2005 BMW
7 Series
 By  Mitch McCullough
$69,900 to
$117,300

Riva 52
 By Capt. Stuart Reininger
from
$2,000,000

Few mainstream automobiles in the past 20 years have stirred controversy to the extent that BMW's ambitious 7 Series has. The BMW 7 Series still sparks debate three years after it was introduced, but we can assure you this: BMW's largest car is a luxury sedan in the truest sense, and it's impressive to drive. Its responsive engine and six-speed automatic transmission, its magic-carpet ride quality, excellent handling and awesomely powerful brakes deliver the ultimate in big-sedan driver control.

Whichever 7 Series you choose, starting with the standard 745i, you'll get a sedan that's big, smooth, fast and inspiring. It's also equipped with the latest safety technology. No matter where you sit, you'll experience a cabin that's beautiful and wonderfully comfortable. The 745Li and 760Li (L for long) offer even greater legroom in the back seats. All the 7 Series models are exceptionally powerful and responsive, and if the V12-powered 760i and 760Li don't stir something inside you, you may as well call a cab.

The 7 Series has stirred controversy as well as enthusiasm that revolves around two issues: styling and its iDrive interface. Known for brilliant high-performance sedans with conservative styling and straightforward interiors, BMW stepped out of the box with the introduction of this latest-generation 7 Series. The three years since the 7 Series launch have tempered controversy over its stunning styling only a little, and the styling direction introduced on 7 can now be seen on the 5 Series sedan, 6 Series coupe, Z3 sports car, as well as the 2006 3 Series models. One thing is for sure, the 7 Series has presence, something that cannot be said of the previous-generation models...........More>>>>

When I was a teenager working in the local boatyard, one of my jobs was maintaining a customer’s Riva runabout. He would use the boat on weekends. I would gas it up, detail it and make sure it was tip-top by Friday night. He never questioned the extra 20 gallons of fuel it took to get that Riva from his slip to the fuel dock, but on summer Mondays, I was the most popular kid in town. In rural New Jersey, that Riva bordered on the exotic—nobody quite knew how to define it.

Recently, I had the chance to tool around in another Riva, the new Rivale 52, this time with the owner’s permission. But some things never change—this Riva also defies definition.

Like many express cruisers, the Riva is powered by V-drive engines: twin 1,100-hp MANs. This power is unusual in a vessel this size, where iron is generally straight-shafted. Because V-drives are mounted farther astern, there’s more room for the two spacious aft cabins. And the V-drive engines are mounted low, so the builder was able to create one of the boat’s most outstanding features—an aft “garage” with a hydraulic hatch that’s just right for a 12-foot RIB. Any skipper who has ever lifted and lowered a tender by crane will appreciate this feature.

While the Rivale is nothing but ultra-modern, traditional practicality has not been forgotten. The electric rope/chain windlass can also be manually operated if need be, and the cleats are nine-inch horn-types, set high enough off the deck so they can accept the one-inch docklines necessary for a yacht of this size. The stainless railings are pieced forward for easy replacement in the event of a hard landing; where welded, they are beautifully finished and polished ,,,,,,.........More>>>