30 Jul 08
The new BMW 7-Series will have a three-model line-up this time around, with the 740i (twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six, 326bhp and 332lb-ft) and 750i (new 4.4-litre V8, 407bhp and 442lb-ft) petrol engines, plus the 730d (3.0-litre straight-six, 245bhp and 398lb-ft) diesel to choose from.
No decision has been made yet whether to offer a V12 this time around - though this is under consideration for some markets such as China, where a 12-cylinder car is the ultimate symbol of prestige and fuel consumption be damned - and a hydrogen-compatible replacement for the 760h has not yet been given the green light either. A hybrid, possibly a diesel-electric powertrain, is more likely in the short- to medium-term.
The 740i we've driven already has got to be sufficiently quick, however: it'll do 155mph and 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds, yet returning 28.5mpg and 232g/km of carbon dioxide, an improvement on its V8-engined predecessor and pretty good for a car of this class. Quiet, smooth and refined, it's highly civilised as well: no trace of turbo lag, nor a harsh exhaust note.
The 730d returns an even more impressive 39.2mpg and 192g/km: the 750i gives 24.8mpg and 266g/km, again good for its ilk. Besides the advanced engine technology and the car's reduced weight, aerodynamic enhancements - including automatically closing flaps in the front grille - have played a part in reducing consumption and emissions. All three engines also meet the Euro 5 emissions standards.
Full specifications and prices will be released nearer to the 7's formal launch at the Paris Motor Show in October. Even without these final details, however, we're confident in proclaiming that this car is ready to set a new benchmark for its sector.
