With Mercedes and Audi offering a wide range of diesel models, it appears that diesel is
here to stay, at least in premium vehicles. BMW is contributing to this sea change with the
new 740LD xDrive, due this spring and set to make its official debut at the Chicago Auto
Show.
With BMW’s 3.0 liter straight-six turbodiesel under the hood, the 740LD produces 225
horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The all-aluminum engine uses a single turbocharger
and is hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy numbers are not yet
available, but BMW claims a six-second 0-60 run, so performance should be up to the brand’s
standards in all respects. An auto start-stop system is also included.
Apart from its engine, the 740LD xDrive doesn’t differ much from the rest of the 7-Series
lineup. BMW’s flagship models feature an intelligent suspension with active roll
stabilization, standard adaptive LED headlights, an updated navigation system controlled by
BMW’s iconic iDrive controller, Bang & Olufsen sound systems and full-stop active cruise
control. BMW’s ConnectedDrive suite of infotainment options ascends to the level of mobile
office in the 7-Series, offering simplified voice command control, simultaneous pairing of
two phones via Bluetooth, the ability to send email as well as make phone calls and an in-
dash display of calendar and contact information. A full-color head-up display, Surround
View camera and real-time traffic updates are also available.
Pricing for the 740LD xDrive has been set at $83,425.
