Feast Your Eyes On The BMW 7 Series 40 Jahre Limited Edition

It seems that BMW is turning this ‘Jahre’ special edition idea into a more widespread thing. We’ve had the M3 30 Jahre and M5 30 Jahre, but now the honour has been extended to the 7 Series, which celebrates its 40th birthday this year.

Set to make its full debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the 7 Series Edition 40 Jahre will be limited to a measly 200 examples, all of which will be tailored to the buyer’s whims at the same Dingolfing plant that began production of BMW’s flagship in 1977.

Interestingly, the special edition isn’t being limited to any specific engine. Buyers can choose any of the six, eight or 12-cylinder units currently dropped into the big Seven, including the hybrid, and in either standard or extended wheelbase. Four-wheel drive is optional, too.

Colour is not so free, with just two BMW Individual shades offered and applied with “a particularly elaborate process”. Frozen Silver metallic and Petrol Mica metallic are designed to reflect 40 years of history in the tradition of colour availability on the 7 Series.

The M aerodynamics package is standard, along with Shadow Line dark trim elements and 20-inch light-alloy V-spoke wheels. There’s a 40 Jahre logo on the B-pillars and door sills. BMW’s ‘Comfort’ seats (as opposed to what…?) are also standard, trimmed in high-quality Merino leather in one of two contrasting cream and black/brown styles. Depending on upholstery colour the dashboard trim inserts are either Piano Black or Smoke Brown Eucalyptus wood.

Of course, under the skin it’s absolutely stuffed with technology and luxury gadgets. You can connect your smartphone and smartwatch, the awesome Laser Light headlights can reach 600 metres on main beam, and there’s the latest suite of semi-autonomous car control systems. Never mind all that, though: we’ll have ours with the big V12, please.