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2014 BMW 740Ld Brings Diesel Power to Flagship Sedan

BMW is no stranger to turbo-diesel engines, thanks to a European home market that demands diesel in order to maximize both power and fuel economy on a continent where fuel is quite expensive. Now that diesels regularly pass strict emissions regulations in the United States, and especially California, BMW and other German automakers are adding diesel as an option in America. In fact, BMW already sells four different models equipped with turbo-diesel power in the States, and with the introduction of the 2014 BMW 740Ld at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, that number increases to five.

Based on the long-wheelbase version of the 7 Series, the new 2014 740Ld is equipped with a turbocharged, 3.0-liter, diesel 6-cylinder engine rated to make 255 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 413 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,500 rpm and 3,000 rpm. An 8-speed automatic transmission delivers power to all four of the 740Ld's wheels through the standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system. BMW says this new model will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.

Fuel-economy estimates were not finalized when the car debuted in Chicago, but BMW says that its diesel models typically produce a 25% improvement in gas mileage compared with gasoline-powered equivalents. Automatic start/stop technology is standard, shutting the engine off when the car is idling in traffic or at an intersection in order to conserve fuel. The driver can also choose to operate the 740Ld in Eco Pro mode by choosing that setting using the Driving Dynamics Control.

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When the BMW 740Ld goes on sale in the spring of 2014, it will cost $83,425, including a destination charge of $925.

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