EDITOR WES RAYNAL: This 2011 BMW 750Li ActiveHybrid is a weird car. Well, the drivetrain is weird at least. The herky-jerkiness of the hybrid system is disconcerting. Like the Lexus LS hybrid, applying the brake seems to make the car actually pick up speed for a second before the car starts to slow down--the brakes are inconsistent at best. Then, press the gas after sitting at a light, and there's a definite hesitation.
This car is hard to drive smoothly in stop-and-go traffic. It's not as bad as the big Lexus, but somewhat disconcerting nonetheless.
Once under way it drives fine, like any other7-series. Acceleration is more than brisk (after that initial hesitation), and the rolling kickdown when one stomps on the gas is impressive, to say the least. The thing is fast. And on the road it's nimble and light on its feet for such a big luxury boat. Of course, it's silent and smooth--and fast--on the freeway
