- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
4.8i, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
270kW, 490Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 11.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
2 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
BMW 740i
Life might be easier at the top, but that doesn't mean you can slack off once you've got there. Just ask BMW, which is firing out new product like a brand desperately trying to establish its footing in the market.
The latest in a long line of new BMWs this year is a revised version of the 7-Series launched here in 2001. The confronting styling has been subtly toned down for a slightly less-imposing look, and updated trim, a new steering wheel and incidental switchgear changes mark the cabin.
The much-maligned iDrive system has also come in for attention, and BMW's latest innovation, ConnectedDrive, brings the internet to Australian drivers for the first time. That in itself is big news.
Under the skin the changes continue. The V8-powered 735i and 745i (and their long-wheelbase "Li" siblings) are now called 740i and 750i - pointing to bigger engines - and the suspension has been revised. The top-dog 760Li keeps its 6.0-litre V12.
The 740i tested here packs a lot into its $178,300 price. Almost every toy you would expect is standard, such as climate control, satellite navigation, analog and digital TV, leather power seats and sunroof, parking sensors, cruise, trip computer, CD stacker and ConnectedDrive (internet services). And the safety list is just as long.
The 740i's stately cabin is a lovely place to relax. The plush front seats offer a bewildering array of adjustment, and the power steering column makes it easy to find the right driving position. Space and comfort up front are impressive, and the back bench comfortably accommodates three adults. Fit, finish and material quality are all top-notch.
But the cabin isn't without issues. The revised iDrive is easier to use but mastering the multi-tiered system is still fiendishly difficult until you're familiar with its nuances. BMW obviously agrees because it has reintroduced some buttons on the dash to short-cut frequent commands.
The new Seven's big calling card, ConnectedDrive, incorporates two services: BMW Online and BMW TeleAssist. The former is like an in-car WAP browser you would find on a mobile phone and gives you access to a BMW portal, where you can search for and find hotels and restaurants (and then activate the sat-nav to get there), use Yellow Pages and Sensis search facilities, catch up on the news and weather and send and receive emails.
TeleAssist works on a more traditional operator/caller basis. At a touch you can hook up to a BMW operator who will help with directions or give information about services and locations. They can even download sat-nav instructions to your car, which can be activated at the press of a button - very cool.
ConnectedDrive has some shortcomings, not least the fact it costs $750 each year for both services (the first 12 months are free). Because it relies on the GSM mobile network, the service will drop out if reception is patchy. And if iDrive confuses you, you'll struggle to get the best from it.
The 740i's 4.0-litre V8 pumps out 225 kW of power, enough to sprint from rest to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds. It lacks the 750i's ultimate pace, but finding fault is difficult. Take it easy and it is quiet, creamy smooth and flexible; put the foot down and it responds with free-revving eagerness, a lovely V8 warble and potent surge. The six-speed auto is smart and smooth, and it's quite thrifty too.
The 740i's suspension soaks up all but the worst lumps and bumps with ease, and with low wind, mechanical and tyre noise it's a consummate cruiser. Add surprising agility through the bends, though the heft is obvious in the tight stuff, and you've got a driving package that copes with everything a tycoon can throw at it.
If there were an award for the most technologically advanced luxury limo on the planet, the new Seven would win it hands down.
In some ways the 740i's complexity is its own worst enemy, but it's not enough to outweigh the blue-ribbon driving experience.