The early morning fog still hung over the winding roads of Beckum Hill, a region famed among German driving enthusiasts for its blend of smooth tarmac, sharp inclines, and sweeping bends. It’s the kind of place where cars reveal their true character. I was standing beside the commanding silhouette of the 2023 BMW 740d xDrive, its enormous kidney grille glinting slightly under the rising sun. Less polarizing in person than in photos, the car exuded a presence that demanded attention. I was about to put it through its paces on one of the most demanding natural tracks in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The BMW 7 Series has long been the brand’s flagship, but this generation, the G70, takes things into a more daring direction. Now offered alongside the fully electric i7, the 740d sits as the high-tech diesel option for those who still want a traditional powertrain but with all the modern trimmings.
Powertrain and Performance: Diesel Refined
Unlike the older 7 Series that featured V8s and even a V12, the 740d xDrive uses a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It might sound conservative on paper, but this engine is a masterpiece of efficiency and torque delivery. Producing 300 PS and 670 Nm of torque, the car launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. That’s mighty quick for a diesel sedan weighing more than 2.2 tons.
As I pushed the car up the steeper sections of Beckum Hill, torque came in thick and fast, yet never felt aggressive. The mild-hybrid system smoothened throttle responses beautifully, especially during low-speed maneuvers and gear changes. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission continues to be one of the best in the business, silky smooth yet ready to downshift instantly when needed.
During a mid-morning climb, I timed a 60-100 km/h overtake on a short straight: just 3.3 seconds. That’s sports car territory. But perhaps more impressive was the fuel consumption. After a full morning of spirited driving and some steady cruising, I averaged 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers. For a car this size and weight, it’s nothing short of amazing.

Technical Specifications Table
To ensure accuracy, we rely solely on the official BMW website for technical information.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Engine | 3.0L inline-6 diesel, 48V mild hybrid |
Power | 300 PS (220 kW) |
Torque | 670 Nm |
Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (xDrive) |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic Steptronic |
0-100 km/h | 5.8 seconds |
Top Speed | 250 km/h |
WLTP Consumption | 6.2 l/100 km |
Real-world Consumption | 6.0 l/100 km (ADAC) |
CO₂ Emissions | 162 g/km (WLTP) |
Weight | 2,255 kg |
Trunk Space | 540 liters |
Price (Base) | €117,000 |
Handling and Ride: A Limousine That Shrinks Around You
One of the 740d’s greatest tricks is how it disguises its sheer size. At 5.39 meters long, it’s longer than the previous long-wheelbase model, yet thanks to rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension, it handles with the poise of a much smaller car.
Beckum Hill’s tight switchbacks were the perfect test. The rear axle subtly steered in opposition to the front at low speeds, making tight turns feel effortless. At higher speeds, it worked in tandem with the front wheels to create a feeling of stability and agility. The car maintained composure through every bend, and body roll was almost non-existent thanks to the active anti-roll bars.
The ride quality was sublime. On rougher patches of country road, the dual-chamber air suspension soaked up imperfections without transmitting any harshness into the cabin. Even at 130 km/h on the Autobahn, the cabin noise registered just 62.6 dB, quieter than a library.

Interior: Tech Overload or Digital Sanctuary?
Sliding into the driver’s seat felt like entering a high-tech lounge. The curved display that combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen stretches elegantly across the dashboard. It’s intuitive, sharp, and responsive.
One of the party tricks, electric doors that open with a button, was more than just a gimmick. In tight parking spots, this feature actually made ingress and egress easier. Inside, materials were top-notch: leather, wood, and even crystal accents on the switchgear.
The rear seats, however, turned out to be the main event. With the optional Executive Lounge package, I had access to a reclining seat, deployable leg rest, and massage functions. But the crown jewel? A massive 31.3-inch 8K Theater Screen that folds down from the roof. Streaming Amazon Prime via the built-in Fire TV module felt surreal in a moving vehicle. It’s the closest I’ve come to experiencing a private jet on wheels.

Real World Practicality: Is It Still a Car?
Despite all the tech and luxury, the 740d doesn’t forget its mission as a practical daily driver. The trunk offers a usable 540 liters of space. However, the lack of folding rear seats puts a damper on cargo flexibility. A small ski hatch helps, but you won’t be transporting any furniture in this car.
The car’s range was another standout. BMW estimates 1,230 kilometers on a full tank, and after our 200 km test loop, including climbs, descents, and Autobahn stints, the computer still showed over 900 km of range remaining. That’s the diesel advantage right there.
Safety and Semi: Autonomous Driving
BMW has packed the 740d with a suite of safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and even a self-parking system that can be controlled from your smartphone are available.
Later in the model cycle, BMW plans to introduce Level 3 autonomous driving features, which will allow the driver to take hands off the wheel in specific traffic conditions. For now, the car already handles congestion and highway cruising with eerie confidence.
Conclusion: Old World Diesel in a New World Shell
Driving the 2023 BMW 740d xDrive on Beckum Hill was a revelation. Here’s a car that bridges eras, offering the traditional comfort and torque-rich character of a diesel, wrapped in a body and cabin that scream 2030. It’s not perfect; the infotainment system can feel overwhelming, and the loss of physical buttons for HVAC is frustrating. But these are small gripes in an otherwise masterful execution.
For those not yet ready to go electric, the 740d is perhaps the best luxury sedan you can buy today. It’s efficient, powerful, opulent, and manages to make a 2.2-ton limousine feel nimble. In an automotive world shifting rapidly, the 740d proves that diesel still has a place, at least when done this well.
Is the BMW 740d xDrive available with short wheelbase?
No, BMW has discontinued the short wheelbase version. All 7 Series models now come in long-wheelbase form.
What is the fuel economy of the 740d in real-world conditions?
averages around 6.0 l/100 km, which is very efficient for its class.