Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 730d

New limousine has been toned down – but still scores with luxury and technology.

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£15,967 off RRP*
Find your BMW 7 Series
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The 7-Series does everything a luxury limo should – and it works well as a sports saloon, too! It’s nimble, sharp and feels far lighter than it really is. The 750i, with its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, is great, but this 730d is the more complete car, thanks to effortless pace, utter refinement, strong economy and relatively low emissions.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We’ve already driven BMW’s new 7-Series in pre-production form, but the car you see here is the finished article!

Free from its disguise, it’s certainly more handsome. The looks are described by design chief Chris Bangle as “more classically proportioned”, and it hides its vast bulk well with sharp, simple creases.

Inside, the cabin gets a sportier focus, with all of the controls and displays angled slightly towards the driver.

The centre console houses the gearlever and a new iDrive controller, which is more intuitive than before, thanks to shortcut buttons placed around the main dial.

You can specify clever technology, too, including blind spot and lane departure warnings, a head-up display with a speed limit detector, and side view cameras to prevent accidents at junctions.

As you’d expect, quality, finish and cabin ergonomics are all first class. On the road, the standard-fit Drive Dynamic Control system alters the car’s behaviour by allowing the driver to choose from four modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. This adjusts the
suspension, steering, throttle, gearing and traction control to varying degrees.

In Comfort mode, the 7-Series absorbs bumps with ease. But select Sport, and it feels like the smaller 3-Series. Optional four-wheel steering makes a major difference to the car’s turning circle and responses, too.

The newcomer also benefits from BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme for the first time, which means the 730d is cleaner and more economical than its predecessor, despite the fact it’s more powerful.

Rival: Mercedes S-Class
Widely regarded as the luxury saloon king, with great quality, refinement and road presence. The BMW has a fight to wrestle the Merc’s crown, but we wouldn’t bet against it.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

BMW 7 Series

BMW 7 Series

RRP £105,710Avg. savings £15,967 off RRP*Used from £14,990
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,795
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,776 off RRP*Used from £13,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025