Road Test
BMW 730d SE
Test date 03 December 2008
Price as tested £53,730
For Space, cabin quality, blend of performance and economy
AgainstWind noise, clumsy handling, lifeless steering
You are looking at the fifth-generation BMW 7-series, and if you’re surprised by how similar to the previous model it appears then you are quite clearly not alone.
The new Seven is visually so similar to its predecessor – the first BMW to feature Chris Bangle’s controversial ‘flame surface’ styling, remember – that you could easily mistake it for a mid-life revamp model.
In reality the new 7-series is an all-new car featuring a new platform and an entirely new bodyshell, which just happens to look remarkably like the one before. As usual, the range comprises six-cylinder diesel and six or eight-cylinder petrol versions, peaking with the 4.4-litre, V8-powered 750i.
The version we test here, though, is at the sensible end of the price range and features BMW’s proven 3.0-litre straight six turbodiesel engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The 730d SE costs a decently competitive £54,160, a price that becomes even more inviting when you consider how much new technology is being showcased beneath this car’s skin, more of which we’ll come to in a moment.
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