Americans have not yet fully accepted diesel engines for hatchbacks and small sedans, let alone luxury cars. Nevertheless, BMW announced they are going to launch a diesel-powered version of the 7-Series Long Wheelbase powered by the firm’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo advance diesel unit.

Of course, the only reason you would go for a diesel instead of a petrol engine is fuel economy. While the official EPA rating for the 2014 BMW 740Ld xDrive are not yet available, BMW says it will be up to 30 percent more economical than a similarly-powered direct-injection petrol engine. It is fitted as standard with features like Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro mode and Auto Start/Stop.

Speaking of power, the 740Ld does not have much of it – at least by 7-Series standards – with only 255 horsepower. The torque is substantial though, 413 lb-ft from 1,500 rpm, which is why it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.

The 3.0-liter inline-6 BMW Advanced Diesel is a brilliant engine with sophisticated technologies such as the latest generation of electronically controlled high-precision diesel injection system, a single turbocharger with variable vane turbine technology, and all-aluminum crankcase and hollow camshafts which not only make the engine light, it also helps reduce noise and vibration.

Despite all this, we’re not sure the typical 7-Series customer would like a diesel in their luxury sedan. They mostly prefer big V8s and V12s. The diesel unit works best in the 5-Series, in Europe.