SPEEDOMETER

The Ride Of A Lifetime

by Anton D. Javier
Photos courtesy of BMW Asia
04 Jul 2017

An effortless driving experience through Munich, the Autobahn, and up the snowy Alps proves that BMW’s M760Li xDrive is a force to be reckoned with

Power and speed have taken on a new form and it’s called the BMW M760Li xDrive. Hiding within the car’s wildly elegant exterior is a unique combination of power and refinement, which a select lucky few were able to experience at an exclusive launch event in Munich, Germany last May 2017.

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Commenting on the launch and drive experience, Sonja Piontek, Director of Marketing, BMW Asia, shares, “In addition to experiencing what an outstanding car the BMW M760Li xDrive is, I hope that our guests will understand that the BMW brand is not only about luxury high performance cars, but a lifestyle they want to be a part of.”

To get an idea of what the car is fully capable of, as well as the lifestyle that comes along with it, Dr Leroy McCully, a PORTFOLIO Magazine reader and avid automobile enthusiast, went along on the 5-day, 4-night trip and shares that he was extremely impressed by the overall event and range of activities prepared. “Our itinerary took in the city and mountain roads, as well as the Autobahn. The smoothness of the engine and seamless gearshifts made maneuvering through the different locations a breeze,” recalls Dr Leroy.

To get a sense of what Dr Leroy and the rest of the participants witnessed on the once-in-a-lifetime trip, here’s a look at their day-to-day itinerary, which was packed with a history lesson of the BMW brand, a drive across the infamous Autobahn, and snowy sights and scenery, among others.

  • DAY 1 & 2
  • DAY 3
  • DAY 4

Day 1 & 2

After settling in at the hotel, Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, and enjoying some free time to soak in the sights and sounds of Munich, a visit to the BMW Museum was in order, for a crash course on BMW’s 101-year history. Dr Leroy shares, “We were able to see the past, the present, and it was exciting to glance into the future of BMW. BMW has always focused on the driving experience and they live up to their motto of being the ‘Ultimate Driving Machines’. Later, as we drove the BMW M760Li xDrive, I could see and understand this philosophy — while the rear passenger seats of this 7 Series flagship were the most comfortable, the most exciting seat was to be found behind the steering wheel.”

The official launch of the BMW M760Li xDrive was certainly a cause for celebration and was presented by Carsten Pries, Head of BMW M Product Management. In addition to photo ops and learning more about the car from the inside out at the heart of the BMW M headquarters, guests also enjoyed an exclusive lunch hosted by Dr Ian Robertson, who is a Member of the Board of Management of BMW.

  • DAY 1 & 2
  • DAY 3
  • DAY 4

Day 3

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As the popular saying goes, it’s time to get this show on the road. The attendees whisked the car away on a 190-kilometer drive, and sped through the Autobahn and drove along the famous “Romantic Road” to Wies Church and Neuschwanstein Castle. “The sheer power of the engine granted instant and effortless acceleration that allowed us to join the Autobahn and merge with faster traffic safely and in a stress-free manner,” says Dr Leroy. He adds, “All this was accomplished with no fuss or drama and I was often surprised at my speed when I glanced at the speedometer.”

Sonja also chimes in and says, “I think I just had my dream drive on this trip. We had a mix of high speed driving on the Autobahn to really feel the power, and beautiful windy mountain roads where we felt the dynamics and agility of the BMW M760Li xDrive.”

“I think I just had my dream drive on this trip. We had a mix of high speed driving on the Autobahn to really feel the power, and beautiful windy mountain roads where we felt the dynamics and agility of the BMW M760Li xDrive.” - Sonja Piontek
  • DAY 1 & 2
  • DAY 3
  • DAY 4

Day 4

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To cap off the drive experience, the participants made their way up to the snow-capped Alps and visited the Zugspitze, which is Germany’s highest peak at 2,962m. Here, guests stayed at a boutique hotel that can only be reached via a private cable car.

On the way up, Dr Leroy had nothing but praises for the BMW M760Li xDrive and says, “On the twisty mountain roads, it felt like I was driving a sports car. The sharp turn-in, the quick responses, the immediate thrust of the engine belied the fact that I was actually in a luxury limousine.”

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