Unlike the Mercedes Benz, the BMW doesn’t have much of a fan following in India. Or so many would have you believe. But talk to a car enthusiast and he will differ. Mercedes Benz is undoubtedly one of the finest luxury cars in the world, but when it comes to driver-centric cars, it’s difficult to outdo the “ultimate driving machine”.

BMW’s first completely built unit (CBU) for India is the flagship 7 Series, in this case the 730 Ld (long wheelbase diesel), which is now available in the country. Despite critics slamming R&D chief Chris Bangle’s reinvented design for the 7 Series, it has been a big seller worldwide. Indians are not lagging behind, with many checking out the BMW showrooms and not hesitating to provide a home to the Beemer. Surprisingly, even the rich are opting for the diesel variant due to its better fuel consumption.

EXTERIOR
The controversial styling of the 7 Series has been softened since its global launch in 2006. A wider, deeper kidney grill gives it an imposing look, and reprofiled bumpers with chrome inserts do not reflect in the sunlight. These ensure that the leviathan doesn’t look flashy, just understated, if that’s possible with a BMW. The body is a couple of inches longer so that those over 6-ft -tall can easily stretch. Despite being a super-luxury saloon, the 730 Ld lacks the premium snooty look of the new Merc S-Class. It appears more like a big, mean machine ready to bully any car which dares to cross its path, which works as the urban traffic is chaotic and the Beemer needs all the space it can get. It comes with huge 19-inch wheels and the rear has a typical muscular look which won’t win any beauty contests but will definitely make people stop and admire.

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