The BMW 7 Series has long been considered to be the key car range from this venerable German manufacturer, because since its inception in 1977 it has continued to be the main area for innovation, showcasing what types of technologies will eventually trickle down to other BMW models.

The first iteration of the 7 Series was known as the E23 and it was introduced as a luxury saloon with more bells and whistles than drivers of the time could have imagined prior to its launch. This included the ability to actually alert the driver to any faults with the engine or other systems automatically, as well as advanced air conditioning which could divide the car into multiple zones, thus creating climate control.

Six years after the E23 arrived it received a minor facelift and features which had been originally offered as options, such as ABS, were eventually included as standard, adding to the prestige of this model.

By 1986 the E23 was getting a little outdated and so BMW introduced the E32 to the 7 Series. The straight six engines found in the preceding vehicles were retained, but a V12 5.0 litre model was also introduced, with V8 editions coming in the early 1990s to add even more power and diversity to the range.

High tech at the time, the 7 Series E32 contained various gadgets that seem rather archaic by modern standards, such as a car phone and even a fax machine as an option. However, things like traction control and double glazing have managed to stand the test of time a little better.

In 1994 the E32 was ousted by the E38, with a facelift to this newer model carried out five years into its life cycle. A five speed auto gearbox and, on the 750i, a 5.4 litre V12 also used by Rolls-Royce, allowed the range to break new ground.

The pop culture value of the 7 Series grew particularly significant with this generation as it began to appear in a number of action films, most notably 1997's "Tomorrow Never Dies", in which it was controlled remotely by Pierce Brosnan's James Bond. Real-life extras like bulletproof glass and run flat tires also made it a favourite of some of the world's most powerful people.

In 2001 BMW decided to diversity the 7 Series range and split it into four categories, ranging from the more traditionally designed E65 right up to the hydrogen-fuelled E68.

The in-car computer technology harnessed here, known as iDrive, became a staple of the range and was developed by BMW in order to give drivers greater control over every aspect of the car.

The most recent update to the 7 Series came in 2009 when the F01 and F02 were debuted. This time around the gearbox had become even more complex, with an eight speed automatic transmission included in the package.

While the 7 Series began life as an executive powerhouse, modern versions have become more frugal and economical when it comes to fuel, but the domineering presence and internal luxury of the classics has not been lost.