In this day and age of ever increasing scrutiny over carbon emissions, BMW has taken to fitting its new base model 7 Series, the new 730i, with a smaller engine.
This is the first time BMW is offering a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine in its 7 Series lineup, so it's new grounds even for the Bavarian marque. But will this downsized powerplant compromise the luxury and the effortless quality that the flagship is renowned for? Up close and Personal
It's hard to tell the difference between this and the 740 or the 750, both on the outside and the inside. It is ostensibly a 7 Series, and that means you know what you are getting - comfort, space, quality, German precision engineering, and a whole load of technology. In other words, the 730i packs all the luxury and creature comforts that you would expect.
Our test car came fitted with the M-Sport package, which translates to a more dynamic and aggressive face, muscular haunches and mouth-watering 19-inch M Light alloy wheels.
This is the first time BMW is offering a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine in its 7 Series lineup, so it's new grounds even for the Bavarian marque. But will this downsized powerplant compromise the luxury and the effortless quality that the flagship is renowned for? Up close and Personal
It's hard to tell the difference between this and the 740 or the 750, both on the outside and the inside. It is ostensibly a 7 Series, and that means you know what you are getting - comfort, space, quality, German precision engineering, and a whole load of technology. In other words, the 730i packs all the luxury and creature comforts that you would expect.
Our test car came fitted with the M-Sport package, which translates to a more dynamic and aggressive face, muscular haunches and mouth-watering 19-inch M Light alloy wheels.
The quiet and refined cabin has a suite-like quality to it - you feel comfortably numb to the outside world, and barely hear any engine or road noise. Materials are soft to the touch, everything feels impeccably put together, and with the M-Sport package you also get an Alcantara headliner.
Yes, the 730i may be slightly less specced up compared to the 740 or 750, but the truth is that short of perusing the spec sheet, you would be hard pressed to spot the differences. The only differences we spotted? The sunroof doesn't stretch all the way to the back, and the rear passengers don't get the same electronically adjustable, massage function seats as the driver and passenger. But even so, those can be picked up as optional extras.
Yes, the 730i may be slightly less specced up compared to the 740 or 750, but the truth is that short of perusing the spec sheet, you would be hard pressed to spot the differences. The only differences we spotted? The sunroof doesn't stretch all the way to the back, and the rear passengers don't get the same electronically adjustable, massage function seats as the driver and passenger. But even so, those can be picked up as optional extras.
The Drive
The most notable difference about the 730i, expectedly, is the way it drives. Despite having a smaller engine, the 2.0-litre powerplant puts out a respectable 258bhp and 400Nm of torque. With maximum torque available from 1,550rpm to 4,400rpm, the engine offers an incredibly wide power band that makes for effortless acceleration.
Mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission, the drivetrain is buttery smooth. You don't ever feel the engine working hard, but it can certainly get up to non-legal speeds very quickly.
In Comfort mode, imperfections in the road feel like mere tickles. The suspension is soft and forgiving without being willowy.
However, when you decide that you have had enough of sitting in the back and jump into the driver's seat, the 730i arguably becomes even better. With the smaller engine, it actually feels all-around more usable than its larger siblings. Power and low-range torque feels more accessible and immediate, as you barely have to wait for the turbos to spool.
And on the roads, the car feels surprisingly nimble for its size, especially when compared to the long wheelbase versions. Switch to Sport mode and the throttle sharpens, the steering tightens, and the suspension becomes noticeably more aggressive and firm. While no doubt big, this regular wheelbase variant is easy to place on the roads and remains planted through bends.
The most notable difference about the 730i, expectedly, is the way it drives. Despite having a smaller engine, the 2.0-litre powerplant puts out a respectable 258bhp and 400Nm of torque. With maximum torque available from 1,550rpm to 4,400rpm, the engine offers an incredibly wide power band that makes for effortless acceleration.
Mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission, the drivetrain is buttery smooth. You don't ever feel the engine working hard, but it can certainly get up to non-legal speeds very quickly.
In Comfort mode, imperfections in the road feel like mere tickles. The suspension is soft and forgiving without being willowy.
However, when you decide that you have had enough of sitting in the back and jump into the driver's seat, the 730i arguably becomes even better. With the smaller engine, it actually feels all-around more usable than its larger siblings. Power and low-range torque feels more accessible and immediate, as you barely have to wait for the turbos to spool.
And on the roads, the car feels surprisingly nimble for its size, especially when compared to the long wheelbase versions. Switch to Sport mode and the throttle sharpens, the steering tightens, and the suspension becomes noticeably more aggressive and firm. While no doubt big, this regular wheelbase variant is easy to place on the roads and remains planted through bends.
While it may be a stretch to call a full-on luxury sedan like a 7 Series 'fun to drive', the 730i comes remarkably close. Compared to the 740Li, it feels like a car that can be driven faster more of the time.
Conclusion
Some cars are made to be driven, while other cars (like the 7 Series) are made to be driven in. And in this respect, the new BMW 730i is an extremely accomplished luxury sedan. And while it may be pegged as an 'entry level' 7 Series, it is still going to set you back at least $408,800 (as of 15th August 2016), and that's before you dive into the options.
Is it worth paying this much money for a base model 7 Series? Well, if you enjoy the act of driving as much as being driven, then the answer is a firm yes. Compared to its bigger brothers, the 730i certainly feels like a car that's more catered to the driver, as opposed to being just a luxurious mode of transport for passengers. It's easier and more accessible to drive, and arguably more fun despite being down on cylinders and power.
So while some of us may lay scorn on the trend on downsizing engines, the BMW 730i proves that it is not without its merits.
Conclusion
Some cars are made to be driven, while other cars (like the 7 Series) are made to be driven in. And in this respect, the new BMW 730i is an extremely accomplished luxury sedan. And while it may be pegged as an 'entry level' 7 Series, it is still going to set you back at least $408,800 (as of 15th August 2016), and that's before you dive into the options.
Is it worth paying this much money for a base model 7 Series? Well, if you enjoy the act of driving as much as being driven, then the answer is a firm yes. Compared to its bigger brothers, the 730i certainly feels like a car that's more catered to the driver, as opposed to being just a luxurious mode of transport for passengers. It's easier and more accessible to drive, and arguably more fun despite being down on cylinders and power.
So while some of us may lay scorn on the trend on downsizing engines, the BMW 730i proves that it is not without its merits.
