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April 3, 2008 http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/bmw_7-series_2003

  TCC Team
TCC Team

sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA 

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The road is nearly deserted as we roll through Tomales, then wind through dense redwood forests dark enough to blot out the sun. All we can hear is our big V-12 as we blast through Ocean’s Roar. A mist rolling in off the bay provides a Shakespearean setting for the tiny hamlet of Hamlet.

We don’t have much time to slow down as we race towards the coastline along a pristine northern stretch of California Highway One. We’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive green flash, the momentary twinkle that occasionally occurs at the moment the sun disappears over the ocean’s edge.

This night, like most, we’re out of luck. Well, not entirely, for we had an opportunity to test the limits of BMW’s new flagship, the 760Li sedan. The top-line companion to the V-8-powered 745Li introduced to much controversy in 2002, the 760 delivers more than just another four cylinders.

But let’s face it, the engine is the heart-and-soul of this sedan. The new, high-compression, 60-degree V-12 is a full liter larger than the one in the last-generation 12-banger, the old 750iL. It’s also the world’s first mass-production 12-cylinder powerplant offering direct injection — a technology more commonly found in today’s most sophisticated diesels.

BMW combines that with other features, such as drive-by-wire system, the Double Vanos variable intake and exhaust valve system, Valvetronic variable valve lift technology and other slick features. All that results in an engine that is powerful and precise — though it also has the fuel-gulping nature of an SUV, delivering just 12 miles per gallon in the city and a slightly more reasonable 16 mpg on the highway.

Benz sponsorsponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA  GET CURRENT PRICING GET AN INSURANCE QUOTE The road is nearly deserted as we roll through Tomales, then wind through dense redwood forests dark enough to blot out the sun. All we can hear is our big V-12 as we blast through Ocean’s Roar. A mist rolling in off the bay provides a Shakespearean setting for the tiny hamlet of Hamlet. We don’t have much time to slow down as we race towards the coastline along a pristine northern stretch of California Highway One. We’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive green flash, the momentary twinkle that occasionally occurs at the moment the sun disappears over the ocean’s edge. This night, like most, we’re out of luck. Well, not entirely, for we had an opportunity to test the limits of BMW’s new flagship, the 760Li sedan. The top-line companion to the V-8-powered 745Li introduced to much controversy in 2002, the 760 delivers more than just another four cylinders. But let’s face it, the engine is the heart-and-soul of this sedan. The new, high-compression, 60-degree V-12 is a full liter larger than the one in the last-generation 12-banger, the old 750iL. It’s also the world’s first mass-production 12-cylinder powerplant offering direct injection — a technology more commonly found in today’s most sophisticated diesels. 2003 BMW 760LiEnlarge PhotoBMW combines that with other features, such as drive-by-wire system, the Double Vanos variable intake and exhaust valve system, Valvetronic variable valve lift technology and other slick features. All that results in an engine that is powerful and precise — though it also has the fuel-gulping nature of an SUV, delivering just 12 miles per gallon in the city and a slightly more reasonable 16 mpg on the highway. sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA GET CURRENT PRICING GET AN INSURANCE QUOTE The road is nearly deserted as we roll through Tomales, then wind through dense redwood forests dark enough to blot out the sun. All we can hear is our big V-12 as we blast ...