The BMW 7 Series Range Increases
Published: 26th June 2009
The New BMW 740d M Sport
The BMW 7 Series range is to be offered with its most powerful diesel engine ever in the BMW 740d model, at the same time as the popular BMW 730d comes with a revised powerplant offering improved fuel economy and emissions figures. These models can be ordered immediately for delivery from September 2009.
The new BMW 740d heralds the latest technological leap for the 7 Series, taking diesel performance in a luxury car to a new level. Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine that produces 306hp, the BMW 740d provides the driver and its occupants with a smooth yet suitably rapid method of transport, while merely sipping at its fuel tank.
The 2,993cc engine features an all aluminium crankcase and third generation common rail fuel injection system offering 600Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm. This enables the BMW 740d to achieve a class-leading zero to 62mph time of 6.3 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited 155mph top speed. These impressive performance figures have been made possible by the unique way the twin turbochargers work. A smaller turbocharger provides near instantaneous response for swift initial acceleration before a larger unit provides additional thrust from the mid-range to the redline. However, courtesy of EfficientDynamics technologies the new BMW 740d still achieves an outstanding 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and a CO2 emissions figure of just 181g/km.
The Revised BMW 730d
BMW UK's biggest selling 7 Series, accounting for approximately 85 per cent of sales, has also been improved for 2009. The BMW 730d now comes with a revised engine that sees the class-leading Seven stride further ahead of its competitors in terms of economy and emissions.
From September 2009, the BMW 730d and 730Ld will be specified with an engine that has been refined to now achieve 41.5mpg on the combined cycle (40.9mpg for the long-wheelbase) and CO2 emissions of 178g/km (180g/km for the BMW 730Ld). This represents a 7.3 per cent reduction in emissions and almost six per cent improvement in fuel economy. This sees the BMW 730d drop into the band I Vehicle Excise Duty tier with a subsequent improvement in the benefit-in-kind rate for business users. This efficiency performance places the BMW 7 Series head and shoulders above its key competitors, including the new Mercedes S350CDi.
Brake Energy Regeneration uses the engine's power on overrun, such as braking, to charge the battery for the car's electrical circuit. When the driver is accelerating the alternator disengages so all of the engine's power is channelled towards the car's performance. Other ancillaries, such as the air-conditioning compressor, are also able to disengage to improve the all round performance of the car. All of these technologies were standard on the BMW 7 Series when it was launched in November 2008, but have since been enhanced on the BMW 730d to achieve even more impressive performance figures. The roof, doors, bonnet and front side panels are all made from aluminium to reduce weight and help achieve the outstanding efficiency performance.
Thee launch of the 740d coincides with the introduction of M Sport models to the BMW 7 Series range. Now all BMW 7 Series variants can be ordered as either SE or M Sport. The latter specification builds on the high level of standard equipment offered with an SE by adding new 19-inch M Sport V-spoke style alloy wheels, M Aerodynamic body styling and high-gloss exterior trim. Inside, and Sport seats, M Sport steering wheel, M Sport door sill inlays, brushed aluminium interior trim and Anthracite headlining complete the offer.
Prices for the BMW 740d and M Sport derivatives will be announced closer to their September 2009 on sale date.
BMW 7-Series
Our BMW 7-Series Guide lists the full specification of the current UK 7-Series range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £53,695 - £68,800
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 7
We have road tested the BMW 7-Series, to read our in-depth car review:
BMW 7-Series Review - Jan 2008
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 14th Oct 2009
