2014 BMW 740Ld xDrive does diesel in a big way

Thu, 06 Feb 2014

Slowly but surely, BMW is expanding its lineup of diesel-powered models here in the United States. In addition to the 328d sedan and wagon, 535d sedan and X5 xDrive35d crossover, we now have this, the BMW 740Ld xDrive (not to mention the refreshed 2015 X3 xDrive28d that also makes its debut here in Chicago). As its name – and the photos above – suggest, this means BMW is offering diesel power in its flagship, long-wheelbase 7 Series sedan, set to directly compete with the likes of the excellent Audi A8 TDI.

Under the hood is BMW's familiar 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-six, delivering 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, all of which is sent to the road via the company's xDrive all-wheel-drive system and ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. That torque thrust is available straight away from 1,500 rpm, and BMW says the 740Ld xDrive will sprint to 60 miles per hour in a very respectable 6.1 seconds. Official fuel economy estimates haven't been released yet, but we expect the car to net highway fuel economy ratings in the mid-30 range.

The 740Ld xDrive arrives in BMW showrooms this spring, priced from $82,500, not including $925 for destination. We're pretty stoked to drive it. But in the meantime, have a look at fresh images of the big sedan live from the Chicago Auto Show, above.

The 2014 BMW 740Ld xDrive

The first BMW Advanced Diesel 7 Series in the US.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 24, 2014 – BMW announcedtoday that the BMW
7 Series would become the latest model line to benefit from BMW Advanced Diesel technology in the US in the form of the BMW 740Ld xDrive Sedan. The new model will feature BMW's 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine in the long-wheelbase 7 Series body and will include xDrive, BMW's intelligent all-wheel drive system. The 2014 BMW 740Ld xDrive Sedan will have a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $83,425, including $925 destination and handling. It will make its US auto show debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2014 and arrive in US showrooms in Spring 2014.

BMW Advanced Diesel now available for BMW's flagship sedan

The 3.0-liter inline-6 BMW Advanced Diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology makes 255 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 413 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 – 3,000 rpm. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 740Ld xDrive will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. US EPA fuel economy estimates are not yet available, however, other models equipped with this engine have seen a 25 – 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over their direct gasoline-powered counterparts. Standard features like Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro mode and Auto Start/Stop will help the driver to reduce fuel consumption in real-world driving situations.

Through the latest in advanced diesel technologies and the use of weight-saving aluminum block and head designs, BMW's Advanced Diesel powerplants represent a key component of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy for the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions while providing exceptional BMW driving dynamics.

The 3.0-liter inline-6 BMW Advanced Diesel engine features a single turbocharger with variable vane turbine technology. This design helps improve low-end torque while facilitating precise control of the boost pressure and eliminates the need for a wastegate.

The engine uses the latest generation of electronically controlled high-precision diesel injection system. The system plays a significant role in the reduction of fuel consumption as well as exhaust emissions. The normal operating pressures reach as high as 1800 bar (26,107 PSI) and the fuel injectors can deliver multiple injections over extremely short durations of time, helping to reduce exhaust emissions.

The exhaust gas treatment system is specifically designed to comply with ULEV II emission standards. It uses a combination of a Nox Storage Catalyst, Diesel Particulate Filter, and the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system with no fewer than nine specific sensors working in concert to keep exhaust emissions to an absolute minimum.

The all-aluminum crankcase and hollow camshafts not only save weight, they also contribute to noise and vibration reduction. Additionally, the timing chain is placed at the flywheel end and not toward the front of the engine which further reduces rotational vibrations.

BMW Advanced Diesel models in the US

The 740Ld xDrive Sedan joins a growing list of BMW Advanced Diesel models offered in the US which now includes:

328d and 328d xDrive Sedans
328d xDrive Sports Wagon
535d and 535d xDrive Sedans
X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle

By Steven J. Ewing