Drivers Log; BMW 760Li, Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas.(News)(Product/Service Evaluation)

2003 BMW 760Li

Date in fleet: May 19-June 2 As-tested price: $122,095 Powertrain: 6.0-liter V12; rwd, six-speed automatic Hp: 438 @ 6000 rpm Torque: 444 @ 3950 rpm Curb weight: 4872 pounds MPG (EPA combined/AW observed): 18.80/13.89

HART: I can forget how silly the 760Li's rear end looks once I get behind the wheel. The car is simply wonderful to drive. This particular V12 model is blindingly fast-you'll see triple digits before you know it-and because the car is so solid, the cabin so quiet, the driving dynamics so good, you rarely become conscious of the speed. The brakes are more than up to the task of stopping a 5000-pound vehicle from triple-digit speeds.

Sit in the back seat and notice all the room, not just legroom, but hip and shoulder room, and once again, you'll forgive the exterior design. The back seat and trunk are cavernous. For the Sopranos, it's easily a three-, maybe four-body trunk, depending on victim size.

BLAHNIK: Let's face it, people either like the look or hate it, but no matter, there is nothing to complain about here in terms of quality and fit-and-finish. The entire car has a polished look to it, especially inside, thanks to a smart use of chrome and leather and its clean layout. But then there's the iDrive. More than a bit confusing, I found I paid more attention to the iDrive than the road. Once you figure out how it works it isn't that bad (note: It's still bad), it's just getting to that point that really bites. And since the 7 Series is obviously targeted at people who are older than me, I'm not sure they would really want to learn how to use all the technology features this car offers.

2004 Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas

Date in fleet: May 14-23 As-tested price: $68,995 Powertrain: 4.2-liter V8; rwd, six-speed automatic Hp: 294 @ 6000 rpm Torque: 303 @ 4100 rpm Curb weight: 3806 pounds MPG (EPA combined/AW observed): 22.75/18.56