German Car Zone

Our latest drive in the 2009 BMW 750i didn't add much to our body of knowledge about the gasoline-engine model beyond what we've reported from our previous drive.

BMW's fifth-generation flagship, on sale in the United States next spring in short- and long-wheelbase models, gets a total makeover for 2009, with new, cleaner sheetmetal from stem to stern; a powerful yet more efficient 4.4-liter, 400-hp, 450-lb-ft twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine; active rear steering, and a much-improved iDrive controller. BMW also relocated the gearshift lever from the steering column (where it often was confused for a turn-signal stalk) to the center console.

As much as we like what BMW has done with the 750i, the far more intriguing model on a recent test drive was the diesel-powered European-market 730d. The torquey powerplant--a 3.0-liter, 245-hp, 398-lb-ft, variable-vane turbodiesel inline-six--provided more than enough power for the full-size 4,600-pound sedan.


Full Story: AutoWeek - BMW 730d: Not for U.S. sale, but it ought to be


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