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BMW 7-Series

BMW 730d

In the world of cars, high-fliers have never had it so good. Take BMW's new diesel 7-Series. It has all the luxury of a big motor, with economy to rival family models that are a fraction of the size. And when it boasts 500Nm of torque from only 2,000rpm, you know the 730d won't be sluggish even before you climb into the driver's seat.

By Gavin Ward

June 2003

In the world of cars, high-fliers have never had it so good. Take BMW's new diesel 7-Series. It has all the luxury of a big motor, with economy to rival family models that are a fraction of the size. And when it boasts 500Nm of torque from only 2,000rpm, you know the 730d won't be sluggish even before you climb into the driver's seat.

The cabin, especially the controversial iDrive system, remains a talking point. However, the fully electric seats are superb and provide all the comfort you could want while wafting along at 70mph at a mere 1,750rpm.

This is what a big executive car is all about - cruising in quiet, effortless style. Even with a 3.0-litre oil-burner under the bonnet, there's little engine noise at speed. Only on start-up and from outside the car are you aware that this 7 is a diesel. Our test car came with Dynamic Drive - a ΂£1,685 option which features electronically controlled dampers on the front and anti-roll bars on the rear to combat any lean when cornering. Despite this, a twisty road will soon show you that the laws of physics can't be beaten - after all, the 7-Series is a very large machine.

But when it comes to big company motors, the all-important tax question could be decisive in many a purchasing decision. Unlike Audi's V8 diesel A8 - driven in Issue 755 - the 730d slots into the 32 per cent tax bracket, three per cent less than any of the petrol models, thanks to a 227kg/km engine emissions figure. So there's less duty to pay if you opt for the 7, but Mercedes' faster-accelerating S320 CDI beats it with a 27 per cent rating. That could be worth thousands of pounds a year to a company driver.

However, if you're looking for the best yield on your investment, we would suggest waiting for BMW's all-new 5-Series, which goes on sale in the autumn. It's got the same engine that features in its bigger brother here, yet has a cheaper tax listing.

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FIRST OPINION

    The latest incarnation of BMW's 3.0-litre diesel engine really impresses - high torque at low revs means the 730d is an excellent performer. But the model's comparatively high tax rating makes the rival Mercedes S-Class oil-burner a better bet for company car drivers.
 

AT A GLANCE

    On sale now priced £44,555
    SE trim is additional £2,000
    First turbodiesel-engined car to have six-speed automatic gearbox
     
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