BMW 730d Reviews

Malcolm Flynn road tests and reviews the G11 and G12 BMW 730d, 740i, 740Li, 750i and 750Li, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at the 750i and 750Li’s Australian launch.

Richard Blackburn road tests and reviews the BMW 730d with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the BMW 7 Series with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.

Paul Gover road tests and reviews the new BMW 7 Series, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its international launch.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 1994-2014 BMW 7 Series.

The BMW 7 Series is a large, prestigious German saloon aimed at travelling long distances while pampering its passengers with a smooth ride and near silent interior.

Sitting behind the wheel of BMW's revised flagship car, it occurs that I'm in the wrong seat. I should be where almost all who enter this limo and who don't own/operate one sit: in the voluminous – nay, agoraphobic -- rear compartment.I've rented apartments smaller and less luxurious than the cabin of the updated 7 Series. Yet it's BMW's fond boast that the virtues of its halo car are all within the driving of it. Which strikes one as strange.While Audi can go on about its Le Mans champion inspired R8 supercar and Mercedes-Benz will stroke itself over the exotic SL and SLS series, the brand that bangs on about “sheer driving pleasure” has for its range topper a massive sedan that is, as like as not, chauffeur driven.Still, if you happen to be in want of a $210k-plus four door and you smile rather than wince when the road goes all curvy, here's the limo you're probably looking for.Not for the first time when approaching this part of the Carsguide template does it strike one that the notion of "value" is relative. The revised 7 gets more standard kits and access to a few smart options, a new and entirely irrelevant  hybrid variant, an up-gunned petrol V8, a standard eight speed auto across the range, Start/Stop and economy mode (except 760Li), rear self-levelling air suspension and tarted up satnav and optional Bamg and Olufsen audio system.Prices start at $204,600 for the diesel 730d (and, really, this lookalike is all the 7 Series you'd need if not want). The “volume” 740i and long wheelbase 740Li are $211,500 and $226,500 respectively.The new ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid 7L (with the engine from the recently reviewed ActiveHybrid 3) are $222,000 and $237,000. Getting a bit silly now, the V8 750i and 750Li are $281,100 and $297,800 while the sheik's special V12 760Li is all of $391,500.Given the rear seat occupants are likely to be controlling international finance, sudden untimely jolts could have grave consequences for the Dow or the Nikkei.The newly standard self-levelling air suspension for the rear axle could therefore prevent another GFC. All get electric power steering and the ConnectedDrive package of driver assistance, safety, communication and convenience package. Inevitably there's sense of staying abreast of the Joneses about this update, hence the optional parking assistant that all but auto actually parks the massive beast, your inputs confined selecting reverse and spot of accelerator pressure while affording an all-round from above on the 10-inch multimedia screen.The Jones motif continues with the addition if automatic boot opening function. When you, or more likely your man, is standing behind the car with the key fob still in the pocket or handbag, it takes the wave of a foot under the rear bumper sensor to open the lid.Nor is Jeeves, when ordered “home and don't spare the horses”, likely to go crook about the appreciably enhanced performance on offer. Inevitably all engines are claimed to be both more potent and efficient, with Auto Start/Stop shoving its nose in and the addition of the Eco Pro mode for the Driving Experience Control.The new coasting mode decouples the engine when it is overrunning at speeds between 50 and (fancifully for us) 160 km/h, so you freewheel along with minimum juice use. The hybrid drive system combines the 235kW 3.0-litre twin scroll turbo six for a combined output of 260kW/500Nm.That means 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds and fuel economy figure of 6.8L/100km. Yet the inline six turbo diesel 730d does better, returning 5.6L/100km - this from a 1900kg limo. The 740i/Li gets the potent turbo 3.0-litre petrol engine that does astonishing service in the M 135i coupe and hatch.If with some half a tonne more to haul the 235kW/450Nm doesn't sparkle as such it still registers a 5.7 second sprint time and fuel use that at 7.9L/100km betters a Mazda3 Neo. Significant fettling has rendered the most impressive powerplant even more so.Fuel use of the turbo boosted 4.4 V8 has been reduced by a quarter to 8.6L/100km despite putting out 330kW/650Nm to achieve a 4.8 second sprint time. Not a whole lot of point then in range topper's atmo V12, which is barely faster but massively thirstier. But it is the last of its breed - BMW's are now almost all turbo charged.Brighter and cleverer lights fore and aft (which mean you won't be taken for an Audi), a few more colours (don't panic - only monochromes and deep blues), tarted up interiors (reassuringly faux wood trimmed as ever). And ... That's about it.We're talking about a massively muscled up version of the instantly recognisable current BMW paradigm. The two heavy hitters in back have plenty of elbow room and access to Internet or television via tonal screens. Missing, totally subjectively, is the last degree of opulence, that which makes Audi's A8 the car to sit in.A saga in itself, the active and passive safety measures here prove again that while lawmakers and politicians preen themselves on reducing the road toll, it is carmakers that make it nigh on impossible to kill yourself on the road. Yet in several Australian states P-platers continue to be forbidden to drive the safest cars on the planet.The renewed 7 has safety kit of which you can bet most licensing authorities know nothing. The Active Protection Safety package includes Attentiveness Assistant which analyses driving behaviour on the basis of various signals such as steering angle and road speed. Detecting signs of fatigue, it posts a warning in the form of an illuminated coffee cup telling the driver to rest up.Automatic braking kicks in if you're slow to react to an imminent shunt. Following an impact, the car is slowed to a standstill with a maximum deceleration rate of 5 m/s² and its brakes then locked for a further 1.5 seconds to prevent a secondary impact.Optional on all but the workplace models, night vision features a Dynamic Light Spot function to improve early pedestrian detection. At the heart of the Night Vision system is an infrared thermal imaging camera integrated into the kidney grille.A cool feature of ten enhanced LED lights is High-Beam Assistant which enables you to keep full glow on but guides the lights around the car in front and shields them from oncoming  traffic, detecting the former from 400 metres and latter from all of a klick.Difficult not to be impressed by such dynamic dexterity in something that is essentially an engorged sedan, even as you wonder at the point of it. Having driven the previous day an M135i, the same engine is enough here to remove the need for anything greater. Indeed in almost all circumstances it is more than enough.Much the same can be said of the diesel. Though driven briefly, it is worth a buyer testing both sixes. But once sampled it's hard to see past that crisp V8. Turbo enhanced it has torque everywhere, and a penchant for skipping away to license shredding speeds without betraying the least effort, only the red dash glow when the Driving Experience Control is switched to sport mode.No roaring aural report here, that's not what it's about, just a business like growl and a kilometre crushing lope. Which serves only to highlight the 7's uneasy status as the self-proclaimed driving brand's halo car. There are a number of BMW's - not least the new 6 Series variant with its graceful four door coupe lines - that run the same drivetrains and shout success with a good deal more style if not as much function. I suppose some chauffeurs get all the fun.As technically accomplished as you would expect, the 7 isn't enough to make you forget there's no shortage of toys in its price point.

The BMW 7-Series launched in 2009 was a return to the finer things in life after previous models had diverted down a side road on which performance was a premium.The F01 and its long wheelbase F02 sibling echoed the old ethos of elegance and driving enjoyment that marked the old BMW flagship out from its great rival from Stuttgart.With its carefully crafted lines and timeless proportions the new 7- Series returned to the elegance of old; it was certainly less confronting then the earlier model. Inside, it was a mix of classic style and modern practicality. It was quiet, comfortable, refined, and the driver was surrounded with all the mod cons, including BMW's iDrive system, Bluetooth, voice commands, and useful systems like active cruise control and a heads- up speedo display as well as all the expected features.There was plenty of choice of engines, from the 3.0-litre turbo- diesel, through the twin-turbo six, the twin-turbo V8 and the mighty V12. All were turbocharged, BMW's thinking being that a turbocharged engine could be economical and environmentally friendly when tootling along, but would still have plenty of punch when you planted your right foot. The six-speed auto that is mated to all but the V12, which has an eight-speed auto, has tough shifting and adaptive shift programming.Less visible were the stiffer, but lighter body and the lightweight aluminium suspension. More obvious were features like night vision, lane-change warnings, heads-up display, improved run-flat tyres and variable light distribution.IN THE SHOPThe F01/F02 models are still relatively new out of the box, most will have done less than 50,000 km, and so failures and issues are few and far between. While solidly built BMWs are not immune to problems, particularly as they age, but it's fair to think the 7-Series will be relatively trouble-free for another 100,000 km or so. Servicing is important to keep on top of any problems that do crop up, so check for a service record for proof of regular oil changes.IN A CRASHThere is no ANCAP rating for the 7-Series, but it's fair to assume it would come in at the top end of the five-star scale if it were tested. With dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes and electronic stability control it has the best of everything in the safety world.UNDER THE PUMPThe big Beemer is a heavyweight of the auto world and that has to be reflected in the fuel consumption. The turbo-diesel is the one to go for if fuel economy is your priority. It returns a claimed average of 6.8 L/100 km, impressive for such a big car. The petrol options aren't as thrifty when it comes to fuel economy, the twin-turbo six averages 9.9 L/100 km, the twin-turbo V8 averages 11.4 L/100 km, and the V12 averaged 13.0 L/100 km. All petrol engines require premium unleaded.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $198,800 to $386,000Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo-diesel, 180 kW/540m Nm; 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder, 240 kW/450 Nm; 4.4-litre turbocharged V8, 300 kW/600 Nm; 6.0-litre turbocharged V12, 400 kW/750 Nm.Transmission: 6-speed auto, 8-speed auto (V12); RWDEconomy: 6.8 L/100 km (730d), 9.9 L/100 km (740i), 11.4 L/100 km (750i), 13.0 L/100 km (760i)Body: 4-door sedan (LWB), 4-door sedan (SWB)Variants: 730d, 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li, 760LiSafety: N/A.VERDICTA return to greatness after the 7-Series had lost its way.

Why do rich people buy diesel-fuelled luxury cars? It's not that they can't afford petrol and one would think that forking out $200,000-plus for a big oil-burner would be pointless. But well-heeled people buy diesel cars — in fact, more than one-third of all BMWs sold in Australia are diesel, making the marque the most popular luxury diesel maker — for three main reasons.In no particular order, a diesel needs about a third less visits to the bowser as its petrol-fuelled equivalent. Less time filling up equals more time doing other things, like reading the newspaper over a cup of coffee while thinking about ways to make money.The second reason is the subjectively warm and cuddly feeling you get from driving a big, fuel efficient and (relatively) low-polluting car. The fact that a diesel has substantially lower fuel consumption also means it pumps out far less carbon-dioxide. Most European cars also have particulate and oxidation filters to dramatically cut other nasties such as nitrous oxides and hydro-carbon soot. Then there's performance. Though you'd probably never expect it, diesels can really get up and fire.Now to the BMW 730d. The Europeans who can afford a car like this love them because they'll run long and hard over international freeways on fuel that — unlike Australia — is cheaper than petrol. Buyers miss nothing in the way of luxury and even clever soundproofing makes the 730d as quiet as its petrol equivalent.Variants and pricing The 730d costs $198,800 to make it the cheapest 7-Series, $4200 less than the 3-litre petrol six-cylinder 740i. The 740i is faster to 100km/h by 1.3 seconds but averages 9.9 litres/100km; more than the diesel's 7.2 l/100km average.So there's sense in choosing the diesel 7-Series rather than the petrol. But to most buyers, that's not the point. It's all about convenience. You'd squeeze 1111km out of the diesel's tank and 828km out of the petrol before needing a refill. You won't miss out on any luxury and you'd be hard pressed to notice the slightly less acceleration time.Engine and technology The diesel engine is a new unit that is shared with the 330d and will soon begin to appear in other BMW models. Compared with its predecessor, it gets an aluminium block, a turbo with a variable-pitch impellor and a higher pressure injection system. Power and torque is up and fuel consumption is down.Clever body aids — including air flaps in the grille that only open when the engine needs additional cooling — cut air drag to a slippery 0.29. Anything under 0.30 is excellent. Most body panels are aluminium which makes big savings — the roof alone saves 7kg and the doors add up to a 22kg saving.The 730d also has brake-energy regeneration, automatically engaging the alternator only when the car is coasting or braking. That boosts the battery power and reduces the engine's commitment to running ancillary components. For the driver, all this is academic. The 730d may be big but a plethora of electronic aids makes it feel nimble and light to operate.EquipmentMost drivers will take it as it is and luxuriate in the comfort features. More curious owners will start playing with the buttons, finding the ‘dynamic driving control’ as being the key to changing this car from limousine status into something akin to a sports sedan. Granted, a big sports sedan. This control offers comfort, normal, sport and sport-plus settings that adjust the suspension, throttle and steering response.The effect is as predicable as the names of the setting, with comfort soaking up and insulating every road imperfection while sport tightens up the car, extends the gearbox upshift points and firms the suspension. Sport-plus sharpens everything to razor-blade fineness and even turns off the electronic stability control to turf out the nanny. The sport-plus setting, though tempting, isn't recommended for the road. The sport switch is perfect for a bit of exhilaration but the comfort suits the car and will, possibly, better suit the maturity of the owner.As you'd expect, standard equipment is extensive. It includes head-up display speedo, headlights that turn into corners, auto door and boot closing, TV and DVD satellite navigation, heated and ventilated front seats and a reverse camera.The BMW feels exclusive yet has active rivals in the recently-released upgrade of the S-Class, the Audi A8 and the Lexus — even though the Lexus isn't a diesel. What's so alluring about the 730d is the ease at which it does everything and the ability to go so far between fuel top-ups. That alone is worth more than money to some buyers.Verdict: 93/100BMW 730d Price: $198,800Engine: 3-litre, in-line six-cyl turbo-dieselPower: 180kW @ 4000rpmTorque: 540Nm @ 1750-3000rpmPerformance: 0-100km/h: 7.2 secondsEconomy (official): 7.2 litres/100km, (tested): 7.9 litres/100kmEmissions: 192g/km (Corolla: 175g/km)Transmission: 6-speed automatic, sequential; rear-driveRivals: Audi A8 3.0TDI quattro ($172,900) — 91/100Lexus LS460 ($201,000) — 90/100Mercedes S320CDI ($201,810) — 92/100

Over the past few weeks we've sampled some interesting turbo-diesels.The Jaguar XF S impressed with its whisper-quiet operation, performance and fuel economy, while the Renault Laguna turbo-diesel delivered impressive levels of refinement.Now it is the $198,800 BMW 730d's turn.After overcoming the doubt that anyone spending $200,000 on a car would not necessarily be worried about fuel economy, the refined 730d makes a compelling case for frugal luxury motoring.On the road, the 730d behaves as you would expect of a luxury limousine with a performance edge.The 3.0-litre diesel delivers its silky torque from so low down the rev-range that you do not feel like the poor cousin in performance or driveability terms.Response is instantaneous and the ground-swell of torque builds right up to the legal speed limit.Overtaking in the critical 60km/h to 100km/h area is dispatched with haste but without drama.With the dynamic driving control activated, the 730d feels like an agile and much smaller car.If you prefer your driving experience to be sharp but still with an eye on economy, you can leave the shift change points the same but stiffen the dampers and degree of steering assistance.Over a mix of country roads and constant highway cruising we managed 7.6 litres/100km with the promise of better.Perhaps most importantly for a luxury buyer, the BMW diesel sounds like a regular six cylinder petrol engine.It is so quiet at idle that few people would have any idea there's a diesel under the aluminium bonnet.Inside the cabin is suitably equipped to justify the pricetag.There are lashings of soft leather, wood trim and the quality and ambience you expect.The latest generation runflat tyres too have come a long way from the harsh-riding examples of a few years ago.Improvements to the controversial iDrive system have also streamlined the systems functions. It's far easier to navigate now and even the car's manual, with easy to use pictorial reference points, is available via the system.BMW says it is not expecting a huge number of converts to luxury diesel motoring in the 7 Series.But perhaps they are preparing for the day when engines like the six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo diesel start making some petrol V8s redundant.The 730d also goes some way to redressing the whole ‘hybrids are better’ argument.Around town hybrids may well rule but the 730d is born to run a long way before you need to refuel.Our 730d showed we had 1288kms to go before needing to top up the tank.Until now, the hype over hybrids has overshadowed the fact that many diesels deliver just as good fuel economy, without the need for two drive systems.So German carmaker BMW is prepared to dive into the whole hybrid argument by declaring that its new 3.0-litre 730d returns better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions that the hybrid Lexus LS600hL.It has some compelling figures to back up its claims.The 730d emits 192g/km of harmful C02, compared to the LS600hL's 219 g/km and consumes 7.2 litres/100km compared to the LS600hL's figure of 9.3 litres/100km.And then there's the question of weight. The more you have the harder the drivetrain has to work.But the 730d makes extensive use of alloys and tips the scales at 1865kg compared to the Lexus's porky 2375kg.BMW Australia spokesman, Toni Andreevski, says more luxury buyers are becoming conscious about fuel economy and emissions."With a car like the 730d they can make a quiet statement about these things," he says.To add fuel to the flames it also says the 730d has more standard equipment at a $54,000 lower price that the $252,900 Lexus.The 730d's equipment list is similar to the 740i, but comes in $4200 under its petrol sibling.Standard features include head-up display, high beam assist, adaptive bi-Xenon headlights with daytime running lights, active headlights, soft-close doors, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch wheels with runflat tyres, automatic variable light technology that controls headlight beam intensity in city and country driving, rear view camera, and cruise control with brake function.The 730d also gets four-zone climate control, sunroof, full leather cabin, heated and cooled front seats and a 250 watt 12-speaker CD stereo and a USB audio interface.BMW also parrots the fact that some features standard in the 730d, like the automatic boot, soft-close doors, sunroof and rear view camera, are optional on its two key rivals, the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class diesels.Like the 740i, the 730d gets dynamic damping control including dynamic driving control. At the flick of a button on the centre console the dampers, gearshift pattern and throttle and degree of steering assistance can be changed to suit the driver. There is a choice of comfort, normal, sport and sports-plus settings.Dynamic damping control allows infinitely variable control of the damping effort for compression and rebound, across all settings.The 730d shares its next-generation in-line alloy 3.0-litre six cylinder turbo diesel with the 330d, which arrives next month.It is has third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors and a maximum injection pressure of 1800 bar.The turbocharger uses variable turbo geometry with a diesel particle filter as standard.The 3.0-litre diesel generates 180kW at 4000revs and 540Nm between 1750 and 3000 revs.Even in the heavier 730d, it will still hit 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.Like all of the 7 Series models the 730d gets a six-speed automatic equipped with optimised gearshift dynamics for faster shifting.The car also comes with a host of efficiency measures, including BMW's ‘efficient dynamics’ technology that has active air vent control ahead of the radiator and brake energy regeneration.To keep weight down, load bearing body components are steel, while the roof, doors, bonnet and side panels are aluminium.The alloy roof alone saves 7kg in weight over conventional steel, and the doors save 22kg.The 730d has a double-wishbone front axle and integral V rear axle, made largely of aluminium.