BMW 7 Series Saloon 740i 4dr

For The 740i provides enough performance to make the 750i seem almost pointless. And, it costs several thousand pounds less.

Against The smaller of the Seven's petrol engines can't match the low-rev pull of the diesel - or its economy. Plus, it's in higher bands for tax, and it depreciates more quickly, too.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

This is neither one thing nor the other. If you want the ultimate Seven, go for the 750i, but if you need to count the pennies, the diesel is the only choice.

Key facts

0–60mph: 5.9 secs
Top speed: 155 mph
Average mpg: 28.5
Tank range: 513 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole BMW 7 Series Saloon range

The BMW 7 Series Saloon full review Read in full

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Even the clean diesel is quick
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Great to drive; fidgety ride
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Good, but not class-leading
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Decent for a car this big
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Fine materials well assembled
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Everything included
Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
Clear, simple and stylish
Space & Practicality
5 out of 5 stars
Choice of two wheelbases
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Lots of toys as standard

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

There are five versions of the 7 Series, based on three engines and two wheelbases. The one constant is that they're expensive to buy or lease, depreciate heavily and have running costs beyond the pockets of most of us.

With all this in mind, the 3.0-litre turbodiesel – currently the most economical, lowest-emitting luxury car on sale – will be the choice of around nine out of 10 buyers. There's no lack of performance, driving pleasure or luxury with it, though you can't yet have it with the longer wheelbase.

We've yet to drive either of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder 740s, but have tried the long-wheelbase 750Li with a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8. The engine's magnificent, but likely to be a rarity here because of the impact it has on costs. Both petrols are available in long-wheelbase form for an extra £3000.