2013 BMW 740Li

When our love affair with the latest Alpina B7 ended, we weren’t quite sure how it would feel back behind the wheel of a garden variety 7 Series. But it only took a few moments with this BMW 740Li to recall the luxury, and commanding feeling that the brand, and the 7 Series, continually delivers.

There are powertrains aplenty; and though the stalwart 760’s twin-turbo V12 and revised twin-turbo V8 of the 750 are still available, we chose the tamer, 3.0 liter turbo inline 6, new to the 740 this year…and its 315 horses proved capable, hauling us to 60 in under 6 seconds.

PATRICK LUCAS: The new engine definitely feels much more powerful than it looks on paper. We were worried it would fall flat rowing through 8 gears in a car this heavy, but it’s got some serious muscle…and it saves a little weight, too, so handling is much better.

JOHN DAVIS: Restyled LED headlights and a new kidney grille highlight changes up front, while integrated side mirror turn signals, and chrome accents on the rear, are new, too.

Interior touch ups prove that the back seats can be the best seats in the house, with rear HVAC and iDrive controls, available 16 speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and miles of legroom.

On sale now, the 2013 BMW 740Li begins pricing around $78,500, up 4 grand over the standard wheelbase 740i. xDrive AWD is available, as well.