BMW 740i review
When BMW took a serious run at the top end of the North American market, in the late 1980s, the model they utilized to spearhead this paradigm shift was their long-wheelbase, 12 cylinder 750iL. It received mixed reviews; the chief complaints being that it was very expensive, and really, did not display the kind of power and performance that one would expect from a $100,000-plus automobile. BMW also had a V8 powered 7-series in the form of the BMW 740i , but declined to offer it in North America until 1993. Kind of a shame, because even then, the BMW 740i had superior performance and balance and, in my opinion, would have faired better.
First Impressions
We've got behind the wheel of BMW's all-new 7-Series - months before it actually goes on sale. The pre-production model was so new, it still features all the anti-spy-photographer tape on its aluminium bodypanels, covering the big Merc S-Class-rivalling saloon's lines. Luckily, we've seen it uncovered, too, and can report it's quite a looker.
Flowing, sculpted panels are similar in themes to the current 7, but this is a much better-integrated and less-controversial thing. It looks long, wide, elegant, and is certainly attractive. Stretched-forward front wheels and a strong shoulderline give it character, while shapely lines play with the light. Perfect antithesis to the slightly clumsy current model.
BMW has also been hard at work elsewhere. The interior has been thoroughly rethought, as have suspension systems, electronic aids, engines, even the highly controversial iDrive system. One key headline is that it's the greenest luxury car you can buy: BMW directly compares the diesel, for example, with the much smaller Mercedes C-Class.
The 730d is one for the future, though. Despite 85 per cent of buyers expected to go diesel, we had to 'make do' with the BMW 740i , using a 326bhp version of the 335i's twin-turbo six-cylinder engine. If that's not enough, there's also a 407bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. So, to a secret test track, for a first taster of the revolutionary new 7...
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