BMW unveils M Sport 7 Series

BMW has released the first pictures of its image-leading M Sport 7 Series (which had been incorrectly touted as an 'M7' by many motoring websites and publications when spy shots had been circulating over the past couple of months).

In reality, the M Sport package brings nothing more than cosmetic upgrades, comprising bigger, more aggressive front and rear bumpers with chrome highlights, as well as a delectable set of split-rim 19-inch alloys.

The interior also gains its fair share of tweaks, including brushed aluminium trim, an anthracite headlining, sports seats, an M Sport steering wheel and M Sport sill plates.

The addition of the M Sport package is expected to provide BMW with at least some fodder with which to combat AMG versions of the Mercedes S-Class, as well as the Audi S8.

Meanwhile, BMW has announced details of the latest version of the diesel-sucking 730d and a new 740d model that's destined to be the most potent 7 Series oil burner to date when it launches internationally in September.

Motive power for the 740d comes from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo unit, and outputs of 228kW and a mountainous 600Nm enable it to knock off the 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.3sec and achieve a v-max of 250km/h.

Amazingly, the big limo is able to return a consumption figure of 6.9 litres/100km on the combined cycle, while spewing out CO2 emissions of just 181g/km.

Lower down the order, the 730d benefits from third-generation direct-injection technology and BMW's Efficient Dynamics wizardry, boosting its overall economy to 6.8 litres/100km, while CO2 emissions are pared from 192 to 178g/km). It's no slug either, as evidenced by a 0-100km/h dash in a very respectable 7.2sec.

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