The launch of the fifth generation of the BMW 7-Series sets a new benchmark in automotive luxury, technical innovation and class-leading driving dynamics; what more? It comes with emission-reducing as well as fuel-saving technology. Hear this, too, all BMW 7-Series can now be specified with the world's first Head-up Display incorporating a speed-limit-warning system. Also, a camera mounted on the back of the rear-view mirror scans road signs to alert the driver of any speed restriction. It is the world's first car with a side-view camera that operates together with Park Distance Control. The camera provides an overview of traffic conditions on the iDrive display so the driver can negotiate a partially obscured junction, leave a car park, or drive through a narrow gate with confidence.

This BMW model debuted November with a host of world firsts and will initially be offered in three powerplants: one diesel and two petrol engines. The two petrol-powered cars will be offered with a long-wheelbase body. Each engine produces more power yet uses less fuel and the emission is lessthan any rival premium product.

The BMW 730d sets a new standard in terms of drivetrain performance. The new all-aluminium 3.0-litre, straight, six-cylinder, diesel engine produces 245horsepower (hp) at 4,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). Moving this machine that has a peak torque figure of 540Nm attained from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm is smooth.

The 2,993cc powerplant posts the lowest ever CO2 figure in the BMW 7-Series and it is also the most economical. Its 192g/km emission figure is class-leading for conventionally powered luxury cars, and no other competitor comes close to its 39.2mpg combined consumption figure. It can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 7.2 seconds and top speed stands at 250.

To put the BMW 730d's competitive advantage in context, this luxury defined records near identical fuel consumption and CO2 emission as the Mercedes-Benz C320CDi - a car that is two market segments below the BMW 7-Series and is smaller and lighter than the BMW.

The impressive performance of the 730d is, in part, possible due to a third-generation, common-rail, direct injection, which incorporates piezo injectors that operate at a peak pressure bar of 1,800. This system ensures a near perfect combustion process. Weighing 185kg, the new six-cylinder, diesel engine is 5kg lighter than its predecessor.