Geneva 2009- BMW 730 Ld

The new BMW 7 Series is the result of perfection in design and supreme engineering on the drivetrain, on the chassis, in terms of safety systems, driver assistance, and comfort. And at the same time the sophisticated but very modern interior proves that both driving and riding in the new BMW 7 Series is a truly impressive experience the driver and all passengers will enjoy at all times.

The high-performance and outstandingly efficient engines as well as the suspension technology of the new BMW 7 Series are both quite unique in the luxury saloon segment. Two petrol engines with Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection – the 300 kW/407 hp V8 in the top-of-the-range BMW 750i and the 240 kW/326 hp straight-six in the new BMW 740i – as well as a newly developed straight-six diesel with common-rail fuel injection, piezo-injectors and an aluminium crankcase with maximum output of 180 kW/245 hp in the new BMW 730d are available right from the start upon the introduction of the car. All power units offer the highest standard of efficiency in their respective class and comply in full with the EU5 emission standard.

The 2009 International Geneva Motor Show is certainly the right place for the world debut of the BMW 730Ld. Introducing this outstanding model most appropriate for today’s world, BMW is now offering the long-wheelbase version of this Luxury Performance Saloon so far available as the BMW 750Li and BMW 740Li in conjunction with BMW’s extremely efficient straight-six diesel. The long-wheelbase version of the BMW 7 Series comes with its wheelbase extended by 14 centimetres or 5.5“ entirely benefiting the rear-seat passengers in terms of extra legroom. The result is truly excellent long-distance touring comfort combined in the new BMW 730Ld with outstandingly low fuel consumption and emissions.

The BMW 730Ld accelerates to 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.3 seconds and its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 7.3 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 38.7 mpg imp), with a CO2 emission rating of 194 grams per kilometre setting new standards in this segment of the market.

Introducing this new model, BMW has succeeded once again, through the company’s unique innovative power, in overcoming apparent contrasts, the BMW 730Ld combining sheer luxury and supreme efficiency more convincingly than any other car in this segment.

All versions of the new BMW 7 Series comes as standard with Dynamic Damper Control including Dynamic Driving Control operated by the touch of a button on the centre console. Important options are the Integral Active Steering together with rear axle steering as a function of driving conditions (a technology absolutely unique the world over), as well as Dynamic Drive anti-roll stability.

The new BMW 7 Series also introduces the new generation of BMW’s trendsetting iDrive control system. A newly developed Controller with direct selection buttons and a high-resolution 10.2-inch Control Display facilitate intuitive management, control and activation of numerous functions.

BMW’s new iDrive also offers ideal conditions for unrestricted use of the internet in the car offered by BMW as the world’s first manufacturer in the context of BMW ConnectedDrive.

The clear structure of the cockpit dominated by the instrument cluster in innovative black panel technology gives the driver absolute supremacy and unrestricted control of his car at all times. The driver assistance systems featured for the first time in the new BMW 7 Series and exclusive the world over include BMW’s new Night Vision with detection of individual persons, the camera-based Speed Limit Info, Lane Change Warning and Cruise Control with Stop & Go, an active Brake Assistant and a proximity warning function when approaching another vehicle from behind.

A wide range of lightweight features – including the doors, roof, engine compartment lid, side panels and the engine crankcase made of aluminium – enhance both the efficiency and the agility of the new BMW 7 Series. And through its comprehensive safety concept alone, BMW’s new Luxury Saloon guarantees maximum occupant safety in all conceivable types of collision.

Design: sportiness BMW style in its most elegant form.

A harmonious combination of elegance and sportiness is the key issue in the body design of the new BMW 7 Series. Over and above the long wheelbase, the long and stretched-out engine compartment lid and the short body overhang at the front, the passenger compartment moved relatively far to the rear and the low and sleek roofline characterise the dynamic proportions of the new BMW 7 Series.

Longest wheelbase in the luxury performance segment providing lots of space inside the car.

The sporting and elegant side view of the car is further highlighted by the long wheelbase: The new BMW 7 Series comes with the longest wheelbase in the luxury saloon segment, both in its “regular” guise (3,070 millimetres/120.9") and in the extended-wheelbase version (3,210 millimetres/126.4").

In both cases this means extra space within the interior and a significant enhancement of motoring comfort, particularly since the wheelbase of the BMW 750Li, the BMW 740Li, and the BMW 730 Ld extended by 14 centi­metres or 5.5" completely benefits the passengers’ legroom at the rear.

Yet a further important point is that both models come with their own distinctive roofline and C-pillar contour creating a side view reminiscent of the “regular” model with its normal wheelbase. And at the same time headroom on the rear seats of the long-wheelbase model is up by 10 millimetres or 0.39".

Modern, luxurious, inviting: the interior.

In its interior design, the new BMW 7 Series offers a particularly modern and inviting rendition of sheer luxury. With the centre console slanted slightly towards the driver, the cockpit comes with the driver orientation so typical of BMW. Encountering the new BMW 7 Series for the first time, therefore, the driver immediately has the feeling of being able to handle the most advanced and sophisticated technology in genuine style in a truly exclusive setting.

The dashboard is subdivided into various levels above one another separated by horizontal lines. The instrument cluster and Control Display come on one level, the controls and buttons for all major functions are one level further down, beneath the trim surface likewise covering the entire width of the dashboard. And thanks to innovative presentation and surface technology, finally, the Control Display does not require the usual binnacle to keep out sunglare.

Vertical arrangement of the instruments and control units again serves to facilitate the process of controlling the car, adding extra safety in every respect. Information and control units relevant to the driver are on the side of the cockpit facing towards the driver himself. All controls, buttons and switches serving to operate comfort functions, in turn, are positioned in the middle of the car, with the same logic being applied to the control units integrated directly on the multifunction steering wheel.

Black panel technology: familiar flair, new options.

The design and presentation of the instrument cluster offers new options in presenting information with supreme clarity. For the first time the entire instrument cluster is made up of a high-resolution colour display in black panel technology comprising the four circular instruments arranged in traditional sports car style as well as status and function instruments important for motoring, navigation instructions, information from the Check/Control, feedback from the controls, and the Service Interval Indicator.

When not in use, the display forms a black homogeneous surface. The numbers in the circular instruments are generated electronically when required, thus not becoming visible – like all other symbols on the display – until the system is activated.

On cars fitted with a navigation system the instrument clusters supports the High Guiding function, true-to-life arrow symbols giving the driver information on, say, criteria to be observed when changing his lane or when taking a bend at an unclear road junction.

The settings on the automatic air conditioning featured as standard are presented in a second display on the centre console, again in black panel technology. In the new BMW all settings of the automatic air conditioning may indeed be masterminded from a control panel on the centre console.

Electronic gear selector lever and Dynamic Driving Control button on the centre console.

The new BMW 7 Series comes with an electronic gear selector lever on the centre console. Right next to the lever are the Dynamic Driving Control operating unit on the side facing the driver and – on the opposite side – the iDrive Controller.

A wide range of paintwork colours, interior colours, trim surfaces and seat upholstery enables the customer to personalise his or her car, catering for each and every individual wish. And at the same time, BMW is the world’s first car maker to offer high-tech ceramics as an option on specific control units and elements.

Enhanced consistently, used intuitively: BMW iDrive.

The new BMW 7 Series naturally comes with BMW’s trendsetting iDrive control system serving to activate and mastermind all entertainment, information, navigation and telecommunication functions featured either as standard or as an option. Indeed, the new generation of iDrive gives BMW an even greater lead over other manufacturers with their comparable systems.

Newly designed Controller with direct selection buttons.

Fitted in the perfect ergonomic position, the newly developed Controller enables the user to conveniently and intuitively choose and activate specific functions through standardised tilt, rotating and pushing movements. A picture of the Controller shown in the Control Display ensures even greater clarity and orientation in choosing the next control function or operating step, as does the clear graphic arrangement of the menus arranged as tables on top of one another. And as a further advantage, all menus are structured according to the same standard scheme.

Using the new direct selection buttons on the Controller, the user is able to change spontaneously to the CD, radio, telephone and navigation functions without the slightest effort or waiting time. The range of direct selection buttons is now rounded off by the three command buttons MENU, BACK and OPTION, the eight favourite buttons on the centre console serving for the first time to save and directly retrieve not only radio stations, telephone numbers and navigation destinations, but also menu items directly available through iDrive.

The engines: superior, dynamic and extremely efficient.

Featuring the world’s most efficient V8 petrol engine, the most powerful straight-six within BMW’s line-up of power units, and the first representative of a new generation of straight-six diesels, the range of power units available right from the start upon the introduction of the new BMW 7 Series is full of superlatives. The three engines stand out through dynamic power and performance, supreme motoring culture, and unique efficiency. In their respective power and performance segments they therefore offer an incomparably good balance of power and economy all in one.

The engines thus comply in full with the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy featuring a wide range of further innovations in the new BMW 7 Series. So over and above the highly modern power units, BMW EfficientDynamics in the new 7 Series stands, among other things, for Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand control of ancillary units, consistent lightweight technology and optimised aerodynamics, as well as electronically controlled air flap management for a further reduction of fuel consumption and emissions.

The most efficient car in its segment: the BMW 730d with its newly developed six-cylinder diesel.

This enhancement of efficiency comes out particularly in the new BMW 730d. Offering average fuel consumption of just 7.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 39.2 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle, this is the most economical car in its entire segment, with a standard of all-round fuel efficiency made possible by the first generation of straight-six diesel engines.

The newly developed power unit comes with an aluminium crankcase and the latest generation of common-rail direct fuel injection, piezo-injectors injecting fuel into the combustion chambers under a pressure of up to 1,800 bar.

The significantly upgraded turbocharger system with variable intake geometry provides smooth development of superior power tailored to the respective driving conditions, with maximum power and supreme harmony at all times.

The new diesel engine displacing 3.0 litres develops maximum output of 180 kW/245 hp at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 540 Newton-metres or 398 lb-ft, in turn, comes at just 1,750 rpm. Compared with the former model, the new BMW 730d thus offers an increase in power by 10 kW or 14 hp on 9 per cent less fuel.

Following BMW’s usual commitment, the new BMW 730d comes as standard with a diesel particulates filter and an oxidation catalyst. The exhaust management units are fitted in one joint housing positioned directly downstream of the engine.

Thanks to the innovations in technology featured on the new six-cylinder, this model significantly outperforms the EU5 emission standard, with the new BMW 730d generating just 192 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Unique: eight-cylinder petrol engine with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection in the new BMW 750i.

The most important technical asset shared by both petrol engines is Twin Turbo technology exclusive to BMW in conjunction with High Precision Injection. Featuring these sophisticated systems, both drive units achieve a level of power and torque natural-aspiration engines would only be able to offer on much larger engine displacement and with an inevitable increase in weight.

Average fuel consumption of the BMW 750i in the EU test cycle, already applying the EU5 standard, is just 11.4 litres/100 kilometres or 24.8 mpg imp, with CO2 emissions of 266 grams per kilometre. Compared with the previous model homologated under the less strict and less demanding EU4 standard, this is an improvement by approximately 3 per cent with an increase in engine power by 30 kW or 41 hp.

As a result, the new model complies both with the ULEV II emission standard in the USA and the EU5 standard in Europe.

Even more power: straight-six with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection in the BMW 740i.

The second petrol engine version of the new BMW 7 Series is powered by a straight-six with unmistakable performance characteristics again resulting from the combination of Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection.

High Precision Injection plays a key role in ensuring the most efficient use of fuel. In this case the second generation of direct gasoline injection incorporates piezo-injectors positioned in the cylinder head directly next to the spark plugs and conveying fuel into the combustion chambers with an absolutely precise dosage under a pressure of 200 bar.

This particular configuration enhances not only fuel economy, but also emissions and engine acoustics. Accordingly, average consumption in the EU test cycle is just 9.9 litres/100 kilometres or 28.5 mpg imp, with a CO2 rating of 232 grams per kilometre. Compared with its predecessor, the new BMW 740i thus offers 15 kW/20 hp more power on a reduction in fuel consumption by 12 per cent. And again, it almost goes without saying that the new BMW 740i complies in full with the EU5 emission standard.

Featured as standard: highly efficient and fast-shifting automatic transmission.

Power is transmitted as standard on the new BMW 7 Series by a further enhanced six-speed automatic transmission with particularly sporting gearshift characteristics. A newly developed control unit offering an even higher level of performance and modified converter technology allow even more precise selection of the right gear at all times. And as a further point the six-speed automatic transmission ensures superior comfort when shifting gears and an enhanced standard of efficiency.

Yet a further contribution to greater efficiency comes from the final drive likewise optimised to an even higher standard, now offering even lower friction and optimised thermal management. Through the first-ever use of an aluminium housing on the final drive, weight is reduced by approximately 15 per cent versus the former model, that is by 3.5 to 6 kilograms.

Innovative suspension technology for a unique combination of motoring comfort and dynamic performance.

Newly developed suspension technology guarantees excellent body and roll comfort, while at the same time the new BMW 7 Series comes with a standard of agility quite unique in the luxury segment. A further point is that the driver can decide himself at any time which of these features to give priority, varying the set-up of his car via Dynamic Driving Control.

The combination of a double-arm axle at the front and an integral-V axle at the rear offers not only a wide range of additional benefits in terms of motoring comfort and driving dynamics, but also outstandingly harmonious roll and transient behaviour in bends. In addition, the new BMW 7 Series comes with electronically masterminded Dynamic Damper Control, the newly developed dampers adjusting both to the road surface and the driver’s particular style of motoring. And as the first car maker in the world, BMW uses a damper system where the inbound and rebound stages are adjustable in a continuous, independent process on each wheel. This allows a truly unique combination of a firm suspension set-up, on the one hand, and a comfortable response to bumps on the road, on the other.

Driving Dynamic Control button on the centre console.

The driver is able to vary the Dynamic Damper Control map through the Dynamic Driving Control button. With Dynamic Driving Control, the set-up of the car my be varied for COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ at the simple touch of a button, acting not only on Dynamic Damper Control and the DSC Dynamic Stability Control threshold points, but also on the gearshift dynamics of the automatic transmission as well as the gas peal and steering assistance control maps.

Another button directly in front serves to choose the various Dynamic Stability Control set-ups, for example providing a special traction mode for setting off more easily on snow whenever required.

Integral Active Steering controlling the steering angle both front and rear.

As a further development of Active Steering, Integral Active Steering is now making its world debut in the new BMW 7 Series. For the first time this option varies the steering angle via an additional transmission on the front- wheel Active Steering and, for the first time, the steering angle on the rear wheels through a concentrically positioned motor with spindle drive on the rear axle, in a highly sophisticated function provided by Servotronic in accordance with current driving conditions.

The maximum steering angle of the rear wheels is 3 degrees. At low speeds the rear wheels are turned against the steering angle of the front wheels to give the BMW 7 Series significantly greater agility on the road. At higher speeds the Integral Active Steering gives the car an absolutely outstanding level of motoring comfort and supremacy on the road in changing lanes and in bends, with the rear wheels turning in the same direction as the front wheels. Even in abrupt steering manoeuvres, therefore, the BMW 7 Series follows the driver’s commands precisely and with absolute superiority, any change in direction under dynamic driving conditions leading to an increase in lateral acceleration hardly having any influence on the car’s yaw rate.

This clear separation between changes in direction and yaw or roll motion of the car is perceived as a significant increase in comfort above all on the rear seats.

Supreme precision: BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons.

BMW is the world’s first car maker to offer Night Vision with detection of individual persons and an appropriate warning in the new BMW 7 Series. The fundamental feature used in this system is a thermal imaging camera providing a moving video picture in which the driver is able to detect people, animals and other objects also outside of the headlight beam in a high-resolution presentation on the central Control Display.

Now BMW Night Vision comes for the first time with detection of individual persons giving the driver an additional warning whenever the person(s) detected is/are at risk.

Precisely on course: Lane Change Warning.

Lane Change Warning available for the first time in a BMW enables the driver to overtake other vehicles in superior style and with a significantly reduced risk. Radar sensors at the rear end of the car monitor traffic conditions on the adjacent lanes, covering an area extending from the so-called blind angle on the next lane all the way to a distance of 60 metres or almost 200 feet behind the car.

A triangular symbol illuminated permanently on the base of the exterior mirror shows the driver that there is another vehicle in the critical range. Then, once the driver sets the direction indicator in order to change his lane in the process of overtaking, this LED signal will start to flash on and off, providing a clear warning in the process. The driver is also warned by discreet but unmistakable vibration on the steering wheel following the same signal as the Lane Departure Warning.

World debut in the new BMW 7 Series: recognition of traffic signs.

In combination with a navigation system and Lane Departure Warning, the new BMW 7 Series offers yet another exclusive function: the Speed Limit Info enables the driver to constantly monitor the speed limit on all routes he is currently taking. For this purpose a camera fitted near the interior mirror permanently registers traffic signs by the road as well as variable signs on bridges above the road (eg on motorways).

The data determined in this way from traffic signs is compared with the data saved in the car’s navigation system and the speed limit at the driver’s current location is shown in the instrument cluster or, as an option, in the Head-Up Display.

Maximum agility, efficiency and solidity ensured by intelligent lightweight technology.

The bodyshell of the BMW 7 Series offers an unusually good balance of low weight and superior strength and solidity. This is made possible by intelligent lightweight technology, appropriate use of high- and ultra-high-strength steel giving the body an extremely stable structure and, together with the use of aluminium on numerous further components, providing a significant improvement of passive safety on lower overall weight.

As a result, overall weight of the new BMW 7 Series is down from that of the previous model by 35 kg (77 lb) and even 55 kg (121 lb), taking the range of equipment into account. At the same time the bodyshell of the new BMW 7 Series offers about 20 per cent greater torsional stiffness than the bodyshell of the former model, thus providing the foundation for the car’s excellent driving dynamics.

Exemplary protection of the occupants on all seats.

High-load-resistant carrier structures, extra-large and exactly defined crumple zones as well as highly efficient restraint systems coordinated by high-performance electronic control set the foundation for the high level of passive safety in the new BMW 7 Series. Within the interior, in turn, frontal and hip/thorax airbags as well as side curtain head airbags all come as standard.

BMW’s new Luxury Saloon features three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats. The restraint systems furthermore come with a belt force limiter and, on the front seats, an additional belt tightener.

To protect the occupants from cervical spine injury in the event of a collision from behind, the front seats come as standard with crash-activated headrests. And last but certainly not least, ISOFIX child seat fastenings are featured as standard on the rear seats.

Hard disc memory for audio data and the navigation system.

To make use of the audio and navigation system particularly convenient and comfortable at all times, the new BMW 7 Series comes as standard with a hard disc memory. Offering capacity of 80 GB, this high-performance memory ensures exceptionally rapid access to the digitally prepared map material used for navigation purposes. In addition, no less than 12 GB is available for a comprehensive list of music files, also enabling the user to transmit music files from a CD, an MP3 player or a USB stick straight to the hard disc.

Fully integrated use of the Apple iPhone and other Smartphones.

The mobile phone preparation kit complete with a Bluetooth interface available on the new BMW 7 Series allows safe and comfortable use of a wide range of the latest mobile phones while driving. In addition, Smartphones with an MP3 function may also be fully integrated into the car using a specially developed snap-in adapter together with a USB port again available as an option.

Using this option, the driver and passengers are able to use both the communication and the entertainment functions of their mobile phone, masterminding the entire process of operation through the iDrive control system. The new interface is suited for fully integration of Apple iPhone, Sony Ericsson K850i and Nokia 6500c mobile phones.

BMW ConnectedDrive with Enhanced Emergency Call function and new remote control functions.

The BMW Assist Telematics Service integrated in BMW ConnectedDrive is likewise available in the new BMW 7 Series, offering a whole range of different functions.

Apart from the user’s personal enquiry service and provision of the latest traffic information, BMW Assist now also incorporates an Enhanced Emergency Call function with automatic tracking of the car to its current location.

In the event of a collision exceeding a certain level of severity, the system automatically communicates the car’s current location, the car’s data, as well as information from the sensors on the type of collision and the risk of injury to the car’s occupants, all this information going to a BMW Call Center. From there the data is then transferred immediately to the nearest rescue service.

BMW ConnectedDrive will also offer the customer direct assistance through the BMW Call Center in situations which previously required the help of a breakdown service. Should, for example, the driver leave the key to his car in the locked luggage compartment or if his children have locked the car from inside, all he has to do in future is contact the BMW Call Center. Then, following a clear process of identification, the BMW Call Center is able to unlock the car from a distance. And in the opposite case the BMW Call Center may also lock the car by remote control if necessary.

Exquisite highlights from BMW Individual.

Choosing from the wide range of options offered by BMW Individual, the discerning driver of a BMW 7 Series is able to express his sense of select quality and exclusive style even more convincingly. Among other highlights, the range includes new BMW Individual leather in Merino fine grain standing out not only through the unique quality of the material and exclusive colours, but also through distinctive seam patterns on the seats, the dashboard and the door linings.

Matching the various leather colours, BMW Individual offers an even wider range of colours on the Alcantara roof lining, with fine trim bars in Satin Nut Brown, Reddish Brown plane tree and Black Piano paint ensuring particular class and style.

A new highlight in the wide range of BMW Individual exterior colours is Citrin Black in Xirallic technology.

Yet a further feature offered by BMW Individual is the newly developed, fully integrated cooling box able to accommodate two 0.7-litre bottles and two 0.33-litre cans. New 20-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design round off the car’s exclusive appearance on a truly personalised BMW 7 Series.

In a nutshell, therefore, the wide range of features offered by BMW Individual combines the safety and maturity of the regular production car with the unparalleled appeal, style and class of a genuine one-off masterpiece.