacement, ci/cc | 328/5379 |
| Horsepower, hp @ rpm, SAE net | 322 @ 5000 |
| Torque, lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net | 361 @ 3900 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Axle ratio | 2.81:1 |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wheelbase, in./mm | 120.9/3071 |
| Length, in./mm | 201.7/5123 |
| Base curb weight, lb | 4553 |
| Fuel capacity, gal. | 25.1 |
| Fuel economy, EPA city/hwy., mpg | 15/20 |
| CHASSIS |
| Suspension, f/r | MacPherson struts/multilink |
| Steering | Recirculating ball, variable assist |
| Brakes, f/r | Vented discs/discs, ABS |
| Wheels | 16 x 8.0, forged aluminum alloy |
| Tires | Continental ContiTouringContact, |
| | 235/60HR16 |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Acceleration, 0-60, sec | 6.4 |
| Quarter mile, sec/mph | 14.7/98.3 |
| Braking, 60-0, ft | 126 |
| Skidpad, 200-foot, lateral g | 0.84 |
| Slalom, 600-foot, mph | 62.3 |
| PRICE |
| Base price | $90,300 |
| Price as tested | $92,570 |