Entry-level BMW 7-series to get 2.0-litre turbo petrol

BMW has introduced an entry-level trim for its new 7-series with the option of a new petrol engine. Badged 730i, the new model uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol motor borrowed from the smaller BMW 330i and the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works hot hatchback.

The new motor at 254.5bhp is a more powerful version of the one in the 3-series making 248bhp. Gearbox duties are carried out by an eight-speed automatic gearbox which sends power to the rear wheels. BMW claims that the car is capable of sprinting from 0-100kph in 6.2 seconds. However, the long-wheelbase version of the 730i is said to be slower by 0.1 second.

The 730i has been introduced as an entry-level model in the Turkish and Chinese markets and the automaker is yet to reveal any plans about offering the model in other markets.

On the opposite end of the range, the carmaker is working on a 600bhp plus version of the 7-series powered by a Rolls-Royce-sourced 6.6-litre V12 as a top of the line 760Li. This model is expected to make its debut internationally sometime later this year.

BMW will be showcasing the new 7-series in India at the Auto Expo in Delhi. The India-bound model is expected to be powered by a choice of a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel motor or a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine and will become available in long-wheelbase guise only.

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