THIS BMW is one ‘L' of a car.

The 730Ld SE sports a longer wheelbase than the standard model - which is a roomy individual in its own right.

The larger dimensions give rear passengers a further 140mm of legroom and 10mm more headroom which equates to top-notch levels of passenger comfort.

If it wasn't so good to drive I'd be seriously tempted to jump in the back and leave the steering to someone else.

But unleashing the power of the ultra-smooth V6 diesel engine while experiencing the cat-like handling characteristics of the big German executive car is something not to be missed.

BMW gave the 7-Series Saloon a facelift in the summer of 2012, with more efficient engines including the 254bhp diesel under the bonnet of the car I tested.

As well as catapulting this big motor from 0-62mph in a shade over six seconds, the lean and mean oil burner achieves an average fuel consumption figure in excess of 50mpg while producing relatively low carbon dioxide emissions.

The line up also includes a 309bhp diesel monster as well as four petrol-powered units. All are linked to BMW's slick eight-speed automatic gearbox which is fitted as standard to all models as indeed is stop-start, brake energy recuperation and electric power steering.

The exterior is deliberately understated compared to some 7-Series Saloon of old, although the revamp did bring a restyled bumper to help improve aerodynamics around the front wheels as well as new LED headlights - with the German firm's signature ‘Corona' rings - and a new kidney grille featuring fewer slats.

But it's the sumptuous interior that steals the show with its quality fit and finish, relaxing atmosphere and top-notch gizmos that make it difficult to leave at journey's end.

From the 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo system to the optional rear-seat entertainment package, which adds 9.2-inch monitors on the back of the front headrests, there's much to enjoy.

The SE trim gets rear parking sensors which are invaluable when parking, as well as a useful 500-litre boot with a lid that opens and closes at the press of a button.

The cabin is also incredibly quiet thanks to excellent sound-proofing which banishes wind and road noise while the burble of the diesel engine is barely noticeable.

There is a ton of safety kit including neat lights that get brighter the harder you brake as well as a plethora of airbags, electronic stability control and adaptive xenon headlamps.

Visit the options list and a lane departure warning system and head-up display can be yours for a bit of extra cash, as can a system unique to BMW that recognises pedestrians in the dark and highlights them with a beam of light.

But it is on the road where the big German motor is most surprising as it is extremely agile thanks to its state-of-the-art Drive Dynamic Control which has five settings. Sport and Sport+ cater for the thrill seekers amongst you while a stint at GCHQ is not necessary to figure out the purpose of the ECO PRO, Comfort and Comfort+ settings.

The car I tried had a multi-function dial display with a 10-inch screen and fancy graphics instead of the traditional instrument cluster. It changes appearance depending on what mode you are driving in - so when in ECO PRO mode the display turns blue and the rev counter is turned into an efficiency dial, while Sport sees the panel change colour to red and the speedometer and current gear given prominence.

It is guaranteed to provide a ‘wow' factor as family and friends all found it fascinating.

The 730Ld doesn't come cheap but you do get virtually every known gadget known to science thrown in.

So expect four-zone climate control, cruise control with brake function, satellite-navigation, folding and automatically dimming exterior mirrors, Bluetooth, electrically adjustable leather seats and a host of other goodies in what is a formidable executive saloon.