My Arizona-New Mexico road trip
in our long-term 2009 BMW 750i spanned about 1,900 miles in 48 hours. I'm tired now. More entries are coming tomorrow on fuel economy (over 20 mpg) and the car's adaptive bi-xenon headlights (as used on a very dark road). Right now I want to tell you about U.S. Highways 84 and 64
between Espanola and Bloomfield, New Mexico.
These roads are off the beaten path, but if you're already in New Mexico, the combination of the roads themselves and the scenery along them is pretty enjoyable. Most of the turns are of the fast, sweeping variety, so these aren't the best back roads for a Miata. Still, there's just enough challenge to make you glad you picked something fun to drive rather than renting a Toyota Avalon (I've never seen so many in a 70-mile stretch).
And our BMW 750i is fun. It feels smaller and lighter than the previous-generation 7 Series even if it isn't in actuality. The steering is excellent -- just the right weighting and I could easily get a read on how well the 245/45R19 98Y Goodyear Excellence "grand touring summer" run-flat front tires were gripping.
The big sedan also has amazing body control, and although the pavement was pretty rough in spots (no potholes, though), it never got unsettled mid-corner, which made it easy to settle into a rhythm -- so much so that I didn't lose much time with my back-roads detour. This car is quick wherever it goes. I look forward to doing this again. Real soon.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 5,850 miles (as of about 11:30 p.m. MDT, 4/1/09)
carfreak8394 says:
05:33 PM, 04/ 2/09
Sounds and looks like an awesome trip to take, especially in a car as comfortable as the 750. Lucky you.
hondacura4 says:
06:25 PM, 04/ 2/09
If only I could have the 2010 750i's electronics, refinement, performance, interior and drivetrain in a 2001 740/750iL (sport package) body......
jstandefer says:
07:58 PM, 04/ 2/09
"...these aren't the best back roads for a Miata."
Oh, but they can be! Try those roads in the middle of the night, top down, under a full moon, where the only thing that you can see is the silhouette of the surrounding mountains and what little of the road your lights illuminate at 70+ mph. Now that's exhilarating, and makes you really appreciate the nimbleness of a small roadster, especially when you crest an incline at speed only to unexpectedly find the road immediately and swiftly goes off to the right or left.
I haven't driven US-84 and US-64 that you talked about, but every year the San Diego Miata Club does its Moon Over Miatas run. It's usually late summer so that the night desert temperatures are only peaking in the high 90s, and as close to a full moon that a Saturday night falls. It's a 140+ mile fast run that starts off near Julian (an old mining town in the mountains) and takes us through the Anza Borrego desert to nearly the Mexican border, and then to a casino for a late-night snack before heading back into San Diego. We typically don't get home until 1 a.m., but the run is totally worth it!
mlowery85 says:
08:45 PM, 04/ 2/09
That rear shot.. is it a BMW 7-series, or a Lexus LS460?
They look so much alike from that (B)angle.
ace47 says:
01:28 AM, 04/ 3/09
"Oh, but they can be! Try those roads in the middle of the night, top down, under a full moon, where the only thing that you can see is the silhouette of the surrounding mountains and what little of the road your lights illuminate at 70+ mph. Now that's exhilarating, and makes you really appreciate the nimbleness of a small roadster, especially when you crest an incline at speed only to unexpectedly find the road immediately and swiftly goes off to the right or left."
Couldn't have said it better myself.There is nothing like travelling fast at night through roads that twist and turn, with no signs or indications of how sharp or how deep the next corner might be. Strangely enough, rear driven cars seem to more enjoyable for these occasions. I have yet to try that in a convertible though.
dougtheeng says:
06:11 AM, 04/ 3/09
Those look like fun roads. As someone who has never been down to that part of North America, it always amazes me to see such landscapes. Road trips in Southern Ontario are much different, lol.
1487 says:
06:37 AM, 04/ 3/09
I think we can safely say that $90k sedans are nice to drive on desert roads. One would hope that any car with a near 6 figure price tag would be great to drive.
hondacura4 says:
07:38 PM, 04/ 5/09
I visited my local BMW dealer (Don Jacobs BMW/VW/Honda) and they had a 750 identicle to this one that stickerd for $94K! I loved the interior as its modern, fresh yet at the same time it comes off a bit simple and sporty which I liked.
The exterior however left me a bit dissapointed. I got the same Lexus LS vibe from the rear and the paint/wheel color scheme was a bit bland as there is little to no brightwork on the car. BMW, bring back the taut, crisp lines from the 2001 740 as it was a great looking car with much more road presence.