BMW 7 Series 730Ld, car review: Boosted efficiency, more luxury and the latest high-tech gear

The new 7 Series can’t be faulted for its refinement and classy, luxurious feel

The new BMW 7 Series is one of the most recent arrivals in the luxury car market

BMW’s luxury flagship is more serious than ever before in its bid to bridge the gap to Mercedes-Benz’s class-leading S-Class. Use of carbon fibre in its construction means the sixth-generation model is larger yet lighter than its predecessor, bringing improved economy and emissions. And a raft of advanced luxury, convenience and safety equipment means owners and drivers – not necessarily the same person in this chauffeur-heavy class – will experience previously unseen levels of comfort and pampering from BMW. And all while preserving the marque’s dynamic appeal.

Once the full line-up has been rolled out, the prestigious newcomer will be available in a range of specs, including four-wheel drive and hybrid models, plus short and limo-like long wheelbase. The latter is driven here, in 3.0-litre diesel guise, although a six-cylinder petrol model is available from launch as well.

Here, we’ll concentrate on the 7 Series’ two foremost selling points: interior comfort and driving quality. Inside the cabin, that extended wheelbase certainly makes itself felt, with excellent space front and rear that will satisfy even the most discerning of passengers. With nappa leather trim and chaise-like seating (along with a planned front passenger seat that folds out into a footrest, creating a virtual bed when teamed with the reclining rear seat), it’s as relaxing as an exclusive London club. The tech lends an equally luxurious air, and includes new gesture control for the iDrive set-up, while the spacious feel extends to the 515-litre luggage area.

The super-smooth 3.0-litre diesel is teamed with the now-familiar eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver a refined 262bhp and 457lb ft of torque. Meanwhile, self-leveling air springs and adaptive dampers are controlled by optional Executive Drive Pro, which presets the suspension mode in accordance with the upcoming road surface. It’s all part of the engineers’ bid to make the 7 Series ride like a Merc yet still handle like a BMW. To this end, Sport mode firms up the dampers and boosts steering feel, with a result that belies the extended-wheelbase model’s proportions through a series of bends.

The new 7 Series can’t be faulted for its refinement and classy, luxurious feel. It’s cheaper to buy and run than the S-Class as well, and definitely seems more agile. We feel the ride still doesn’t live up to either its promise or its rival’s, though – and that’s why it doesn’t get the full five stars here.

BMW 730Ld

Engine: 3.0-litre diesel

Price: £64,530

Power: 262bhp

Torque: 457lb ft

0-62mph: 6.1 seconds

Top speed: 155mph

Economy: 60.1mpg

CO2: 124g/km