The new BMW 730Ld

One of the most important derivatives of the BMW 7 Series has gone on sale. The
long-wheelbase BMW 730Ld is the latest addition to the marque's flagship model
range and is a welcome introduction for chauffeurs and business users. Priced
at £56,790 OTR, the BMW 730Ld offers an additional 14cms of legroom for rear
seat passengers and a wealth of optional enhancements aimed at cocooning
occupants in a hi-tech, luxurious environment.


Model / Price OTR / Power Hp / Torque Nm / 0-62mph Seconds / Top Speed Mph /
Combined Mpg / CO2 Emissions g/km

BMW 730d / £53,730 / 245 / 540 / 7.2 / 153 / 39.2 / 192
BMW 730Ld / £56,790 / 245 / 540 / 7.3 / 153 / 38.7 / 194

The latest BMW 730Ld builds on the standard-wheelbase specification with
self-levelling rear suspension, chrome rain channels in the roof, illuminated
interior rear vanity mirrors and an electrically-powered sunblind for the rear
window.


This long-wheelbase specification can be enhanced with optional
multi-adjustable Comfort Seats for both front and rear seat passengers. This is
complemented by individually heated and air-conditioned seats that can also be
fitted, in the rear, with a massaging capability. Two levels of rear
entertainment package completes the initial bespoke passenger experience. The
BMW Business package comprises twin adjustable 8-inch flat screen monitors with
a remote control. The system is flexible enough to permit two different
programmes, DVDS or MP3 devices and games consoles to be played or viewed at
the same time. The higher specification BMW Professional system comes with
9-inch twin flat adjustable monitor screens, twin wireless headphones and is
operated by an iDrive controller in the rear armrest.


The new BMW 730Ld is powered by an all-aluminium 2,993cc straight-six cylinder
diesel engine that produces 245hp at 4,000rpm. A peak torque figure of 540Nm is
attained from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm and this results in a zero to 62mph
time of 7.3 seconds and a 153mph top speed. Its 194g/km emission figure is
class-leading for conventionally powered luxury cars, as is its 38.7mpg
combined consumption figure. The BMW 730Ld comes with a six-speed automatic
gearbox as standard.


Every modern BMW uses EfficientDynamics technologies as standard to maximise
economy and emissions figures, while also improving output and engine
performance for a greater driving experience. The BMW 7 Series features Brake
Energy Regeneration that uses the engine's power on overrun, such as braking,
to charge the battery for the car's electrical system. Other ancillaries, such
as the air-conditioning compressor, are also able to disengage to improve the
all round performance of the car.

Chassis refined for rear seat comfort
The BMW 7 Series is the first BMW saloon to feature race car-like
double-wishbone front suspension. This arrangement allows engineers to
fine-tune the suspension for the best kinematic configuration. The standard
wheelbase BMW 7 Series comes with a rear suspension consisting of a five-link
arrangement made of aluminium. However, for the long-wheelbase vehicle the
emphasis is even more biased on comfort so a self-levelling rear suspension is
fitted as standard.

Drive Dynamic Control featuring Variable Damping Control comes as standard on
the new BMW 730Ld. Drive Dynamic Control is the umbrella function that lets a
driver customise the characteristics of his or her car. Variable Damping
Control can bet set in comfort, normal, sport and sport + modes. For the first
time though these settings are infinitely variable depending on driving style
and road surface condition. The selected mode now alters the throttle response,
gear change speed and steering feel. The BMW 7 Series also marks the first time
the dampers of a BMW feature compression and rebound damping capability for
enhanced ride quality.

The BMW 7 Series comes as standard with Dynamic Stability Control + featuring
additional functions such as Hill-Start Assistant, Brake Drying, Brake
Pre-tensioning, Soft-stop and Brake Fade Compensation. Dynamic Traction Control
can be activated via a button to enable spirited driving or greater traction on
slippery surfaces such as snow and ice.

The BMW 730d and 730Ld are predicted to account for 85 per cent of all 7 Series
sales in the UK during a full year. A long-wheelbase version of a
diesel-powered 7 Series was first introduced in September 2005 following a high
level of interest from chauffeurs and business users.

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