Nobody manages to combine cutting-edge technology and comfort in a luxury saloon in quite the same the way as the Germans seem to be able. Consider the options; the Mercedes Benz S Class or the Audi A8. Both are loaded with goodies and house large but efficient engines under elongated bonnets, but with the new 7 Series, BMW have gone that little bit further.
Clearly, a large car, the BMW 7 Series boasts the longest wheelbase in the luxury performance segment, and that is just the 'regular' version - the long wheelbase model adds 140mm to the wheelbase for even more legroom in the rear of the cabin.
Clearly, a large car, the BMW 7 Series boasts the longest wheelbase in the luxury performance segment, and that is just the 'regular' version - the long wheelbase model adds 140mm to the wheelbase for even more legroom in the rear of the cabin.
In either case, the car exudes an air of prestige along with a sense of sleek dynamism. The long wheelbase means that there is a short overhang ahead of the front wheel, which features the famous BMW kidney grille, almost seamlessly integrated into the nose moulding. Below this, the air intake, with its distinctive chrome bar above, stretches the width of the car ending at either side with the front foglamps.
Dual, round headlamp clusters with daytime corona rings and borders across the top edges flank the grille and mark the leading edge of the large, broad bonnet and the start of a contour line that stretches back to the rear taillights. New for this generation are the LED indicators, front and rear, along with LED light bars within the main rear cluster and high-level third brake light.
The chrome trim bar across the soft-close, boot-lid emphasis the width and bulk of the car's rear end, which doesn't appear so vast when viewed from the side - all you see is the sleekness.
It has to be said, that BMW is not known for being reticent about it's products and the information blurb is loaded with hyperbole and superlatives, this is especially true when it comes to the engines."The world's most efficient V8 petrol engine" is how the 4.4-litre, twin turbo with High Precision Injection is described. It can be found under the bonnet of the BMW 750i where it produces 407PS, which is up by almost 41PS over the previous model, and 600Nm of torque.
Similarly, the "most powerful straight-six petrol engine in the BMW line-up", is the 3.0-litre, twin turbo with HPI, which powers the BMW 740i. On tap is a power output of 326PS (20PS more than before) and 450Nm.
Finally, there is the 3.0-litre, which is the first of a new generation of straight-six diesel engines and the one under the bonnet of the BMW 730d, test car. It is said to be the most economical car in its segment, while still providing 245PS at 4,000rpm and 540Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,000rpm.
It is the slowest car of the three in the sprint, taking 7.2 seconds to reach 62mph from standstill and from there the top speed of 152mph is not far away. Although, in relation to the petrol-engined cars, the BMW 730d might be a little slow off the mark, it is by far the most economic and, taking into account the size of the BMW 7 Series, it can almost be considered frugal.
The official figures are measured in road trim and with 75kg to represent driver and luggage and so we have 29.7mpg for the urban cycle, 47.9mpg for the extra-urban and 39.2mpg for the combined cycle, while 192g/km CO2 is emitted from the dual tailpipes. According to independent figures supplied by BMW, the 730d beats the Mercedes 320CDi and the Audi A8 3.0TDi, in terms of power, torque sprint time, top speed, emissions and combined fuel consumption.
For the most part, this down to the EfficientDynamics ethos of weight-saving measures, Brake Energy Regeneration and engineering but without the loss of driving enjoyment, dynamics and safety. Driving enjoyment is guaranteed, whether it is motorway cruising or exploring the performance on country lanes. The electronic wizardry has a lot to do with it but it is not obvious in the feel of the car, which is how it should be.
Similarly, the "most powerful straight-six petrol engine in the BMW line-up", is the 3.0-litre, twin turbo with HPI, which powers the BMW 740i. On tap is a power output of 326PS (20PS more than before) and 450Nm.
Finally, there is the 3.0-litre, which is the first of a new generation of straight-six diesel engines and the one under the bonnet of the BMW 730d, test car. It is said to be the most economical car in its segment, while still providing 245PS at 4,000rpm and 540Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,000rpm.
It is the slowest car of the three in the sprint, taking 7.2 seconds to reach 62mph from standstill and from there the top speed of 152mph is not far away. Although, in relation to the petrol-engined cars, the BMW 730d might be a little slow off the mark, it is by far the most economic and, taking into account the size of the BMW 7 Series, it can almost be considered frugal.
The official figures are measured in road trim and with 75kg to represent driver and luggage and so we have 29.7mpg for the urban cycle, 47.9mpg for the extra-urban and 39.2mpg for the combined cycle, while 192g/km CO2 is emitted from the dual tailpipes. According to independent figures supplied by BMW, the 730d beats the Mercedes 320CDi and the Audi A8 3.0TDi, in terms of power, torque sprint time, top speed, emissions and combined fuel consumption.
For the most part, this down to the EfficientDynamics ethos of weight-saving measures, Brake Energy Regeneration and engineering but without the loss of driving enjoyment, dynamics and safety. Driving enjoyment is guaranteed, whether it is motorway cruising or exploring the performance on country lanes. The electronic wizardry has a lot to do with it but it is not obvious in the feel of the car, which is how it should be.
Drivetrain
The BMW 730d is powered by a new, all-aluminium engine that produces 245hp and 540Nm of torque. Capable of propelling the vehicle from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 153mph, the vehicle is still able to return the best fuel economy of any previous BMW 7-Series. And its combined 39.2mpg figure is better than any comparable car in the market: petrol, diesel or hybrid.
The BMW 740i and 750i are equally noteworthy. The 740i is powered by an evolution of the current back-to-back International Engine of the Year-winning 3.0-litre petrol engine. The twin-turbocharged unit produces 326hp and 450Nm of torque to enable the 740i to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.9 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited 155mph top speed. It records a combined consumption figure of 28.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 232g/km.
As the flagship of the range, the BMW 750Li takes pride of place with its own world first. Its twin-turbochargers are located within the engine's vee to improve performance and packaging requirements. The configuration sees the 750i produce 407hp and 600Nm of torque which equates to a zero to 62mph time of 5.2 seconds, an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph, a combined consumption figure of 24.8mpg and emissions of 266g/km.
The BMW 7-Series comes with the marque's award-winning EfficientDynamics technologies - the same as every other model currently on sale. The introduction of Brake Energy Regeneration, active aerodynamics and on-demand use of ancillary units have all had a beneficial impact on economy and emissions compared to the previous generation. The BMW 730d is the first Seven to ever record a sub 200g/km emissions figure. Such is the impact of EfficientDynamics technologies across the entire BMW range, the marque now offers 73 models with CO2 emissions of 140g/km or less in the UK and Republic of Ireland - a greater figure than any other premium manufacturer.
Chassis and safety
As with all modern BMWs, the 7-Series has a chassis configuration aimed at balancing ride comfort with a dynamic driving experience. A 50:50 weight distribution and the extensive use of lightweight materials throughout the car provide a good foundation. Building on this are a raft of active chassis and safety systems that further enhance the experience.
Standard on all BMW 7-Series variants is a double wishbone front suspension with an Integral V rear suspension configuration. Long wheelbase cars supplant the Integral V rear axle with an air suspension for greater rear passenger ride comfort. In addition to this every vehicle features Drive Dynamic Control that offers four distinct set-ups of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+. At the touch of a button the driver can alter the gear change, throttle response, degree of power steering assistance, damper settings and the Dynamic Stability Control+ programme.
Building on the standard chassis configuration are a number of optional features. Integral Active Steering allows all four wheels of the car to be steered. This improves the turning circle at slower speeds while offering a more composed ride at higher speeds. In a world first, Speed Limit Display uses a forward-facing camera to scan road signs and display the current speed limit to the driver. The system even recognises variable speed warnings in road works. Lane Departure Warning shares the same camera as Speed Limit Display to monitor road markings and warn the driver if they are in danger of straying out of lane.
Lane Change Warning provides a rearward-facing safety blanket courtesy of two sensors situated in the bumper. The system alerts the driver to any vehicle that may be in a blind spot. The BMW 7-Series can also be specified with the world's first Night Vision system with individual pedestrian recognition. Not only does the latest Night Vision scan the road 300 metres ahead it is now able to warn the driver if a pedestrian is likely to walk into the path of the car. Side View cameras and Head-up Display are two further safety features that are segment firsts.
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