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by David Finlay (28 Jan 05)
The mechanical alterations are more comprehensive, and in fact only the range-topping 760i has the same engine specification as before. At the other end of the spectrum, the 730d (the favourite 7-Series among UK buyers) gets an updated version of the three-litre turbo diesel unit. A new all-aluminium cylinder block reduces weight by 25kg, while BMW's third-generation common-rail injection system boosts power by 12% to 228bhp. Despite that, the 730d remains by far the most economical model in the range, with an official combined fuel consumption figure of 34.4mpg. Already seen in the 630i, and due to appear in the 330i, BMW's new three-litre magnesium-aluminium composite petrol engine will also feature in the 730i. Like all petrol engines in the range, it uses the Valvetronic induction system, and BMW claims that this car gives the best power-to-weight ratio and highest power output per litre of any car in its class, though it's worth noting that even with 258bhp on tap it has an only marginally higher top speed than the 730d (152mph versus 148bhp) and an identical 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds. The 730i will also be more expensive to buy, and falls behind the 730d in economy terms with combined consumption of 28.0mpg. All other cars in the new 7-Series range are powerful enough to require electronic speed limiting, giving a maximum of 155mph. The first of these is the 740i, a replacement for the old 735i with substantially more power (now up to 302bhp, which helps to provide a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds) but also slightly more economical at 25.2mpg.
Of the outgoing 7-Series models, the top seller globally has been the 745i, which now transforms into the 750i with the introduction of an all-new 4799cc engine. Economy of 24.8mpg is quite close to what the 740i can manage, but this one is substantially more powerful, with 362bhp and 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds. Top position in the range is still held by the mechanically unaltered 760i, which thunders from rest to 62mph in 5.5 seconds (just 0.3s slower than the much lighter M3 Coupé) and has combined fuel economy of 21.1mpg. The controversial iDrive system, which appeared in watered-down form in the 5-Series after complaints about how complicated it was to operate in the 7, has been "subtly revised to make it more user-friendly", with improved menu guidance through the eight areas of the control display. Four new exterior colours - two blues, a green and a red - and three kinds of leather upholstery have been added to the range, and the wheels, which come in 18" or 19" diameters depending on model, are also of a new design. Standard equipment is more lavish than before, and includes Xenon headlamps (with their own cleaning system) and Brake Force Display, which shows following drivers an extra array of brake lights if the car is involved in an emergency stop.
The 730d and 730i are available in three trim levels - standard, SE and Sport. Sport models are fitted with an Adaptive Drive package which contains two key items; a hydraulic version of an anti-roll bar (it converts body roll into hydraulic pressure rather than simply transferring weight through a metal bar to the inside wheels during cornering) and a three-stage Electronic Damper Control system with Comfort, Normal and Sport settings. There's no SE version of the 740i or 750i, though they do come in Sport specification if required, and there is just one trim level for the 760i. Petrol version are also being sold in standard- and long-wheelbase forms, the latter being distinguished by having Li in their titles. In all there are twenty different models in the revised range. Prices start at £47,500 for the entry-level 730d and go up to £80,975 for the 760Li. |
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