While Audi has unveiled an entirely new, breakthrough A8 and Mercedes-Benz is launching an extensively updated S-class facelift, BMW looks back at the history of its 7-series and celebrates the model’s 40th birthday with a special edition, of which only 10 copies will come to the United States.
To be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show this September, the Edition 40 Jahre (40th Anniversary Edition or, literally translated, Edition 40 Years) will be built in a series of 200 units, according to customer specifications and wishes. In Europe, all engines and drivetrains will be available; there is no word on how U.S.-bound cars will be configured.

Common to all 200 units is the special paint: All cars will be finished in either Frozen Silver Metallic or in Petrol Mica Metallic, the latter being a color that celebrates the rich heritage of blue hues in BMW’s history. All will have high-gloss black Shadow Line trim (it used to be matte black in the 1980s), and all will come with 20-inch V-spoke wheels from BMW’s Individual program. Inside, there are two leather combinations on offer, either Smoke White/Cohiba or Smoke White/Black. The headliner is always finished in Smoke White alcantara. Wood décor will be Smoke Brown or Piano Black, designed to match the leather upholstery. Badges abound inside and out, with the specially designed 40-year-anniversary logo appearing on the B-pillars, rocker panels, wood trim, headrests, and pillows. Beyond that, the cars can...