BMW 740i test

BMW 740i
The release of the fifth generation of the Seven Series is an important time for BMW.





While the preceding version was controversial, this one should be a hit with those who like large sedans. While there was a 5%incresae in production with the fourth generation, BMW is aware it was a bit behind the times in terms of design and more importantly handling and safety.

The work BMW has put into design can be seen with soften lines, but the classic identity of the Bavarian carmaker is still present.






The designers had to create both a sporty and elegant impression, without neglecting the charm that is a must with this sort of car…and as far as we’re concerned it is mission accomplished. This Seven is more modern than its two rivals in the segment, the Audi A8 and Mercedes S Class. More often than not in this market it is the latest entry that sells the most units.

Dynamic is the word of the day when it comes to conception of the Seven Series. 55 kilograms have been shed from the prior version, thanks to the use of aluminium for the roof, bonnet, doors, wheel wells and a few chassis elements, while increasing the car’s rigidity.

The interior is as luxurious as always and one could say it is even cosier. Plastics have been done away with and it wouldn’t be a BMW without a serious dose of leather. The shift lever is back on the centre console and it’s more of the same of the top drawer elegance for the rear passengers.


Luxury, comfort and even sobriety, all of this accompanied by a myriad of electronic driving aids, including five cameras and radar units. One of the innovations is the new high tech instrument cluster with the maximum speed limit indicator and which route to follow via the GPS.

BMW has paid close attention to the chassis, with an integral active steering for the rear wheels. With a more or less 3 degrees of angle, the Seven Series has improved handling and agility. And thanks to this engineering feat you very soon forget you are at the wheel of a car measuring more than 5 metres long and which tips the scales at nearly two metric tons that’s how much the handling has improved.

The night vision system is another first: pedestrians are detected via an infra-red unit. The side view camera functions up to a distance of 300 metres and the detection devise has a range of 100 metres. The images are transmitted to the control display.

There are three engines to choose from, including a diesel version: a 3-litre turbo developing 245 brake horsepower…there are no plans for the time being for a 3-litre twin-turbo.

Are test car came with a six-cylinder, 325 brake horsepower petrol engine and there is also the more powerful V8 with 407bhp and which promises to offer a fuel consumption of 11.4 litres per 100kms.

Improved safety, sobriety, efficiency, high technology, this BMW Seven Series is a serious luxury automobile. The worldwide economic crisis hasn’t yet effected the luxury car market and BMW will be counting heavily on strong sales of the new Seven Series both in the US and China.