2003 BMW 7 series Givanchy

BMW redesigns its flagship sedan for 2002, with fresh styling, an innovative control layout, and the industry's first 6-speed automatic transmission. The 745Li version is 5.5 inches longer than the 745i to provide more rear leg room. Both grow slightly in length, height, and width vs. the 1995-2001 models, and are about 120 lb heavier. A 4.4-liter V8 continues in both, but it's a new design with an additional 43 hp. The 6-speed automatic operates from a steering-column lever. Joining standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and a traction-control/antiskid system is BMW's new Active Roll Stabilization designed to counteract body lean in turns. An optional Adaptive Ride Package has automatically adjusting shock absorbers and rear self-leveling system. , , Inside, front knee airbags join torso and head-protecting side airbags. Optional rear torso side airbags come with head-protecting airbags running the full interior length on each side. Sensors deploy any airbag only if an occupant is detected. These 7s introduce BMW's iDrive with a console "joystick" knob to operate audio, navigation, and some phone and climate functions. 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. 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., Wind a murmur on highway. Engine hits rich, strident note at full throttle, hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise not as hidden as in Lexus, Mercedes rivals. , , Smooth, powerful, athletic, the new 7-Series is virtually without dynamic flaws. Spacious and exceedingly comfortable, it's first-cabin travel by any standard. How you accept iDrive and the other new-think controls depends on how comfortable you are with cutting-edge technology. ,