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2003 BMW 7 Series Large Luxury High Performance Sedan

The full-size luxury/performance sedans of BMW for 2003 expand to include a new flagship version toting a 12-cylinder engine. Tagged as the 760Li, the elite BMW carries a new 6.0-liter aluminum V12 engine that develops 408 hp. The V12 features BMW's Valvetronic system plus fully variable bi-VANOS camshaft controls. The 745i edition and stretched-wheelbase 745Li draw from BMW's 4.4-liter V8 rated at 333 hp. Both engines mate with a sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission that brings shift-by-wire technology through selector controls mounted behind the steering wheel. Driving the BMW flagship reveals it's in a class of its own: A large four-door luxury vehicle that delivers a smooth ride quality but can charge through a set of curves with the agility of a sports car. A spacious cabin, lined with fine leather and trimmed in rich hardwoods, features a simplified dash design oriented around a center-mounted terminal display and a round joystick-style controller mounted at the front end of the center console's padded armrest. The rotary joystick, acting like a computer mouse navigating through cyberspace, accesses various car controls as well as climate, navigation, audio and communication equipment. Platform for the 7-Series cradles an aluminum suspension rigged with computerized active roll stabilization. Extensive safety measures also apply, like inflatable HPS protection for front and rear passengers, active head restraints, even inflatable air bags for knees of front-seat riders.