It would be fair to say that diesel cars are fighting back and as enthusiasts, we need to fight for them too.
BHPian karan561 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
So lately the Diesels have taken a really bad PR hit & the above video is an effort from my side as a big fan of Diesel cars to make a good case for the Diesels & to help me in my cause I have with me the latest BMW X7 which is equipped with a Diesel engine marvel in the form of the B57 which is not only Powerful, Smooth, good on Economy but also the Emissions.
For those who prefer text may read on.
A quick review of the BMW X7 40d
Likes
- Engine Performance (Diesel B57’s torque, refinement, power delivery, FE, Range & overall versatility is a big like)
- Ride (Absolutely phenomenal suspension setup, ride comfort is top notch considering 45 profile tyres.)
- Handling (The car manages its weight, size & dimensions well, very easy to drive fast)
- Gearbox (8-speed ZF is the best in business)
- Very Spacious (All rows feel good on space)
Dislikes
- Pricing (pre-Lci was 99L ex-showroom at launch, now it has increased by more than 25%, which is too high for a facelift)
- Misses out on Massage seats (would have been a nice addition), also not sure if a 7 seat version is available.
- The X7 looks undertyred with a 285/45 Squared Tyre setup (X5 gets staggered, 315 at Rear).
- I Personally prefer the pre-LCi X7’s styling (front end)
- iDrive 8 & A/C vents take time to get used to.
Driving Performance
The B57 over the years has had many variations like B57D30O0 or B57D30S0 but the 40d of the BMW X7 gets the B57 TU3. i.e. B57 with the Technical Update 3
The above 40d engine produces 340 HP & 700 NM.
The engine achieves its maximum power output of 340 HP at 4,400 rpm, but Importantly the Max torque of 700 nm is available & “felt” somewhere between 1750 rpm and 2250 rpm.
What’s interesting is that just some time back the X7 M50d which was a quad-turbo produced 760 NM where as the x7 40d with the TU3 produces almost the same torque output @ 700NM & with just a 2 stage Twin turbo setup.
BMW and their supplier who are forced induction experts at Garrett in their quest to prolong the life of diesel engines by electrifying them and developing new technologies that increase efficiency and power while lowering emissions, One such innovation is the two-stage VNT (variable nozzle turbine) turbochargers used in this 3.0 L B57 inline-six diesel.
According to Garrett, the throttle response & torque delivery are smoother and more powerful when compared to single-turbo or conventional two-stage turbo systems. This in addition to the already creamy nature of BMW Diesels the feeling of driving these is absolutely unparalleled.
All this with a very high Un-Diesel like redline of around 5500 rpm
What a feeling!
Overall, I personally believe the 40d is truly a pinnacle in Diesel engineering and a marvel in its own right.
Interestingly the M50d is discontinued.
Continue reading karan561’s review for BHPian comments, insights and more information.
