BMW confirms diesel '7' for Australia

BMW has announced price for the petrol powered variants of its new 7 Series range and has confirmed that it will offer a turbodiesel 7 Down Under in 2009. But for autocrats with an eco bent, there's still work to be done before Australia will see a hybrid model.

Pricing was announced yesterday against the back drop of the local launch of the new M3 Sedan and updated 3 Series models. And while we'll have to wait to hear the dollars on the diesel model, the good news is the new F01/02 generation 7 Series petrol variants kick off at the same dollar value as the outgoing E65/66 series cars.

Something of a step back from the polarising look of the last generation, the new F01/02 was launched to the world press at this year's Paris Motor Show (more here).

The petrol engine range is exclusively twin-turbo petrol. The twin-turbo 3.0-litre six fitted to the 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li is shared with the 335i and marks the first occasion an inline six has powered a 7 Series variant since the E32 models last sold locally in 1992. The twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 in the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li is featured in a new variant of the X6 (X6 xDrive50i), set to arrive Down Under next month, and is said to deliver comparable performance to the outgoing V12 760i.

Both engines feature direct petrol injection. The six develops 240kW/450Nm and the V8 300kW/600Nm. According to BMW, they are more powerful and more frugal engines than those powering their respective competitors.

Some of the new car's fuel efficiency gains derive from lightweight aluminium suspension members front and rear, with aluminium also used in the construction of some external panels, including the roof and doors. BMW estimates that the total weight saving is 30kg, compared with the same panels constructed from steel.

Leading edge technology doesn't stop at the new car's doors. Inside, the 7 Series comes equipped with Brake Energy Regeneration, four-wheel steering, night vision with integrated human-shape recognition and warning, Lane Change Warning system, Lane Departure Warning, Head-Up Display, 'Runflat' tyres, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function, Variable Light Distribution and adaptive headlight range control. Driving aids include Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Driving Control.

BMW claims that the new range, compared on a spec-for-spec basis, represents better value than its nearest competitor. When the new model reaches local showrooms in March next year, the range will commence from $203,000 for the 740i, rising to $218,000 for the 740Li, $274,000 for the 750i and $291,000 for the 750Li.

Those looking to own the most frugal 7 will have to wait until mid-year for the new 730d. Sharing its newly-developed turbocharged inline six-cylinder common-rail diesel with the recently announced 330d, the 730d is BMW's first-ever diesel 7 Series Down Under.

Uprated further from duty in the 7's 3 Series stablemate, the turbodiesel produces 180kW and a stonking 540Nm. This is enough to propel the car to 100km/h from a standing start in 7.2sec, yet the Euro 5-compliant 730d sips just 7.2L/100km of fuel in ADR combined testing.

It's this blend of performance and abstinence that BMW says will win buyers for the 730d.

"A combination of factors," BMW's Toni Andreevski told the Carsales Network when quizzed on what powered the decision to add the 730d to the local line-up.

"Good fuel consumption -- equivalent to a medium sized car -- makes it easier for people to justify their purchase from the grounds of social responsibility. But the car has lots of torque so delivers great performance," Andreevski opined.

"I think the diesel [luxury] segment will grow going forward, so it's important to be represented in that segment and show people what great technology we've got... Reminding people how they [our diesel engines] are -- for example the 730d is more efficient than currently available hybrid drivetrains. That's an important symbolic statement that will have an effect for the overall 7 Series positioning."

According to Andreevski, turbodiesel will be the ultimate expression of the Bavarian marque's 'Efficient Dynamics' ethos Down Under -- at least when it comes to 7 Series. At this stage a hybrid 7 does not feature in the company's local planning.

"We will offer globally, in certain markets, a hybrid model, but that will be based on a [petrol] V8 -- more of a performance hybrid," Andreevski said.

"The hybrid 7 is not in our planning... It's yet to be determined whether it will be built in right-hand drive," he said.

The 730d will be the first diesel-powered 7 Series variant to be sold in Australia, but BMW has sold a diesel 7 Series for some years in Europe. According to the company, the new model is at once six per cent more powerful than its predecessor and almost nine per cent more frugal.

BMW will announce full specifications and pricing for the 730d closer to its local launch.

To comment on this article click here