There is just not much that can be said of the feeling of immense satisfaction that I experience when I'm able to drive the BMW 7 Series. But for starters, the sedan costs anywhere from 66,000 (base)to 110,000 (loaded)and even though it is hard to believe, it is worth every dime, without question. The are several important factors in evaluating a car such as saftey, performance, design, the engine and the chassis, and the options and special features. This car blows away ever category with ease, and that is this is why it is the poor man's spaceship.

First the basic information on the 740. The 7 series of BMW is the luxury class sedans. The car is long, about 180 inches, yet extremely sleek and aerodynamic. The car was designed to have a classic look, projecting elegance and precision.

The design of the car includes seemingly endless features and add ons. Some of the more traditional options include seat warmers, ABS, 6 CD changer, and others. But the strength of the BMW design comes from its more unique features. The car has 14 speakers, with four subwoofers, and an excellent sound system. The driver can adjust the reverberation of the radio,and select a more pleasing sound (Jazz, Rock, Concert Hall, etc.). The windows dim automatically in bright conditions to ensure maximum comfort while driving. The 7 series has the most elaborate and sophisticated on board computer as compared with the other models of BMW. The design of the car has the classic BMW double kidney air intake, and Xenon headlights to provide a much larger range of vision in the dark, as well as the fog. Upon activation of the remote keyless entry system the door handles now light up to greet the driver as he approaches the car. The smooth lines of a BMW are world famous, but the other automotive features of the car make it a perennial winner as well.

Along the lines of preformance, the BMW has few equals. Though a relatively long sedan, the 4.4 liter, V8 engine of the car makes up for its weight with an enormous amount of power. The car has a five speed automatic transmission that allows 0-60 in 6.9 seconds, and a top speed of a 130 miles an hour, all in a sedan. The engine is very quiet, and only a dull pur is heard upon acceleration. In addition to the engine, the car has an excellent chassis as well. The chassis is electronically controlled to adjust itself to the dynamics of the road. It adjusts the speed and suspension of each wheel independently, providing unsurpassed control over the car at all times.

For all of its performance and luxury the car has incredible saftey features as well. The car has front, side, rear airbags for all the passengers in the car. Also, a new feature is the new airbag feature called the ITS, which protects the head of the driver in the case of an accident. The car has rain sensors on board, which monitor rainfall and adjust the wiper speed to their optimum level of efficiency. Another new feature of the 7 series is it's impact absorption system. This system was designed to protect the driver from whiplash suffered in low speed collisions. The bumper absorbs much of the impact and force from another car when a collision occurs. Personally, I would feel safe taking my 7 series to the moon and back. The doors feel really heavy, and I'm pretty sure they can handle a shopping cart without denting a bit, it has happened.

Aside from all the technical wonderment of the car, it is just plain fun to drive. It handles exceptionally well for a big car. It gets around corners with precision and ease, it doesn't feel like you're driving a typical luxury boat-car at all. But, for all it's handling the car has a ton of room in it. I've had seven people pile into my car with relative comfort and ease. The headroom is great also. As far as fuel mileage, the car gets near 17 mpg in cities, and 23 on highways. Finally, driving my BMW 7 series to work everyday makes my day go by much easier.