In The Fast Lane

Luxury sedans that perform or sports cars that pamper? Here are six that deliver the best of both worlds

- Dhiram Shah

Back in the 1980s and earlier, the image of the successful corporate executive probably included a sharply tailored suit, gray hair, confidence, and experience. It probably also included a sleek chauffeured luxury sedan as well.

The scenario has drastically changed in the past few decades. Start-ups have blossomed in valuation seemingly overnight, and the young entrepreneurs who head them up are understandably bringing down the average age of successful corporate leaders.

These young overachievers, especially those with a taste for performance rides, are hardly going to find themselves stuck in the back seat of a chauffeured car. They would rather be behind the wheel. Catering to their wishes are a bevy of the latest luxury machines that can emulate some of the best sports cars on the market in terms of performance, advanced technology and interiors that wrap the driver in utmost comfort.

BMW 7 SERIES SEDAN

The sixth-generation 7 Series, when it entered into production in the second half of 2015, surpassed everyone’s expectations. Filled with the latest tech and creature comfort, BMW really left no stone unturned in the endeavor to outdo its rivals.

LOOK AND FEEL

The first step was to lose weight and a good amount of it. For this, BMW completely re-engineered its flagship luxury sedan, incorporating more carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, high-strength steel, and aluminum to slim down by nearly 290 lbs.

The 7 Series’ styling is a step up as well with a more sculpted look dominated by the revised bumper, sharper looking LED headlights (laser headlights optional), and sleeker LED taillights connected by a chrome strip. Inside, just about everything is new, lavishly appointed with wood and Alcantara leather.