2011 BMW 730d straight-six turbo
BMW 730d exploits turbo-diesel straight-six turbo dynamic performance.
The new 730d – the first diesel powered 7 Series sold in Australia – will right from the start establish itself at the top of the performance pecking order. Despite class leading fuel consumption, the new 730d will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h faster and develop more power than its immediate 3.0-litre diesel competitors.
“For many customers the performance and unrivalled efficiency of the new BMW 730d will be the prime attraction, coupled with the sure-footed and dynamic driving experience,” said BMW’s general manager of marketing, Tom Noble.
The newest addition to the model line-up is the first 7 Series to be offered with diesel power in Australia. In Europe, the predecessor 730d model was the biggest seller, underlining its wide appeal among the most discerning buyers.
The 730d uses a new generation turbo-diesel also fitted to the new 330d Sedan. It is a straight-six featuring an aluminium block, third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors, and a maximum injection pressure of 1,800 bar. The turbo charger has variable turbo geometry and a diesel particle filter and an oxidation catalyst are fitted as standard.
The 730d engine generates 180 kW of power at 4,000 rpm and 540 Nm of torque between 1,750-3,000 rpm. As a result, the BMW 730d accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, and uses just 7.2 l/100km of fuel, emitting only 192 g/km of CO2, making it the most economical car in its class. This engine is 10 kW more powerful, 5 kg lighter and uses 10 percent less diesel than its predecessor and is the first car in the upper luxury sedan segment to emit less than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
The new 3.0 litre turbo diesel six cylinder engine delivers performance akin to a V8 engine, but with the fuel economy of some four cylinder engines housed in much smaller bodies. Thanks to 180kW of power, available at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 540 Nm available across an enduring plateau extending from 1,750-3,000rpm, the first ever diesel 7 Series model delivers effortless, seamless performance.
Like all of the 7 Series models the BMW 730d is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with optimised gearshift dynamics for faster shifting, improved shift comfort, reduced fuel consumption, and are controlled via the electronic gear selector.
In keeping with BMW’s EfficientDynamics strategy the BMW 730d is equipped with a host of efficiency measures including active air vent control, Brake Energy Regeneration, common-rail injection and optimised weight saving.
Load bearing body components are steel, while the roof, doors, bonnet and side panels are made of aluminium. The alloy roof alone saves 7 kg, and the doors save 22kg. The aluminium pressure-cast suspension supports at the front, and a final drive with aluminium housing all work towards keeping overall weight as low as possible.
The BMW 7 Series is renowned for its dynamic on-road performance, and the 730d is certain to offer unrivalled enjoyment behind the wheel for the sporting driver.
The all-new suspension optimises ride and handling with a particular accent on comfort. The new BMW 7 Series is the first BMW Sedan with a double-wishbone front axle and the exclusive BMW integral V rear axle, made largely of aluminium.
Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with an on-demand steering assistance pump joins the world debut of optional Integral Active Steering, a combination of Active Steering on the front axle and speed-related rear-wheel steering.
Extending the performance envelope are new driver assistance features such as Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control which are standard. The dampers, gearshift dynamics, as well as the throttle and steering assistance map are varied by the Dynamic Driving Control button on the centre console. This offers the choice of COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT PLUS settings.
Dynamic Damping Control allows infinitely variable control of the damping effort for compression and rebound, across all settings, enabling occupants to be perfectly insulated from road harshness or uneven surfaces. This allows a truly unique combination of firm suspension setup on the one hand, and a comfortable response to bumps on the other, and becomes the benchmark in suspension ride and comfort in this class.
A special traction mode and SPORTS+ setting with reduced or deactivated DSC control is available for drivers wishing to experience a particularly sporting style of motoring.
In Australia, customers are offered the following features as standard on the new BMW 730d (note specification is directly aligned to the 740i): Head-Up Display, High Beam Assistant, Adaptive bi-Xenon headlights with daytime running function, variable headlight beam distribution for better illumination around bends, including automatic turning lights, Automatic Variable Light technology (beam throw control with country / highway lights), Rear View Camera, and Cruise Control with Brake function.