The BMW M760e Series Is A Marvel Of Technology

By Jeremy Taylor & Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby

11 hours ago

This hybrid limousine is a luxury living room on wheels – and one of the world’s most advanced cars

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The BMW M760e Series Is A Marvel Of Technology

Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby discuss the BMW M760e Series at a hotel linked to another marvel of technology.

Car Review: BMW M760e Series

JT-P — I love driving but there are few places I’d rather sit than in the back of BMW’s biggest limo! In the rarified air of £100,000+ saloons you expect lots of neat touches but the 760e is par excellence, especially on long drive to Farlam Hall hotel in the wilds of Cumbria.

JT — Agreed. It’s filled with kit, supremely comfortable and despite the outsize dimensions, remarkably entertaining to drive. The BMW devours motorway miles but then races down a twisty Pennines A-road in Sport mode. Amazing.

The 760e is a plug-in hybrid too – BMW claim 49 miles of electric-only driving but that’s more like 32 in real-world conditions. Even so, it’s still economical with petrol, managing almost 40mpg when the battery runs out.

But you prefer the backseat because?

The mobile cinema obviously! Apart from an iPhone-style screen in each door to control the window blinds and various other functions, the optional widescreen television gliding down from the roof is the real talking point.

Yes, a 31-inch wide TV in the back should keep any teenager happy. They can connect an Amazon Fire Stick to watch films or mirror their phone. No wonder our test car totalled £135,000 with options!

The BMW is a highly advanced machine but what’s the connection to Farlam Hall?

Unlikely as it might seem, this elegant Victorian pile was once owned by the wealthy Thompson family who were friendly with George Stephenson, inventor of the Rocket steam train. Back in 1829, the engine won a railway competition that helped revolutionise rail travel.

Another technological miracle but not as fast as the BMW!

Maximum speed was 30mph – incredible at the time! Later, the Thompson’s purchased the locomotive and ran it on a local line. At one point it was kept in Farlam’s magnificent grounds. A stately clock on show in the lounge was built by Stephenson himself.

So, what’s the story with Farlam – it’s certainly an epic drive to reach in a wild and windy part of the country?

Hallbankgate is well off the beaten track in beautiful countryside. The hotel is better for not having a spa and pool because there is so much to do outdoors. Hadrian’s Wall is a few miles away, as well as the brilliant RSPB nature reserve at Geltsdale.

And the restaurant?

Well, that’s the main draw for most guests! After winning a Roux Scholarship, Chef Hrishikesh Desai once made the final of the BBC’s Great British Menu. He was previously at the Gilpin Hotel in the Lake District and has already won a Michelin star for the Cedar Tree restaurant at Farlam.

A mouthwatering Anglo-Asian fusion of yumminess?

Most of the produce is local fare, or straight from the kitchen garden. You might start with Pani Puri, indulge on salt-aged duck and round off the evening with an exquisite selection of dessert treats.

You might need a long walk in the Pennines to build up an appetite for that!

Amiable Hrishi is on hand during the evening to add that personal touch, backed up by exceptional staff who know their onions, so to speak. I didn’t have far to wander – my bedroom was on the first floor with beautiful views across the grounds.

Worth a return visit?

Absolutely, I’d be up there like a Rocket!