$98,450
{{ galleryProps.activeIndex + 1 }}/6
Drive Type:
RWD
Transmission:
Automatic
Condition:
New
Engine Size:
3.0L
Doors:
4-door
Cylinders:
6
Color:
Black
Offer Type:
Sale
Engine Size:
3.0L
Color:
Black
Description
Look, I'll be straight with you—when someone mentions the BMW 740i, most people's eyes glaze over, thinking it's just another overpriced German saloon for middle-aged executives having a midlife crisis. But here's the thing: I've spent proper time behind the wheel of this beast, and it's nothing like what you'd expect.
The real question isn't whether the 740i is worth your money—it's whether you're ready for what this machine actually delivers. Because once you experience that silky-smooth…
Look, I’ll be straight with you—when someone mentions the BMW 740i, most people’s eyes glaze over, thinking it’s just another overpriced German saloon for middle-aged executives having a midlife crisis. But here’s the thing: I’ve spent proper time behind the wheel of this beast, and it’s nothing like what you’d expect.
The real question isn’t whether the 740i is worth your money—it’s whether you’re ready for what this machine actually delivers. Because once you experience that silky-smooth inline-six turbo pulling you from 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds whilst you’re sitting in what feels like a first-class airline seat, everything else starts feeling a bit… ordinary.
What Makes the BMW 740i Actually Special?
Here’s what nobody tells you about luxury sedans: most of them are brilliant at one thing and mediocre at everything else. The 740i? It’s the rare machine that refuses to compromise.
I remember the first time I properly hammered one down the M25 (legally, of course). The way this car devours motorway miles is genuinely addictive. You’re doing 90mph and it feels like 50. The cabin is tomb-quiet, the suspension soaks up Britain’s terrible road surfaces, and that 3.0-liter turbocharged engine just keeps pulling.
The Engine That Changes Everything
Let’s talk about what’s under that elegant bonnet. The B58 3.0-liter inline-six turbo isn’t just good—it’s the kind of engine that makes you look forward to your commute.
Key Engine Specs:
- Power: 335 bhp
- Torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft)
- 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
- Fuel Economy: Up to 38.7 mpg (WLTP combined)
This isn’t some shouty, attention-seeking powerplant. It’s refined, smooth, and devastatingly effective. The kind of engine that whispers rather than shouts but still pins you back in your seat when you need it to.
BMW 740i Specifications: The Numbers That Matter
Here’s the complete picture of what you’re getting:
Dimensions & Weight
- Length: 5,120mm
- Width: 1,902mm (2,068mm with mirrors)
- Height: 1,467mm
- Wheelbase: 3,070mm
- Kerb Weight: 1,735kg
- Boot Capacity: 515 litres
Performance & Drivetrain
- Engine: 3.0L inline-6 turbo (B58)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP)
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive (xDrive all-wheel drive available)
- Suspension: Adaptive air suspension (standard)
- Brakes: Ventilated discs front and rear
Technology & Features
- Infotainment: BMW iDrive 7.0 with 12.3″ touchscreen
- Digital Cluster: 12.3″ fully digital instrument cluster
- Audio: Harman Kardon premium sound (Bowers & Wilkins available)
- Safety: BMW’s full suite of driver assistance systems
Why the 740i Beats Its Rivals (And Where It Doesn’t)
I’ve driven the Mercedes S-Class, the Audi A8, and the Jaguar XJ. They’re all brilliant cars, but here’s where the 740i stands apart:
Where it wins:
- Driving dynamics – It actually wants to be driven, not just wafted
- Tech integration—iDrive 7 is intuitive without being overwhelming
- Build quality – Feels like it’ll last decades, not just the lease period
- Real-world usability – Perfectly sized for UK roads and car parks
Where it struggles:
- Rear seat space—The S-Class has more room in the back
- Ride comfort – Not quite as isolating as the Mercedes
- Brand prestige—Some still see BMW as less prestigious than Mercedes
The Real Cost of BMW 740i Ownership
Let’s be honest about money because this isn’t a cheap car to own. But it’s not as brutal as you might think.
Purchase Prices (UK Market)
- New: From £67,000
- 1-2 years old: £45,000-£55,000
- 3-4 years old: £35,000-£45,000
- 5+ years old: £25,000-£35,000
Running Costs Reality Check
- Insurance: Group 47-50 (expect £1,200-£2,000 annually)
- Fuel: 25-35 mpg in mixed driving
- Servicing: £400-£800 per service
- Depreciation: Expect 15-20% first year, then 10-15% annually
The thing is, if you’re looking at a 740i, you’re probably not counting pennies. But it’s worth knowing that compared to the S-Class or A8, the BMW holds its value relatively well.
Living With the BMW 740i: The Honest Truth
Here’s what nobody tells you about daily life with a 740i:
The Good Bits
- Motorway cruising is genuinely therapeutic
- Build quality makes you feel good about the purchase years later
- Technology that works without constant frustration
- Comfort that makes long journeys feel short
The Annoying Bits
- Size can be intimidating in tight car parks
- Fuel costs will hurt if you’re heavy-footed
- Complexity means expensive repairs when things go wrong
- Attention from both admirers and the envious
I’ve owned mine for two years now, and the honeymoon period hasn’t ended. That’s rare with cars at this level.
Should You Buy a BMW 740i?
Here’s my honest take: the 740i isn’t for everyone, and it shouldn’t be.
Buy it if:
- You cover serious miles and want to arrive refreshed
- You appreciate engineering excellence over flashy badges
- You want a luxury car that can still be enjoyable on a country road
- You value technology that enhances rather than complicates
Don’t buy it if:
- You’re buying for the badge alone
- Running costs genuinely concern you
- You need maximum rear passenger space
- You prefer the traditional luxury car experience
Frequently Asked Questions About the BMW 740i
Is the BMW 740i reliable?
The B58 engine is considered one of BMW’s most reliable modern units. However, like all luxury cars, regular servicing is crucial. Expect typical BMW issues around electronics and comfort features as the car ages.
What’s the fuel economy really like?
In real-world mixed driving, expect 28-32 mpg. On a motorway cruise, you can see 35-40 mpg. City driving will drop you to 20-25 mpg, especially if you enjoy that turbo.
Should I get xDrive all-wheel drive?
Unless you regularly drive in snow or poor conditions, the rear-wheel-drive version is more engaging and slightly more economical. The xDrive adds weight and complexity.
How does it compare to the Mercedes S-Class?
The S-Class is more luxurious and spacious but less engaging to drive. The 740i splits the difference between luxury and sportiness better than any rival.
Is it worth buying new versus used?
The depreciation hit on luxury cars is brutal. A 2-3-year-old example with low miles offers 90% of the new car experience for 60-70% of the price.
What options are essential?
Air suspension (usually standard), premium audio, and the laser headlights make the biggest difference. The massage seats are lovely but not essential.
The Bottom Line on BMW’s Executive Express
After living with the BMW 740i for two years, here’s what I know: it’s the rare luxury car that doesn’t make you choose between comfort and engagement. It’s not perfect—no car is—but it gets the important stuff right.
If you’re spending your own money and covering decent miles, it’s hard to find a better all-rounder in this class. The 740i proves that sometimes, the Germans really do know best.
The BMW 740i isn’t just a luxury car—it’s the luxury car for people who still remember that driving should be enjoyable.
adaptive cruise control
automatic emergency braking
blind-spot monitoring
Front/side/curtain/knee airbags
head-up display
lane departure warning
night vision
parking assistant
rear cross-traffic alert
surround-view cameras
Before you decide to buy a car, read its history for free.
Features
•
12.3-inch digital cluster
•
14.9-inch touchscreen
•
ambient lighting (64 colors)
•
Bowers & Wilkins audio
•
four-zone climate control
•
hands-free trunk
•
heated/ventilated front seats
•
keyless entry
•
Merino leather seats
•
panoramic sky lounge LED roof
•
rear-seat entertainment
•
wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
$98,450
Make:
BMW
Model:
740i
Color:
Black
Drive Type:
RWD
Transmission:
Automatic
Condition:
New
Year:
2025
Mileage:
0 miles
Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Size:
3.0L
Doors:
4-door
Cylinders:
6
Color:
Black
Offer Type:
Sale
Offer ID #23644
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