Seventh Heaven with BMW's EfficientDynamics Challenge

Thailand gets a bad rap as a cheap bastion of sleazy, polluted and unsafe places and people who run the country when in fact it's one of the most intriguing and enticing places in Asia. More often or two, it usually takes a handful of snagging bureaucrats to 'spoil the market' in countries like these. Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, actually offers tourists a kaleidoscope of attractions and a tantalising array of themes and dreams to pursue. It's almost a marvel of surrealism, modern fashionistas, smiling citizens and rich and philosophical culture.

More importantly, it pulsates with the understanding of automotive importance, given the fact that automotive is the second largest industry in the country.

Similar to what was organised last year in Bali, BMW decided to hold another challenge for journalists to take part - only this time round, instead of driving around the suburban areas of Bali, it's a long drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Fuel Efficiency - Bangkok to Chiang Mai

After our hearty breakfast at Novotel Bangkok Penix PloenChit and warm greetings from Mr Matthias Pfalz, President BMW Group Thailand, we got into our respective cars, all of which were the BMW 730Ld. At this point of time, it's not so much of the traffic problems lingering at the back of your head, but instead, the possibility of reaching Chiang Mai on a single full tank. The main purpose of the "1-Tank Challenge" is to demonstrate BMW's award-winning technology of unparalleled level of fuel efficiency with just one tank of diesel. So it is possible?

The drive of over 700km from Bangkok to Chiang Mai took us close to a gruelling 10 hours (including pit stops). But with a cabin of the 730Ld, fun is in the journey, more than the destination. The diesel-powered BMW 730Ld will keep its occupants highly comfortable, with an ambience and high quality finishing that reflect nothing less than a first-class section of a prestigious plane. And that's not to say that a DVD player was installed for rear passengers to enjoy a movie or two during the long but no less enjoyable drive.

Unlike other brands where their flagship models focus more on pampering and performance, BMW stresses on efficient use of the world’s energy resource and conservation of the environment without compromising the sheer driving pleasure of a BMW vehicle. Based on the pursuit of achieving lower CO2 emissions, lesser fuel consumption and more driving pleasure, BMW EfficientDynamics has enabled this incredible accomplishment through various core principles such as Optimisation of engines, Intelligent energy management, Lightweight construction and Aerodynamics.

Thanks to the lightweight components of the 730Ld, including the engine that weighs only 185kg, the car churns out a maximum of 218 and 540Nm of horses and torque respectively, allowing it to complete the century dash in 7.8 seconds while keeping the average fuel economy as low as 14.5km/l, although my team (Car 1) managed to hit only 13.8km/l.

What, though, really impresses us is the fact that after driving for half a day and covering 700km at speeds over 120km/h, there was half a tank of diesel left. Half. Could it be due to the fact that the car’s weight has been reduced by 55kg from its predecessor? Or has BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology proven its point of ultimate success? Whatever the case, such impressive economy figures makes one wonder about the limitless possibilities of the future cars rolling out from the Bavarian's factory.

Dynamic Drive - Chiang Mai

Getting the economy figures spot on, the challenge also saw the BMW 7 Series convoy take on the long and winding roads of Chiang Mai. Despite having a slightly longer wheelbase of over five metres as compared to its predecessor, the BMW 730Ld proved to be nimble and was able to move through the twisty roads with ease.

The car felt so down-to-earth and planted to the grounds that you could easily mistake it for a much smaller-sized car. Despite its long wheelbase, it manages corners at high speeds without much fuss and bodyroll. Floor the accelerator and the industrial-sounding engine immediately transforms to a super sized flagship, letting out a rorty sound worthy of BMW’s signature in-line 6-cylinders.

And it's safe too. The 730Ld is equipped with state-of-the-art Integrated Chassis Management system, which orchestrates all active safety systems such as Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Driving Control, using the FlexRay high-speed data transmission technology which transfers a speed of data at a speed 20 times higher than that of a conventional transmission system.

Mr. Sethipong Anutarasoti, Director of Corporate Affairs, BMW Group Asia said, "As the world's most successful manufacturer of premium cars, we see it as our responsibility to conserve the environment, yet without compromising on the sheer driving pleasure that BMW is known for. And this can only be achieved through adhering to the philosophy of Efficient Dynamics."