Is It Possible To Power A BMW 730Li With A 4-Cylinder Engine? BMW Says Yes
by AllAutoExperts | 14 January, 2016
BMW 7 Series announces a new version for the Chinese market. It is the entry-level model, 730Li, powered by a petrol four-cylinder and 2.0-liter volume! Compared with the previous generation 730i, the new aggregate produces 252 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, compared to 258 hp and 310 Nm.
From what we see, the turbo-aspirated unit has only 6 hp less than the 3.0 liter installed in the body F02, but the 40 Nm of torque "extra" will certainly make a difference in actual traffic conditions, especially since the new G12 is easier than its predecessor. Do not be scared about the small size of the B48 engine, it is also used on the 740e hybrid plug-in version (or X5 xDrive40e), which comes linked to the automatic transmission with eight speeds and is assisted by an electric motor.
For now, the new BMW 730Li will be available only on the Chinese market, starting March this year, but later it will be marketed on the European continent as well, becoming the most affordable 7 Series from the range of the Bavarian car manufacturer.
To be honest, I don't think it is a very good idea for a 7 Series to be powered by a four-cylinder engine, but if we were to have a look at the datasheet and performances recorded there, then we understand auto manufacturers' tendency to minimize not only the cost of acquisition, servicing expenses and maintenance but also to meet the strict pollution standards. It seems that in the near future we will see more and more limousines powered by engines much smaller than we used to. I'm afraid to think of a 7 Series with a three-cylinder engine.