The most comfortable and technologically advanced saloon car we’ve ever driven.
The BMW calls it an updated model, but to us it loos like a brand new car. The updated 7 series receives new rear lights, new bumpers, new headlights, and grille. The latter is up for debate, as people were up in arms regarding its sheer size. Yes we agree, it is quite big.
We actually like it, we think its proportional to the size of the car, after all the car is 5 metres long and 1.9 metre wide. Overall it looks proper and has more presence. There’s no mistaking this updated model for a bigger 5 Series.
Our one complaint about the cabin is the gear shift knob, BMW could have used a more classier one, it just looks bland.
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Inside
The interior is luxurious, every panel is covered in high quality materials. Nothing in the car feels cheap or flimsy, its a superbly well put together cabin. It features a new digital instrument cluster and BMW’s latest iDrive system which we can’t stress how intuitive and easy it is to use. Like on all new BMW models it features wireless Apple CarPlay. The options list is plentiful and so is standard equipment. Our test unit was fitted with Panorama Glass Sky Lounge, BMW Laser lights, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system just to mention a few. Standard models are equipped with Harmon/kardon sound system, soft close doors, wireless phone charger, sun blinds, and display key. BMW SA only offers the 7 Series in long wheel base form. Rear occupants are greeted with plenty of legroom, comfortable leather seats and rear entertainment screens. Our one complaint about the cabin is the gear shift knob, BMW could have used a more classier one, it just looks bland.
The ride is amazing, its smooth thanks to self-leveling air suspension. BMW claims 6 l/100km fuel consumption, we got pretty close averaging mostly 6.3 l/100km during our test.
The Drive
Powering the 730Ld is a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. It produces 195kW and 620Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. We love the power delivery, the gear shifts are smooth and thanks to improved insulation the cabin has minimal noise. We love the sporty dynamic driving nature of the 730Ld. It weighs in at 1800kgs, its quite light for such a large car. The low weight is thanks to the use of CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer), aluminium and high tensile. As much as its nimble and exciting to drive in Sport Mode, the 730Ld will spend most of its time in comfort or eco mode. The ride is amazing, its smooth thanks to self-leveling air suspension. BMW claims 6 l/100km fuel consumption, we got pretty close averaging mostly 6.3 l/100km during our test.
Verdict
Quite a spectacular piece of German engineering. The 730Ld starts at R 1, 690,000 with our test unit coming in at just under R2.3m (we stand corrected) As much as BMW did a minimal job with the exterior, the exterior changes sure has given it a lot more presence. Would be interesting to compare it to its main rival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
