New Vehicle Launch

Normally performance figures are not quoted for a large limousine-like luxury car, but BMW claims 0-100 km/h in a very quick 4.6 seconds, despite a 2.2 ton weight, saying it can manage a low (for its type) average fuel consumption of 13 l/100km. The exhausts are also V12-specific, with 4 rectangular exhaust tips nestling neatly in the bumper. V12 lettering whispers discreetly, but with meaning, on the flanks.

Some technological highlights as standard in this BMW flagship will have to be split into categories: for suspension and steering there are Dynamic Damping Control including Driving Dynamic Control (at the touch of one button, adjusts suspension, throttle response, steering assistance, gear changes and driver assistance systems settings), Dynamic Drive (anti-roll stability system), pneumatic rear suspension, plus Integral Active Steering (speed-related steering angle on the rear (yes rear, dear!) wheels).

Driver assistance tech lists Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Night Vision with detection of individual persons (ingeniously outlining human silhouettes in white on the display), Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assistant, Adaptive Headlights with Cornering Lights, Surround View (top view and side cameras), while Active Cruise Control (automatically keeps a following distance) is as an option because not everyone likes the car doing too much of the driving. Automatic Soft Close on doors means there's no need to exert effort to close the doors.

: David S :
Full member of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists