2010 BMW 7-Series: New 306HP Diesel for 740d, M-Sports Package and AWD Versions

It's '2010MY' time for BMW that has announced plenty of upgrades for its range-topping sedan model, following yesterday's reveal of the new 316d and 2010 1-Series Coupe and hatchback lineup. For the 7-Series, the new model year brings a new straight-six diesel engine with 306 horsepower on the 740d, a BluePerformance technology pack for the 730d, an M Sport package that's available for the entire range and the introduction of all-wheel drive variants for the first time on the 7er.

Beginning with the new 740d that will arrive at the firm's European showrooms this autumn, this model is equipped with a revised version of BMW's 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six diesel engine making 306 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and a peak torque of 600 Nm or 442 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm. The previous version of the same engine that is found on the 335d and other models produces 286HP at 4,400 rpm and 580Nm or 428 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm.

The 740d accelerates from a standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.3 seconds and has a electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph. It consumes on average 6.9 lt/100 km in the EU test cycle (equal to 40.9mpg UK or 34mpg US).

For the 730d with its 245HP 3.0-liter straight-six diesel BMW is introducing the optional BluePerformance package that ads an NOx storage catalyst that reduces nitric oxides to the standard not coming into force until the introduction of EU6 in the year 2014. Furthermore, modifications on the engine and the drivetrain reduce the average fuel consumption of the 730d determined in the EU test cycle to 6.8lt/100km or 34.5mpg US.

Starting with the 2010MY, BMW's electronically controlled all-wheel drive xDrive system will be available for the first time on the 7-Series, initially on the 750i and 750iL that are both powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol developing 408 horsepower. BMW claims that the front-to-rear power split is 40:60 with up to 80 per cent of the drive power going to the rear axle in a bend.

Last but not least, the 2010MY 7-Series premieres the introduction of a new M Sport package available for all engine variants with both normal and extended wheelbase. On the outside, the 7-Series gains an aerodynamics package as well as additional chrome trim on the specially designed front and rear aprons, dark window surrounds and 19-inch or optionally 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design featuring different-sized tires front and rear. The electronically controlled BMW Dynamic Drive also comes standard in the M Sports Package for the 7 Series.

Inside, the M Sport pack adds sports seats with leather upholstery, an M leather steering wheel with multi-function buttons and an M footrest while buyers can opt for roof lining in anthracite and trim in fine-grain aluminum.