2003 BMW 7-Series 760Li

For the discerning customer who test drives the $73,000 BMW 745Li and pines for more power, creature comforts, and electronic wizardry, BMW now offers the V-12-powered 760Li.

Its new namesake powerplant makes a 113-horsepower gain over the 5.0-liter V-12 fitted in the previous top-shelf

7 Series. Leading-edge technologies, such as direct fuel injection, Valvetronic variable valve lift, and even a liquid-cooled alternator, help the all-aluminum 12 generate formidable power with an uncanny smoothness.

A chauffeured tour of Miami's South Beach gave us an opportunity to stretch our legs in the voluminous back seat, puzzling over the second iDrive controller for the DVD-outfitted entertainment system. Power shades, 14-way powered rear seats with active ventilation, exceptional 420-watt sound system, and generous wood trim pampered us all the way to the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Putting the six-speed Steptronic transmission in manual mode, then shifting via steering-wheel controls, we raced this big boy through the road course. It delivered a poised, predictable performance as we dove aggressively into turns and throttled out with no drama--indeed, in extreme comfort. Varying levels of stability assistance are onboard to protect wayward stock brokers, but the car remains confidence-inspiring, even fun, with these electronic nanny features deactivated.

It's sad that most well-heeled clientele will simply buy the "best" BMW sedan, without fully appreciating the 4872 pounds of engineering magic that goes into building it.