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But all can agree that today's premier BMW sedan delivers a superb driving experience. Its handing is arguably unmatched by any car in its segment, and the V-8 and V-12 engines deliver outstanding performance through a six-speed automatic.

A luxury car manufacturer's flagship sedan plays a critical role. While the premium offering may be well beyond the reach of some customers, it nevertheless colors the personality of the brand. The success of a marque's finest automobile isessential to the well-being of the entire operation.

The 7 Series is the paramount sedan offering of the BMW range, and for the most part it has performed its flagship duties well. Introduced for model year 1978, the rear-drive 733i sedan showcased the Munich manufacturer's most advanced technology. In the late 1970s, that meant a fuel-injected six-cylinder engine, a rudimentary on-board computer and anti-lock braking. 

The second generation of the 7 Series appearedin U.S. showrooms for the 1988 model year. The big news was the introduction of a 296-horsepower V-12 engine, a configuration that would become a trademark of the line. This generation also saw the introduction of a longer-wheelbase model, matching the offering of the Mercedes-Benz premium sedan line.

Most-loved by enthusiasts is the third 7 Series generation, which offered considerable advances in handling and performance without the plethora of complex accessories that are found in later cars. Many BMW fans are also very fond of this automobile's styling, which retains many of the marque's classic design cues. The V-12 got a bump to 326 horsepower, which was now delivered through a five-speed automatic transmission. With the addition of headlight washers, auto-leveling headlamps, satellite navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a 14-speaker sound system, the 7 Series sedan had become one of the most feature-packed cars of the 1990s.