BMW has confirmed the upcoming introduction of a pair of diesel powertrains under the the hood of its freshly-redesigned 7-Series, the arrival of optional all-wheel drive for the 750i and 750Li and the availability of an M Sports appearance package. The diesel range, which is not expected to be offered in North America, is headlined by the all-new 740d’s twin-turbo straight-six engine.
The 730d gains the 245-horsepower inline-six from the 330d and becomes the world’s most efficient and lowest-emissions luxury class vehicle, according to BMW.
However, it is the world debut of the 740d’s 306-horsepower, 442 lb-ft. of torque twin-turbo diesel that should really grab enthusiasts. With common-rail direct fuel injection and piezo injectors operating at up to 2,000 bar, the engine allows the large sedan to sprint to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds before topping out at an electronically-limited 155 mph. BMW says the 740d averages 40.9 mpg imperial on the combined cycle.
xDrive
As we previewed yesterday, BMW confirmed that all-wheel-drive will be offered on the 750i and 750Li. Essentially identical to the system offered elsewhere in the BMW lineup, the system can send up to 80 percent of the power to the rear wheels when traction slips or during hard cornering.
The xDrive option is expected to be offered in the North American market this fall.
M Sports
BMW says that the M Sports package newly available for 2010 marks the first time the range-topping model has been offered with such a package. A new aerodynamics-oriented look with additional chrome on the front and rear aprons, illuminated M-badged entry trim and high-glass “shadowline” trim set M Sports 7s apart. Standard wheel diameter for the package will be 19-inches, though 20-inch alloy wheels will make the options list.
BMW’s Dynamic Drive suspension will also be included in the package. Inside, M Sports 7s get special seats, a unique steering wheel, aluminum trim and an anthracite headliner. 760i and 760Li models with the package will get an anthracite headliner made of Alcantara, as well as wood trim.
BMW will offer seven colors for M Sports 7s, including an exclusive Carbon Black Metallic.
The M Sports group will be offered on all 7-Series models, the automaker says.
