BMW 735 M Sport Review: The Magnificent Seven

There was a time when owning a BMW 7 Series meant you had officially arrived - not just at your destination, but somewhere considerably more important in life.

Almost five decades after the original E23 made its debut in 1977, that philosophy remains largely unchanged. Except today, arriving in a 7 Series involves considerably more technology, an extraordinary amount of luxury and, if you are fortunate enough, somebody else doing the driving.

The latest G70 7 Series has undergone an update, known as Life Cycle Impulse (LCI); this is BMW's terminology for a mid-life facelift. Only this time, calling it a facelift almost feels like an… understatement.

Let me tell you why.

BMW has introduced its Neue Klasse design philosophy and digital technology into its flagship limousine, bringing substantial changes to its appearance, interior and overall user experience. In fact, this is arguably one of the most significant updates to the 7 Series in recent memory.

And while the fully electric i7 represents BMW's ambitions for an electrified future, the 735 M Sport tested here offers something that could appeal even more to Singapore's traditional businessmen: A proper six-cylinder petrol engine, assisted by mild-hybrid technology. No charging cables, no range anxiety; just good old internal combustion engineering, accompanied by enough modern technology to remind you that this is still very much a car of tomorrow.

Aesthetically Speaking

The outgoing G70 was never a discreet-looking limousine. Its enormous kidney grille and unconventional split-headlamp arrangement divided opinions, although nobody could accuse it of lacking presence.

This updated model retains that imposing character but introduces a cleaner, more sophisticated interpretation of BMW's latest design language. The illuminated kidney grille, officially called BMW Iconic Glow, now features slimmer, more vertical proportions. The surrounding bodywork is cleaner, with fewer unnecessary creases, giving the front a more cohesive appearance.

But the real visual highlight is undoubtedly the BMW Individual Swarovski crystal headlights. These beautifully executed units incorporate diamond-cut crystal glass elements that sparkle under natural light, and become particularly striking when illuminated. The slimmer upper lighting elements complement the grille, while the main headlamps sit discreetly beneath them.

Well, it is an expensive-looking arrangement, and quite rightly so. On a car approaching S$700,000, even the headlights ought to look like jewellery.

Move towards the rear and you will notice redesigned, slimmer taillights stretching further across the bodywork. Together with the cleaner surfaces and revised rear apron, they make the 735 appear wider and more contemporary than its predecessor.

Our test car also wears the new 21-inch M aerodynamic cross-spoke Style 1098 M wheels, and they suit its proportions remarkably well. Their intricate design adds just enough sporting character without making the car look like an oversized performance sedan.

At 5,395 mm long and 1,950 mm wide, plus a substantial 3,215 mm wheelbase, this is an enormous automobile. In Singapore, that means commanding road presence, although older multi-storey car parks might require a little more concentration than usual; thankfully, the all-around camera does a great job of being your extra eyes…

Nevertheless, the overall design feels more resolved than before; a sharper suit, if I may.

The Inside Story

Step inside and the transformation becomes even more apparent.

If the previous G70 introduced BMW's interpretation of a modern luxury cockpit, this latest model takes that concept several steps further. The centrepiece is the new BMW Panoramic iDrive system, incorporating a pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Vision display positioned along the lower windscreen - important driving information is presented directly within the driver's natural field of vision, complemented by a 3D head-up display.

Then there is the enormous 17.9-inch central touchscreen, running BMW Operating System X, while the front passenger receives a dedicated 14.6-inch display.

It is a fascinating glimpse into BMW's future. Rather than simply installing increasingly larger screens, the company has reconsidered how information should be presented and accessed.

The new steering wheel, featuring BMW's Shy Tech controls, reinforces this philosophy. Functions illuminate when relevant, reducing visual clutter while keeping important controls accessible.

Admittedly, traditional BMW enthusiasts might miss the familiar rotary iDrive controller and some physical buttons; there is a learning curve, particularly when navigating the more extensive digital menus. But once familiar, the interface feels remarkably sophisticated. More importantly, the technology does not overshadow the fundamental quality of the cabin.

Material selection, panel fitment and overall construction are exceptionally convincing. From the carefully finished dashboard to the crystal-inspired interior controls and beautifully integrated ambient lighting, practically everything you touch feels reassuringly expensive; demonstrating the attention to detail expected of BMW's flagship.

Of course, judging a luxury limousine entirely from the driver's seat would be rather unfair.

Open one of the enormous rear doors and the 735 reveals its other personality. Rear accommodation is simply outstanding - with that generous wheelbase, legroom is abundant, while the wide, supportive seats provide the sort of comfort that makes a journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur sound considerably less exhausting.

There is ample headroom, excellent shoulder space and an impressive sense of airiness, further enhanced by the panoramic glass roof.

What particularly impressed me was the level of control afforded to rear passengers. Integrated into each rear door is BMW's 5.5-inch Touch Command display, allowing occupants to adjust various cabin functions without troubling the person behind the wheel. Want to raise the rear sunblinds against Singapore's unforgiving afternoon sunshine? A few taps will do it. Prefer a different cabin temperature, seat adjustment or ambient lighting setting? Those controls are conveniently accessible too.

It might sound excessive, but in a limousine where the rear passenger could be an executive preparing for an important meeting, such conveniences become genuinely useful.

The four-zone climate control, excellent cabin insulation and supple seating complete an environment that feels closer to a private lounge than a conventional car interior.

Technically Speaking

Underneath that imposing bonnet sits a 2,998 cc turbocharged inline-six petrol engine, assisted by 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Producing 286 hp and 425 Nm of torque, it sends power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission. Standstill to 100 km/h takes 6.9 seconds; respectable considering the 735 weighs 2,235 kg.

Unlike a full hybrid, its electrical assistance primarily supports the combustion engine rather than providing sustained electric-only driving. The result? Beautifully smooth power delivery, particularly when moving off and accelerating through urban traffic.

BMW quotes a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.9 litres/100 km - for a six-cylinder limousine weighing over two tonnes, that is commendable, although actual consumption will depend on driving conditions.

More importantly, the 735 retains the character that traditional BMW enthusiasts appreciate. The engine is exceptionally refined at cruising speeds, yet responds with a satisfying urgency when more performance is demanded.

There’s just something reassuring about that familiar six-cylinder smoothness. For buyers who remain unconvinced about making the switch to an EV, this might be exactly what they are looking for.

Ride & Handling

Here is where the 735 demonstrates why BMW continues to deserve its reputation for building cars that reward their drivers: Despite its considerable dimensions, the 735 feels remarkably well-balanced.

The adaptive two-axle air suspension does an excellent job of absorbing road imperfections, while maintaining impressive body control through sweeping bends; it does not float excessively, nor does it feel unnecessarily stiff. Even with those handsome 21-inch wheels, ride comfort remains appropriately luxurious.

Steering response is precise and reassuring, while Integral Active Steering, incorporating rear-wheel steering, helps disguise some of the car's substantial length - this is especially useful when negotiating Singapore's tighter car parks.

Push harder through a series of corners and the 735 responds with surprising composure. There is inevitable body movement, true, but it remains progressive and controlled rather than unsettling.

The eight-speed transmission is equally satisfying, delivering almost imperceptible changes during relaxed driving before responding more decisively when required.

What impresses most, however, is how the 735 manages to satisfy two very different occupants. The driver enjoys the familiar BMW sense of control, while passengers remain comfortably isolated from much of the activity happening underneath.

It is an exceptionally difficult balance to achieve, particularly in a limousine of this size; yet here we are, with BMW managing it without a hitch.

In A Nutshell

From the original E23 to the technological showcase that is today's G70, the BMW 7 Series has evolved enormously. What began as BMW's interpretation of a sporting luxury saloon has become a sophisticated flagship, capable of challenging the finest limousines in the business.

This latest 735 M Sport represents that evolution beautifully. Its Neue Klasse-inspired cockpit, exceptional build quality, imposing design and outstanding passenger accommodation establish a new benchmark for what BMW luxury should feel like.

Yet, underneath all that technology remains something wonderfully familiar: A smooth six-cylinder engine, and driving dynamics that remind you why BMW built its reputation in the first place. Long-time BMW loyalists will undoubtedly appreciate that.

Whether BMW continues offering an internal combustion-powered 7 Series indefinitely remains uncertain, especially as electrification gathers momentum.

But if this is among the final chapters of the traditional six-cylinder 7 Series story, BMW is certainly giving it the treatment it deserves. It has simply become considerably better at everything else.

Technical Specification - BMW 735 M Sport

Power/Torque: 282 bhp/425 Nm (combined)
Battery type/Capacity: Lithium-ion/13 kWh
0-100 km/h: 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Efficiency: 7.9L/100 km
Agent: Performance Motors Ltd, Eurokars Auto Pte Ltd

Photos by Azfar Hashim (@azfar.talks)

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