So does 007 prefer the occasional BMW over an Aston Martin or what?
In the 1997 James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, the BMW 7 Series, specifically the 750iL, took center stage as Bond’s stylish getaway car. This full-size luxury sedan was transformed into a mobile arsenal, packed with high-tech espionage gear and cinematic flair. So why this German beauty and not the usual Aston Martin?
The BMW 750iL in the film wasn’t just any luxury car; it was customized by Q Branch with a suite of extraordinary features designed for both offense and defense. Housed discreetly in the glove compartment was a decryption computer, accessible only through fingerprint recognition, an early glimpse into biometric security in vehicles.
Moreover, for combat scenarios, the car was equipped with a 20,000-volt stun gun and dual machine guns, effectively turning it into a rolling fortress. Defensive gadgets included a smoke screen system to confuse pursuers and a chainsaw hidden behind the BMW emblem on the hood, capable of slicing through steel cables.
The roof-mounted rocket launchers cleared blockades or obstructions with dramatic flair, while a rear bumper nail-dispenser ensured that anyone attempting to chase Bond would suffer tire blowouts. Even when Bond’s own car ran over the nails, it remained stable and operational, thanks to BMW’s run-flat tire technology, brilliantly showcased in a high-speed pursuit.
A particularly clever trick was the car’s remote driving system. The pedals and gear shift were repositioned to the rear seat area, allowing a hidden stunt driver to operate the BMW during filming. This driver navigated using monitors connected to external cameras, including those in the side mirrors.
On top of that, the setup allowed for intense driving scenes, including tight turns and controlled slides, which were made possible by an additional brake pedal affecting only the front axle and a large, rally-style handbrake lever. To bring Bond’s car to life on screen, the production used 17 BMW 7 Series sedans, each weighing around two tons.
Of these, four were specially modified with functional stunt or prop elements. Interestingly, despite the 750iL traditionally being powered by a V12 engine, most of the film cars were fitted with V8s to reduce production costs. Still, this powerful engine was more than enough to give 007 a speedy escape whenever he needed it.
What do you think the reason behind choosing a BMW over an Aston Martin for this film was?
