Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 730d SE

We try oil-burning luxury model on British roads.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£14,739 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 new looks will appeal to more buyers, and if you’re privileged enough to be in the market for a 7-Series, not many models can match it. Not only is it comfortable and about as technically advanced as cars get, it’s fast and frugal. Endless power and a nimble rear-drive platform provide a hint of old-school saloon, too. It’s difficult to recommend a £54,000 vehicle at present, but the economy and CO2 figures mean buyers will save hundreds by choosing the 730d over its rivals.

Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW’s 7-Series is back, and it’s aiming to set a new benchmark for luxury models. With a fresh look and toned down rear end, the car takes a more subtle approach.

However, don’t be fooled by the modest lines of the exterior, because this latest executive quickly proves it has what it takes to be leagues ahead of most rivals.

Never mind luxury – fuel economy and emissions are at the top of the class, too. Average consumption of 39.2mpg is good, particularly when you consider that the BMW weighs 1,865kg. You’re likely to see even better figures when the limo is in its natural motorway habitat, because it cruises at a hushed 1,700rpm at 70mph.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

7 Series

2022 BMW

7 Series

35,938 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L

Cash £31,990
View 7 Series
7 Series

2019 BMW

7 Series

42,000 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £29,990
View 7 Series
7 Series

2022 BMW

7 Series

49,206 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £33,730
View 7 Series
7 Series

2020 BMW

7 Series

32,924 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L

Cash £29,300
View 7 Series

This efficiency is unlikely to deteriorate when you floor the throttle, either. The diesel-powered 730d delivers 242bhp, and is still faster than rivals such as the Audi A8 3.0 TDI and Mercedes S320 CDI.

There seems to be a limitless wave of torque – a maximum of 540Nm is available from between 1,750rpm and 3,000rpm. That means you’re never short of overtaking power.

While the 7-Series is large, it proves to be nimble and agile to drive. You are aware of its size when negotiating narrow roads, but hit a clear stretch of tarmac and it corners precisely and feels light on its feet.

Push too hard in the bends, and there’s plenty of action from the variety of electronic driver aids. Yet the car is easy to control at the limit.

However, that’s not what the 7-Series is all about. Inside, the build quality and materials are unparalleled. Thick, plush leather is used throughout the cabin, and there’s plenty of dark walnut and aluminium trim around the centre console.

One issue we had with the model we tried was its cream upholstery – a dark finish suits the cabin better. Still, a 500-litre boot and plenty of space in the rear mean that the 730d is as practical as it is sumptuous.

Rival: Mercedes S-Class
There’s no stiffer competition in the executive sector than the S-Class – it’s easily one of the best production cars money can buy at the moment. But we think it could be left trailing by the new BMW.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

BMW 7 Series

BMW 7 Series

RRP £105,710Avg. savings £14,739 off RRP*Used from £15,990
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,135
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025