BMW 730d
BMW found 1755 customers for the new range in its first year on the UK market, which it entered, as you might say, with one hand tied behind its back. As we mentioned in our original launch report of the new 7-Series, only the V8-engined 735i and 745i were available here during 2002 – no six-cylinder petrol models, no turbo diesels, and no sign at that time of the V12 760i and the phenomenal long-wheelbase 760Li, a car we’ll be reporting on shortly, once the shock to the system has worn off.
Also in the original launch report, we said that, of the two turbo diesel versions, BMW would be importing only the smaller-engined 730d. The 740d is still reckoned likely to be too expensive, but there’s nothing to get crotchety about. The difference in performance isn’t all that great, and the important thing is that there is now, for the first time since the series number started to be used, a diesel 7.
Outwardly – well, either you like the look of the 730d and its stablemates or you don’t. Side-on the styling is very effective, front-on it’s something BMW fanciers are gradually coming to terms with, and at the back it does seem a little clumsy in places.
However, while the 730d has so much in common with the rest of cars in the 7-Series catalogue, the obvious question is: does this model hack it as a luxury saloon? There’s no doubt at all about the answer. The 730d is a splendid machine.
First of all, the three-litre engine produces 369lb/ft of torque from 2000rpm, and that translates into excellent low and mid-range pull. The 730d is a tremendous hillclimber, and it can dart into very swift overtaking manoeuvres, helped by the top-class throttle response.
Price: 67.000 Euro
Capacity: 2993cc
Power: 157bhp
0-62mph: 8.0 seconds
Maximum speed: 146mph
Economy: 43.5mpg extra urban, 33.2mpg combined
CO2 emissions: 227g/km
Insurance: Group 17
