BMW has announced that it will, as expected, be launching the diesel version of the 2009 7 Series next year. This is in addition to the two petrol engined models already scheduled.
Even at this luxury end of the market, the diesel engine has become a must-have for car makers. Despite the fact that there is almost always a price-premium attached to diesel cars (compared to a similar engined petrol car) and diesel is no longer cheaper than petrol, the headline economies of the diesel, and its reputation as the ‘Green’ alternative, make the diesel a must-have model.
2009 BMW 7 Series Diesel
The 2009 BMW 7 series 730d will start to hit car showrooms in the UK in the Spring, and offers sector beating performance and economy. Headline fuel economy is a frankly startling 39mpg from the 245bhp turbo-charged straight 6, with a 0-60 time of around 7 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.
The new 7 series also offers a whole raft of technological advances, as you would expect from the flagship model. These include active brake regeneration, night vision, BMW’s version of lane-assist, active steering (with rear-wheel steering) and active cruise.
This version of the 7 series is a big styling improvement on the last one. Its lines are much more cohesive; less jarring. I’m sure it will go down really well in what is quickly becoming the 7-series’ most important market – China – where the 7 series is more popular than its nemesis, the Mercedes S Class.
In the real world the 7 series diesel will probably use a third less fuel than its petrol-engined siblings, whilst still offering performance that equals the V8 740 of a few years ago.
Hard to argue against it.
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