Top-of-the-line luxury cars are no exception. In fact aesthetics become absolutely crucial for these models, as a successful range-topper will always have a halo effect on its lower-end brethren.
This was precisely the case for BMW, when the German luxury carmaker assembled the world press in Fiuggi, Italy for an advanced ride-and-drive of its all-new 745i sedan (internally called E65), a car that will make its way to Philippine shores in the first half of next year. Lets now take a close look at this significant new model.
Caption for front shot (with inset): Its not going to win beauty contests, but the facade of the 333-hp 4.4-liter V8-powered 745i is especially effective at one thing: making slow-moving traffic vacate the fast lane. I experienced this during a brief 230-kph blast on the autostrada with Business World motoring editor Armin Amio behind the wheel. Cars were more than happy to let the serious-looking Bimmer with the gaping twin kidney grilles pass. Journalists from other countries noticed the same effect during their driving stints.
The overall effect is partially offset, however, by the tall greenhouse and graceful roofline, the latter terminating with BMWs trademark dogleg kink at the C-pillar. The near-fastback backlight is perhaps the most raked as far as luxury cars go. An upright rear backlight is usually de riguer for prestigious luxury cars. The visual Teutonic mass is enhanced by the use of huge 17-inch wheels and 55-series rubber, the only aesthetic concession to athleticism. Spoilers just wont do justice to this aerodynamically efficient design (Cd of .29). Despite designing a large luxury car, BMW never forgot that sportiness is still the Bavarian cars hallmark.