Acceleration

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
7	7	6.5

Only standard-length 745i made available for test so far. Acceleration is robust--BMW quotes 5.9 sec 0-60 mph--though traction control can intrude to take some steam out of standing-start sprints. Two test examples also stuttered from a stop or walking pace. Effortless high-speed cruising.

Fuel Economy

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
4	4	4.1

Test 745i averaged 17.0 mpg, helped by a long highway trip. Premium fuel required.

Ride Quality

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
9	9	8.2

A model of smooth discipline. Less-isolated than Lexus LS 430 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class on flawed pavement, but never uncomfortable. Low-profile 19-inch tires slap into sharp bumps, but detract only slightly.

Steering/Handling/Braking

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
8	9	6.6

Sportiest premium-luxury sedan. Never ponderous. Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. With 19-inch tires, steering feels even more alert, turn-in crisper, grip tenacious.

Quietness

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
9	8	7.8

Wind a murmur. Engine hits rich, strident note at full throttle, hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise not as hidden as in Lexus, Mercedes rivals.

Controls

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
3	3	5.7

Unfamiliar design of important controls compels reorientation to new world of driving. Gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper with spring-back movement and push/pull activation that's not self-evident. Anything more than simplest climate and audio adjustments forces interaction with iDrive. It accesses a daunting range of communication, navigation, and entertainment tools; it even adjusts suspension firmness and deactivates antiskid control. But learning its ways and coordinating its joystick movement while driving takes hours of practice and diverts attention from the road. At least most controls are easy to reach, but iDrive screen can wash out in sunlight, and power-seat cluster is awkwardly mounted on console sidewall. Quality materials and generous use of wood gives interior a sophisticated, modern-furniture ambiance.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
10	10	8.1

Firm, roomy seats with fine contour, support. Tall drivers may wish for more seat travel, however. And only Luxury seat option gives V8 models independent adjustment of side bolsters and headrest height. Front headrests block some over-shoulder vision.

Room/Comfort (rear)

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
9	9	7.6

Lap of luxury, especially for two adults. Doors could open wider for easier foot clearance, though.

Cargo Room

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
6	6	4.8

Large, luxuriously finished trunk; four golf bags fit transversely. Optional power lid opens and closes at the push of a button. Cabin storage good.

Value within Class

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
6	6	5.3

Smooth, powerful, athletic, the new 7-Series has precious few dynamic flaws. Spacious and exceedingly comfortable, it's first-cabin travel by any standard. How well you adapt to iDrive and the other new-think controls depends on how comfortable you are with cutting-edge technology.

Total Score

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
71	71	64.7

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		51
Average Score		64
High Score		80