Driving our favourite roads in a tank like the new BMW 7 Series is like tossing pearl to the swine, no?

Well, actually, no.

After a day throwing Bavaria's finest across some of the finest roads in the Cape, I emerged quite perplexed ? is this really a Seven?

See, despite its behemoth proportions and its lead-sled looks, the model actually drives more like a 3 Series than the limo you expect. It defies its size in a manner that would make even the old Seven seem like a ship.

It turns in like a small car, follows through like a well-sorted sports saloon and rides, well, like a limo should with just enough feel not to interfere with the core principles of the fat-cat ride it actually is.

And performance ? in the big bi-turbo V8 especially ? is dramatic. Mind-blowing actually.

The 750 we drove was the long-wheelbase Li and still it runs with MINI-like aplomb. But cosset yourself in the back with all the goodies and tricks from window blinds to fully adjustable power seats, whack up the juke and take in the vivid Cape scenery and you soon appreciate why people want to be rich...

Three engine variants

The 7 Series will enter the market with three engine variants: BMW 750i, BMW 740i, and BMW 730d.

The 750i combines superior refinement with dynamic power and performance. The new eight-cylinder power unit in the BMW engine displaces 4.4 litres and the new V8 with Twin Turbo technology and direct petrol injection offers maximum output of 300kW in the speed range between 5500 and 6400rpm. Peak torque is 600Nm maintained consistently between 1750 and 4500rpm.

The 740i is the latest version of BMW's 3.0-litre straight-six. Engine output has been increased by appropriate modification of the turbocharger system to 240kW at 5800 rpm, with maximum torque of 450Nm available from 1500rpm.

The 3.0-litre 730d develops maximum output of 180kW at 4000 rpm. Maximum torque of 540Nm is developed at 1750rpm, meaning that, compared with its predecessor, the new BMW 730d offers an increase in output of 10kW with fuel consumption down by 10 percent.