The BMW 7-Series range in Europe 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.
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-liter twin-turbocharged engine that produces 306hp, the BMW 740d provides the driver and its occupants with a smooth yet rapid method of transport, while merely sipping at its fuel tank.
The 2993cc engine features an all-aluminum crankcase and third generation common-rail fuel injection system offering 440 lb-ft of torque from just 1500rpm. This enables the 740d to achieve a class-leading 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited 155mph top speed.
These performance figures have been made possible by the unique way the twin turbochargers work. A smaller turbo 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 (Imperial) on the combined cycle and a CO2 emissions figure of just 181g/km.
The revised BMW 730d accounting for approximately 85% of 7-Series sales in some markets and has also been improved for 2009. It now comes with an engine that has been refined to achieve 41.5mpg (Imperial) 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% reduction in emissions and almost six% improvement in fuel economy.
Making the 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 2000 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 the power is channeled towards the car's performance. Other ancillaries, such as the air-conditioning compressor, are also able to disengage to improve the performance of the car. The roof, doors, hood and front fenders are made from aluminum 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 7-Series range. Now all BMW 7-Series variants in Europe can be ordered with M Sport equipment. The latter adds new 19" M Sport wheels, M Aerodynamic body styling and high-gloss exterior trim. Inside, Sport seats, M Sport steering wheel, M Sport door sill inlays, brushed aluminum interior trim and Anthracite headlining complete the list.