The BMW 7-series is to receive
BMW's new straight-six diesel engine that we revealed last week
, and the figures suggest some pretty serious power will be on offer from the flagship Bavarian barge.
The 740d will house the aluminium 3.0-litre straight-six diesel motor, which churns out 302bhp, and a healthy peak torque of 442lb ft at 1500-2500rpm. Unlike the upcoming 'TwinPower' petrol straight-six that, confusingly, features a single turbocharger, this lump actually has two. But just to keep things complicated, the two turbos are of unequal size and operate sequentially rather than in parallel. The smaller blower provides a responsive boost at lower revs, while its bigger brother is phased in as engine speed rises.
This, coupled with a revised common-rail injection system, has a positive effect on economy, and BMW claims a combined figure of 40.9mpg - though with all that low-down torque on offer, that sort of fuel consumption will require some restraint!
CO2 is also relatively low at 181g/km, which is 30g/km less than even the eco-conscious 'BlueEFFICIENCY' version of the Mercedes S-class. The 740d starts delivery in September, with prices unconfirmed at this point.
Elsewhere in the range there are other updates for the 7-series. The popular 730d gets a revised engine with better economy and emissions, but with both now roughly equalling the new 740d the effectiveness of the straight-six diesel powerplant is really hammered home. BMW have also added an ‘M Sport’ trim level for the 7, giving the option to add 19-inch alloys, high-gloss exterior trim and a bodykit along with aluminium interior trim and other cabin niceties to any model in the range.