BMW has finally entered the executive diesel market here with the launch of its 730d version, due here in May. The first right-hand drive diesel built by the Bavarian marque, it comes as diesel sales rocket across Europe, with the more efficient fuel now accounting for up to 40 per cent of sales in some EU states. Michael McAleer reports.
Here, BMW expects the 3-litre common rail diesel powered model to quickly make up 50 per cent of overall sales of its flagship 7-series. With 7-series sales last year of 167, even accounting for an expected fall off this year, that means a minimum of 70 cars sold in the next 12 months. These expectations have some grounding, given the significant proportion of diesels sold by its fellow German competitor Mercedes. Audi has also already signalled its intention of offering a diesel variant of its new launched A8 model.
The 730d, however offers much more than simply fuel efficiency. Thanks to the great leaps in diesel technology over the last few years, it would seem every new version offers greater performance figures than the last. This new 3-litre unit is no exception offering 213 bhp, improving on the current engine on offer in the 5-series. This new unit will feature in the new 5-series, due out later this year.
But it is only when you get behind the wheel that you can truly test the engine's potential. Despite the large body and weight of the bulky 7-series, the diesel engine manages an impressive 0-60 mph of 8 seconds and a top speed of 146mph. What's more, the test car we drove at the Irish preview launch last week showed impressive pulling power and none of the traditional diesel lag that comes with some diesel engines.
BMW has long prided itself on building drivers' cars and the 730d does not break from this tradition. Another feature of which it has been proud is the sweet hum of its six-cylinder unit. While it may not have accomplished a replication of the sound in all its diesel versions, certainly with this new engine there is little diesel drone to suggest anything other than a conventional BMW.
Add all this together with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 30mpg and one can see why so many buyers may opt for this model at €87,100.
However, for those whose only concern is for luxury, the cream of the 7-series crop was also at hand in the form of the long wheelbase 760L. Bedecked in a host of optional extras including front and rear DVD/TV, electrically adjustable rear seats and a separate iDrive control for everything from the phone to the air conditioning in the rear, it comes to the Irish market for a mere €169,100.
Among its bag of tricks includes the facility for the back seat passengers to adjust the position of the front seat passenger seat to give them more legroom. After all, the front seat passenger is at most a bodyguard or personal shopper who won't mind being pushed towards the windscreen if it's in the name of the boss's comfort.
Powered by the same V12 6-litre petrol unit that features in the new Rolls Royce Phantom, it's best not to inquire about fuel efficiency in such platinum card company. Besides, the chief executives being whisked around in the back seat will see the potential in writing it off against tax.