2010 BMW 7 Series updates: 740d, M-Sports & X-Drive

BMW has added a new diesel to the 7 Series Range for 2010 - the BMW 740d

Yesterday we reported on a BMW 7 Series sporting an M-Sports Pack. The picture we ran wasn’t direct from BMW and we had no real detail. But as we said, BMW will sit up and get busy sending us the detail once the news leaks. And they have. But not just the M-Sport Pack. Lots of updates for 2010.

BMW has confirmed the M Sports Package will be available for the first time on the BMW 7 Series, and will be an option across the entire range. So you can now have the front and rear aprons; carbon black paintwork; 19″ M wheels; BMW Dynamic Drive; aluminium trim; M Gear Lever etc., etc. The latest BMW 7 Series is a handsome car once more, and these M-Sport options do seem to add a certain aggression to its stance – not a bad thing.

Probably bigger news than the M-Sport pack is the arrival of a new diesel model – the BMW 740d – which joins the 730d in the range, and is probably being brought in to bolster the range in anticipation of the arrival of the new Jaguar XJ diesel before long. But it sounds very good.

Featuring a brand new, straight six, all aluminium engine with BMW Twin Turbo Technology, it produces 306bhp, has a claimed 0-60mph of 6.3 seconds and averages 41mpg, with emissions of just 181g/km. BMW claim these figures to be the best in class, and are promising to upgrade the 730d for 2010 to improve performance.

Also introduced is xDrive for the 7 Series. This will give the big BMW 4 wheel drive, and will be available on the 750i and 750Li, and offers electronically controlled standard 40:60 split of the power, with up to 80% to the rear wheels when circumstances dictate.

These are sensible moves by BMW to offer more choice in the 7 Series. The 7 Series has never fared quite as well as the Mercedes S Class – despite being a better drive – but does have a big following in emerging markets like China. But these extra choices will also help BMW compete against what looks likely to be big competition before long – the New Jaguar XJ. Is this the first evidence of the Germans twitching?

More detail in the BMW 7 Series 2010 Upgrades Press Release.