Sixt’s XDAR category features full-size luxury sedans with automatic transmissions, designed to deliver maximum comfort, advanced technology, and strong performance. These vehicles typically offer spacious interiors, high-end materials, and a smooth, composed ride that makes them ideal for long-distance travel or premium business trips. With more power and refinement than mid-range classes, XDAR rentals appeal to drivers who want a top-tier driving experience without stepping into an SUV.
Sixt XDAR
Find out which cars are included in the Sixt XDAR category
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BMW 7 Series
The current generation BMW 7 Series does not simply arrive, it makes an entrance. Up front the massive illuminated twin kidney grille is a statement, flanked by slim high tech daytime running lights that look more like jewelry than lighting elements. Behind it stretches a long elegant body that in profile hints more at a grand coupe than a traditional chauffeur driven sedan. This 7 Series does not just want to be driven, it wants to be driven by someone who enjoys the experience and you can feel that from the very first moment.
Inside it feels less like sitting in a car and more like stepping into a private lounge. The materials are soft to the touch and the stitching is flawless, while the interior design plays with the contrast between modern technology and classic elegance. The curved display sweeps across the dash like a gently arched screen and the latest version of iDrive delivers crystal clear graphics with quick and precise responses to every input. The climate controls are seamlessly integrated into the surface and a subtle crystal light strip gives the ambient lighting an elegant presence. Rear passengers can close the curtains, recline the seat to a near flat position and lower the optional thirty one inch BMW Theatre Screen. With streaming services, HDMI ports and a Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system, every trip feels like a private premiere.
Under the hood BMW offers two very different yet equally impressive gasoline engines for the US market. The 740i uses a three liter inline six with TwinPower Turbo and mild hybrid technology that produces 375 horsepower and just under 400 pound feet of torque. It runs with silky smoothness, has a refined sound and accelerates the big sedan to sixty miles per hour in about five seconds. The throttle responds instantly, the eight speed automatic shifts with authority and the torque is available even from low revs.
The 760i xDrive has a very different character. A 4.4 liter V8 with mild hybrid assistance delivers 536 horsepower and 553 pound feet of torque. On paper it reaches sixty miles per hour in a little over four seconds and some independent tests show it is even quicker. On the road it feels like a controlled explosion. Press the pedal, hear a deep resonant growl and feel a surge of power that continues far beyond legal speeds. Despite this performance the car remains calm and stable even at high velocity.
| Model | Horsepower (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 mph (BMW) | 0-60 mph (Test) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 740i | 375 hp | 398 lb-ft | 5.2 s (RWD) / 4.9 s (xDrive) | 4.6 s (MotorTrend) |
| BMW 760i xDrive | 536 hp | 553 lb-ft | 4.1 s | 3.6 s (MotorTrend) |
The suspension tuning favors comfort. Standard air springs and adaptive dampers smooth out most road imperfections, yet the steering is still precise enough to handle curves with confidence. With Integral Active Steering the 7 Series feels surprisingly agile in city driving and exceptionally stable on the highway. The 740i feels lighter and more playful in quick bends, while the 760i with its all wheel drive and abundant power comes across as a swift and supremely refined cruiser.
BMW has achieved an impressive balance between driver engagement and rear seat comfort. From the driver’s seat you get clear feedback through the steering and a drivetrain that offers more capability than expected in a luxury sedan. In the back you enjoy near perfect sound insulation, first class seating with massage, heating and ventilation functions, and a sense of space that keeps you relaxed even on long journeys.
Fuel consumption is respectable for this segment, especially in the 740i which can achieve the equivalent of thirty to thirty five miles per gallon on the highway. The 760i naturally uses more fuel but offers a level of performance that is impressive even when you do not need it.
The gasoline powered 7 Series offers about 18.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The opening is wide though the load floor is high which can make heavy luggage harder to lift in. The rear seatbacks do not fold so the cargo area cannot be expanded. In cabin storage is plentiful with a large glove compartment, deep door pockets and a roomy center console bin. Plug in hybrid and electric versions have slightly less cargo space due to the battery.
BMW 8 Series
BMW’s 8 Series is entering a new phase in its U.S. product cycle. The lineup remains broad, but it’s been trimmed slightly. Coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe still form the backbone of the range, joined by the performance flagships M8 Competition and Alpina B8. The 840i and M850i xDrive cover the middle ground. One notable change is the decision to drop the fixed-roof M8 Coupe, a move that should draw more attention to the Gran Coupe and convertible and could make the two-door a sought-after collectible for enthusiasts. It’s worth noting that the convertible isn’t part of the XDAR rental class to begin with.
The entry point to the lineup is the 840i, powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 335 horsepower. Paired with an eight-speed automatic, the all-wheel-drive version hits 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds. Its personality leans toward refined composure. Long-distance drivers will appreciate the quiet, low-vibration powerplant and its ample reserve for quick passing. The chassis is tuned for comfort yet remains precise enough to make a winding back road enjoyable.
Above that sits the M850i xDrive with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 putting out 523 horsepower. It benefits from a range of tech that turns the big coupe into a surprisingly agile machine. Adaptive M dampers automatically adjust firmness to suit the situation. Rear-wheel steering tightens the turning radius in town and adds stability at speed. The M Sport differential actively splits torque between the rear wheels, something you feel when powering out of corners. Despite the athletic edge, ride comfort remains road-trip friendly, making the M850i a sweet spot between laid-back cruiser and serious sports car.
At the top is the M8 Competition. Its 617-horsepower V-8 delivers acceleration few drivers will ever fully exploit. The eight-speed M Steptronic fires off shifts with authority, and all-wheel drive shuffles torque between axles as needed. Steering is razor-sharp, the brakes are stout, and high-speed stability inspires confidence. On a closed course the M8 proves it’s more than a luxury GT, showing genuine sports-car capability. The Alpina B8 offers comparable output but emphasizes a silkier ride and an interior finished to an even higher standard.
| Model | Horsepower (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph (BMW) | 0–60 mph (Test) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 840i | 335 hp | 368 lb-ft | 4.9 sec (xDrive) | 4.7 sec (Car and Driver, GC xDrive) |
| M850i xDrive | 523 hp | 553 lb-ft | 3.5 sec | 3.4 sec (Car and Driver, GC) |
| M8 Competition | 617 hp | 553 lb-ft | 3.0 sec | 2.8 sec (Car and Driver, GC) |
| Alpina B8 Gran Coupe | 612 hp | 590 lb-ft | 3.3 sec | 3.2 sec (Car and Driver) |
The 8 Series sticks with its established layout. A 12.3-inch central touchscreen anchors the infotainment, paired with a digital gauge cluster. Unlike BMW’s newer models, it doesn’t get a curved display or the latest iDrive system. Many drivers will appreciate the familiar rotary controller and clean menu structure, which make it easy to use without hunting through endless submenus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and premium audio is handled by Harman Kardon, with a Bowers & Wilkins setup available for those who want concert-hall clarity.
If there’s a gripe, it’s that the infotainment looks conservative next to rivals like the Mercedes S-Class Coupe (or EQS) and Lexus LC. Resolution is good but falls short of the best OLED and Mini-LED panels, and the interface feels a few years old. While this works in favor of usability, tech-minded buyers might see it as a sign the 8 Series isn’t chasing the cutting edge.
On the road, the 8 Series’ character depends heavily on the engine. The 840i is the consummate long-haul companion, equally at ease threading through city traffic or devouring interstate miles. The M850i blends blistering acceleration with a chassis that takes every road in stride. The M8 is for drivers intent on probing the limits of physics, while the Alpina B8 edges into chauffeur-car territory, albeit with supercar thrust.
Up front, space is generous and the low seating position reinforces the car’s sporting intent. Both front occupants get all-day-comfortable seats with strong lateral support. The rear quarters are tighter, especially in the coupe and convertible. The Gran Coupe grants a bit more head- and legroom in back but still can’t match the space of a full-size sedan.