New diesel power for BMW 7 Series
BMW UK’s flagship 7 Series range is to be offered with its most powerful diesel engine ever in the 740d model, at the same time as the popular 730d comes with a revised powerplant offering improved fuel economy and emissions figures. These models can be ordered immediately for delivery from September.
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 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 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 730Ld). This represents a 7.3 per cent reduction in emissions and almost six per cent improvement in fuel economy. This sees the 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 7 Series head and shoulders above its key competitors, including the new Mercedes S350CDi.
What make all the revised 7 Series range performance gains possible are BMW’s award-winning EfficientDynamics technologies allied to an engine that features third-generation common-rail direct injection technology, incorporating piezo injectors, that operate at a peak pressure of 2,000 bar.
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 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.
The 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 740d and M Sport derivatives will be announced closer to their September, 2009 on sale date.
New option packages
News of the revisions to the BMW 7 Series range come as two packages become available for all long-wheelbase models. The options have been compiled with the chauffeur in mind, but will also appeal generally to other long wheelbase customers.
The Executive Package costs from £2,515 and comprises of 19” multi-spoke style alloy wheels, TV function, Sun protection glass, electric rear side sun blinds, front and rear seat heating and a windscreen with grey shade band. The Executive Plus Package builds on this offer by adding soft-close doors and driver and front passenger lumbar support. Prices for this optional package start at £2,865.
