The previous 7-series was controversial for all sorts of reasons, but none more so than for its styling. Now, though, the all-new 7-series seems surprisingly plain in its appearance, which proves how easily we get used to things if we’re subjected to them for long enough.
The big difference between new and old Sevens visually is around the nose, which thrusts its way out of the bonnet with even more authority than before. But if you look closely, the whole shape has been subtly reworked to be both softer and better looking, even if the profile still seems familiar.
Beneath the skin the Seven makes several strides forwards and, as ever, is something of a showcase for BMW’s various new technologies. The basic platform may well be new but it’s still similar to the old one in that it features strut suspension at the front and multi-link at the rear, with power going to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic.
As standard you now get three-stage electronic dampers with a switchable program that also ties in with the throttle mapping and gearchange speeds. Optional is four-wheel steering, a lane change warning system, lane departure warning system and Dynamic Drive roll control.
Under the bonnet is a bespoke version of BMW’s already excellent 3.0-litre straight six turbodiesel. In this instance it’s been tuned to deliver as much torque as possible – an impressive 398lb ft at 1750-3000rpm – with as much refinement as you’ll find in any BMW on sale.
Power is 242bhp at 4000rpm, and the real killer blow as far as the opposition is concerned is that the 730d achieves all this while returning a claimed 39.2mpg on the official combined cycle. It also produces the least CO2 of any car in its class at just 192g/km.
BMW’s designers have performed a subtle but admirably restrained revamp of the cabin, with a new dashboard and centre console housing numerous switches without managing to look or feel overly complex.
