BMW is putting a new diesel powerplant under the long bonnet of its 7 Series luxury saloon. The new 3.0-litre engine features two turbochargers to help it produce its 302bhp peak power and whopping 443lb.ft of torque - that mighty twisting force available from just 1,500rpm. With a 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds and a 155mph electronically limited top speed, BMW's new diesel limo should prove indecently rapid between its fill ups, BMW claiming it can squeeze out 40.9 miles for every gallon of fuel while emitting just 181g/km of CO₂.

If the 740d is a bit out of your league - or you're just not in quite as big a hurry all the time - then the revised 730d might suit instead. With 'just' 242bhp and 398lb.ft of torque 730d drivers will be able to make it to the next fuel station - if not as quickly - thanks to its 41.5mpg combined consumption figure. The performance penalty isn't too bad either, the 730d still reaching 62mph in 7.3 seconds on the way to a 152mph top speed.

The new diesels reach BMW showrooms at the same time as the arrival of the availability of M Sport models. The new specification builds on the SE trim with 19-inch M Sport alloy wheels, M Aerodynamic body styling and high gloss exterior trim. Inside, M sport seats, steering wheel, door sill inlays, brushed aluminium trim and anthracite headlining complete the revisions.

Kyle Fortune - 30 Jun 2009