2nd BMW 730Ld INTERIOR & TECHNOLOGY

There’s not much in it, but the 7 Series ultimately loses out to the Mercedes on ride quality

THE BMW 7 Series has been competing with the S-class since the seventies, and while these two models are unrecognisable from their grandfathers, the rivalry remains.

With its superb driving position, well controlled chassis and strong performance, the 7 Series is a better driver’s car than the Mercedes, but there’s less of a difference than you might expect. That’s because the S-class is better to drive than ever while still being comfortable, and the BMW is more comfortable than ever while still being good to drive, so the two have converged towards the same ground.

The 7 Series’ 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel is smooth and powerful, and although it’s a little less potent than the S-class’ new engine, the BMW’S lighter kerbweight helps keep it competitive with its limousine rival here.

In our track tests the BMW put in a strong performance, beating the S-class in nearly every in-gear test. The 7 Series took just 2.4 seconds to go from 30-50mph in third gear, two tenths faster than its rival, and just 3.7 seconds to cover from 50-70mph in fifth gear.

Yet ride quality and comfort are arguably more important here as long as there’s adequate performance, which there is in both models.

There’s very little to separate the BMW and the Mercedes, because in the 7 Series’ Comfort Plus mode the damping is ultra plush and super smooth, just like in the S-class. However, the BMW’S body and wheel control is just a little tighter, which brings benefits in terms of handling; on smooth roads it’s not quite as flowing as the Mercedes, although there’s really not much between them.

Refinement is brilliant and both gearboxes are superb, shifting with such smoothness that you often won’t realise they’ve changed gear at all. The BMW’S transmission is sharper when you’re driving quickly, and responds with more urgency if you need to shift up or down in a hurry.

Inside, the BMW feels more modern than the Mercedes does, thanks to a simpler design using metal rather than wood as a core part of the look. Quality is easily a match for its rival and there’s just as much hi-tech equipment as standard, although the gesture control for the infotainment is a frustrating gimmick really.

There’s the same level of multimedia in the back because our car had the £4,815 Rear Seat Comfort package. There’s as much space and tech inside as the S-class as a result.

It’s a shame you have to pay £235 for Apple Carplay in the BMW, but the fact you can’t get Android Auto at all is a mark against the 7 Series here. Still, it’s one of the only bits of kit missing compared with the S-class.

INTERFACE Both limos use a rotary dial on the centre console to control their infotainment, which is easy to find with your hand when on the move. And the BMW’S interface is quicker and easier to use than the Mercedes’: there are fewer sub-menus to sort through.