Acceleration

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.3

Engines in 750 and 760 provide effortless high-speed cruising, but also suffer languid low-speed throttle response. Test 750i did 5.7 sec 0-60 mph. V12 takes a claimed 5.4 sec, but has scant performance advantage at low speeds; its edge is in smooth, linear power delivery. Long-wheelbase 750s are less than 100 lb heavier than shorter versions and have similar performance. No opportunity to test Alpina B7, but BMW claims 4.8 sec 0-60.

Fuel Economy

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
5	5	5	2	3.9

Test 750i averaged 19.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Test 760Li averaged 14.2 mpg overall, 20.8 mpg in mostly highway use.

Ride Quality

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
9	8	7	8	8.4

A model of smooth discipline, though 760Li exhibits occasional mild float and bob on wavy surfaces. All 7s less isolated than Mercedes-Benz S-Class on flawed pavement, but are never uncomfortable. Low-profile 19- and 20-inch tires thump more over sharp bumps than some luxury buyers may like, especially in tandem with sport suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
8	9	9	8	6.8

The sportiest premium-luxury sedan. Never feels ponderous. Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. Steering alert, turn-in crisp, grip tenacious, brakes excellent.

Quietness

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
9	8	8	9	8.5

Wind a murmur. Engines hit rich notes at full throttle, are hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise low, if not as muted as in Lexus, Mercedes-Benz rivals.

Controls

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.4

Clear, simple instruments, but steering wheel blocks access to wiper, cruise, and headlight switches. Other controls needlessly unconventional. Gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper with push/pull activation that's not self-evident. Dashboard has conventional controls for only basic audio and climate adjustments. Everything else requires using iDrive with its many distracting menus and settings, plus a display screen that washes out in bright sunlight. Top-notch materials and generous use of wood give interiors a sophisticated, modern ambience.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
10	10	10	10	8.9

Firm, roomy seats with fine contour, support, range of adjustment. Tallest drivers may wish 750i had more seat travel, though. Front headrests interfere with over-the-shoulder views.

Room/Comfort (rear)

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
8	8	8	10	8

Spacious opulence, especially for two adults. Li models shame some limousines. Still, doors could open wider for easier foot clearance.

Cargo Room

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.2

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

Value within Class

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
5	5	5	2	5.7

Smooth, powerful, and athletic, the 7-Series has precious few dynamic flaws. It's also spacious and very comfortable--true first-class travel. Workmanship matches the lofty pricing, but BMW's iDrive control makes many simple adjustments frustratingly complex.

Total Score

750i	750i w/19-inch wheels	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
75	74	73	70	70.1

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		61
Average Score		70
High Score		87