BMW 740Li PURE EXCELLENCE M SPORT PACK

Highlights

• Best-in-class rear legroom
• Top-tier audio system standard
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating

Summary

This 2017 BMW 740Li Pure Excellence represents a sophisticated choice for buyers seeking the long-wheelbase executive experience without the heavy depreciation of a brand-new model. While the mileage reflects active use, these straight-six engines are renowned for their longevity when maintained correctly, making this an ideal commuter for the high-speed corridors between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The black-on-black color combination remains the most sought-after palette for resale value in the GCC luxury segment, ensuring strong desirability when you eventually decide to upgrade. Choosing the Pure Excellence trim provides a distinct aesthetic and comfort advantage that rivals simply cannot match in this price bracket. For a GCC buyer, the most important consideration is the sheer thermal efficiency of the BMW climate system, which handles our peak summer heat with remarkable ease. It stands out in the segment by offering a more agile driving feel than a comparable S-Class while maintaining a whisper-quiet cabin for all passengers.

This Car vs Other 2017 740Lis

With 119,000 km on the odometer, this vehicle sits exactly where a well-loved executive sedan should be after seven years in the GCC, averaging roughly 17,000 km annually. This is actually slightly below the typical UAE average of 20,000 km per year, indicating that the car has likely been used for purposeful commutes rather than constant city idling. The American regional specification often means the car arrived with a higher initial feature set compared to base local models, providing excellent value for the secondary market. The exterior black paint is a major asset here; in the GCC used market, black and white vehicles sell significantly faster and hold their price better than more adventurous colors. This specific example shows the benefit of being a long-wheelbase variant, which is the preferred configuration for luxury buyers in this region. Overall, the mechanical pedigree of the B58 engine in this year range makes it a safer long-term bet than many of its European contemporaries.

Pure Excellence vs Lower Trims

The Pure Excellence package is a significant step up from the standard 740Li, focusing heavily on chrome exterior accents and a more refined interior atmosphere. Buyers gain the high-gloss Fineline wood trim and an Alcantara headliner that immediately elevates the cabin beyond the base leather found in lower tiers. Unlike the M-Sport variants which prioritize a stiff ride and aggressive bumpers, this trim focuses on maximum damping comfort, which is far better suited for the long, flat highways of the Emirates. You also benefit from enhanced ambient lighting and the ceramic finish on control elements like the gear shifter and iDrive controller, which stay cooler to the touch in summer. Most importantly for the GCC, this trim often includes the upgraded multi-contour seats with increased ventilation capacity, a must-have for our climate. It is the ‘connoisseur’s choice’ that emphasizes grace and boardroom-level luxury over sporty pretension.

740Li vs Segment Rivals

When compared to the Mercedes-Benz S400 or the Audi A8L, the 740Li leads the pack with its driver-centric ergonomics and superior infotainment logic. The BMW iDrive system is widely regarded as the most intuitive for use while driving at 140 km/h on the E11, where safety and ease of use are paramount. While rivals might offer a softer air suspension, the BMW provides a better balance of high-speed stability and vibration isolation, making it feel more planted during windy desert crossings. The 3.0L turbocharged engine is also more fuel-efficient for long-range trips than the larger V8s found in some competitors, without sacrificing the passing power needed for GCC traffic. Rear legroom in this long-wheelbase version remains the benchmark for the class, offering more stretch-out space than a standard-wheelbase Lexus LS. Additionally, the boot capacity is deep and wide, easily accommodating multiple full-sized suitcases for airport runs to DXB or AUH.

Running Costs & Resale

Ownership costs for a 740Li in the GCC are predictable, provided you stick to the 10,000 km service intervals recommended for our high-heat environment. The 3.0L 6-cylinder engine is highly efficient on the highway, often achieving under 8.0L/100km during steady cruises, which is impressive for a car of this stature. While European luxury sedans see a depreciation of roughly 15% annually in the UAE, the 7-Series has a massive following, ensuring a liquid market when it comes time to sell. Parts availability is excellent across the region, with authorized service centers in every major city from Kuwait to Muscat, and a vast network of specialized independent garages in the UAE. As this is an American spec vehicle, buyers should ensure they have a trusted local garage for routine maintenance, as some local dealer service contracts may not apply. However, the savings on the initial purchase price of an American spec car usually far outweigh any incremental maintenance costs over a three-year ownership period.

Performance & Capability

The heart of this 740Li is the 325 hp TwinPower Turbo engine, which delivers a seamless wave of torque perfect for effortless overtaking on the highway. It can reach 100 km/h in just over 5.5 seconds, a figure that ensures you are never underpowered when merging into fast-moving traffic. The Rear Wheel Drive setup provides a classic luxury car feel, with precise steering and a turning circle that is surprisingly tight for such a long vehicle. On long-distance drives across the GCC, the car shines with its adaptive air suspension that irons out road imperfections and expansion joints with total silence. You also have select drive modes, including an 'Eco Pro' setting that is perfect for saving fuel during the daily crawl through Sharjah-Dubai traffic. The braking system is specifically tuned for high-speed deceleration, providing immense confidence when traveling at the higher speed limits found on rural UAE and Saudi roads. Even at its top speed, the cabin remains remarkably serene, a testament to BMW’s aerodynamic engineering.

Comfort & Cabin

Inside, the 740Li Pure Excellence is a masterclass in executive comfort, featuring a five-seat layout with massive amounts of knee room in the rear. The four-zone automatic climate control is a standout feature, allowing every passenger to dial in their preferred temperature—a critical utility during the 50°C summer months. The Harman Kardon Surround Sound system provides an immersive audio experience that stays crisp even at high volumes. BMW has utilized thick acoustic glass for the side windows, significantly reducing the wind noise that often plagues lesser cars on the highway. Front and rear seats offer extensive electric adjustment, ensuring that even the longest drives across the desert leave you feeling refreshed rather than fatigued. The large sunroof allows for a bright, airy cabin during the winter months, while the power-operated sunblinds for the rear windows provide essential shade and privacy when the sun is at its peak. Every surface is wrapped in high-quality materials, from the stitched leather dashboard to the soft-touch plastics in the footwells.

Safety

Safety in the 740Li is comprehensive, beginning with a 5-Star NCAP rating and a carbon-core chassis that provides immense structural rigidity. This trim is equipped with a suite of sensors that are particularly useful for GCC drivers, including Blind Spot Detection for those busy six-lane highways. The adaptive LED headlights provide incredible visibility during nighttime desert drives where street lighting may be absent. Stability control and traction management are finely tuned to handle the occasional sand-blown road surface, preventing loss of grip during sudden maneuvers. You also benefit from a sophisticated parking assistant and a high-resolution camera system, which are essential for navigating the tight parking bays often found in Dubai’s luxury malls. Front, side, and curtain airbags provide a 360-degree safety cocoon for all five occupants, ensuring peace of mind for family use. The car also features an active protection system that tightens belts and closes windows if a collision is detected as imminent.

The bottom line

This 740Li Pure Excellence is the perfect match for a professional who wants the prestige and technology of a flagship BMW at a fraction of the original cost. Given its desirable black-on-black spec and the proven reliability of the 3.0L engine, it represents one of the most sensible entries into the executive car market currently available in the UAE.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.