What is it?
The latest addition to BMW’s 7-series luxobarge range, the new 740d is Munich’s biggest performance diesel.
Although it sounds like it should be a V8, this is actually the first BMW to run the twin-turbocharged version of Munich’s latest all-aluminium, 2993cc diesel six.
This car isn’t powered by the same 282bhp iron-blocked engine that you’ll find in a 535d, then, but a lighter and even more efficient unit with BMW’s third-generation common-rail direct injection technology and much of its Efficient Dynamics trickery too. It produces 301bhp and 443lb ft of torque.
What’s it like?
This latest diesel Seven is good for 0-62mph in 6.3sec and 155mph flat out. It’ll also return fuel economy on the right side of 40mpg, and emits just 181g/km of CO2. BMW claims that all of those figures are class-leading, and we can’t fault them. So is it as impressive off the spec sheet?
We sampled the new 740d on challenging roads in the Scottish highlands and, although those roads were narrow and more undulating than many on BMW’s development routes, the big BMW put in a very good performance indeed.
Its advantage over a 730d in terms of outright shove isn’t huge; we drove back to back with the less powerful diesel, and weren’t overwhelmed by the step up in performance. Where the 740d does score over its cheaper sibling, though, is in its sharper throttle response, greater torque at low revs and greater power high up the rev range. It’s much quicker to react when you flex your right foot than a 730d, and piles on pace through the gears in effortlessly brisk fashion.
Join the debate
moe360
Re: BMW 740d M-Sport
300+ bhp from 3.0ltr diesel is a great job from BMW, even all the bmw haters will have to give it up for this diesel. BMW deserve a lot of credit in this department as they still are top when it comes to developing fast diesel's which are eco and powerful
Dan McNeil
Re: BMW 740d M-Sport
[quote Autocar]Because, although this car is expensive, it’s also fast, refined, economical, spacious and quietly brilliant to drive.[/quote] It's also very ugly.
TegTypeR
Re: BMW 740d M-Sport
If I were in the market for this sort of vehicle it would be a tough decision over which one to choose. Head or heart.
Head would be the BMW, because technically it is brilliant and this clearly is the future of the diesel engine.
Heart would still take the Jag, just because as a package, it appeals more, and at the end of the day, that is what being a motoring enthusiast is all about.
mistermainman
Re: BMW 740d M-Sport
The official music video for this First Drive...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks2MXQXj5y0
Overdrive
Re: BMW 740d M-Sport
Heaven's above, what's going on? An (almost) completely positive review of a 7-series model by the Autocar (and without mentioning how you'd better off with a S-class too)!! Must be years since I read one of those.
VelSatis23
Re: BMW 740d M-Sport
BMW builds remarkable engines, no daoubt about hat. Wish they could just package them in cars that aren´t so bloated looking.
moe360
Re: BMW 740d M-Sport
[quote mistermainman]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks2MXQXj5y0[/quote]
LOL ridding dirty, would sound pretty cool in the BM btw
TStag
Re: BMW 740d M-Sport
Powerfull engine, but what does it weigh and how does it move with all that old fashioned steel?
Lupe
Re: BMW 740d M-Sport
Brutally handsome car, i want one
Lee23404
Re: BMW 740d M-Sport
[quote Lupe]Brutally handsome car, i want one[/quote]
Now that I've seen a few in the metal I agree that it's a handsome car. Best of all it's not the dictators choice/luxury taxi that is the S Class Mercedes.
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