BMW->ke178 is celebrating its centenary in 2016 and it has already started the party with the wild Vision Next 100 Concept. The Germans will introduce Vision show cars for the Mini,->ke57 Rolls-Royce,->ke74 and BMW Motorrad->ke1398 brands, but the anniversary year will also bring a few limited-edition production models in dealerships. The first to arrive is the 7 Series Centennial Edition, a special-edition->ke2041 lineup consisting of three models crafted by the company's Individual division.

Like many Individual Bimmers out there, the Centennial Edition features an exclusive exterior finish, unique wheels, and a uber-luxurious interior wrapped in high-grade leather and other expensive materials. All models will feature hand-crafted signets bearing the lettering "The Next 100 Years," just like the concept->ke169 with the similar name.

Customers will be able to order this limited package on the hybrid 740Le, the V-8-powered 750Li, and the V-12-powered M760Li, all of which are part of the new sixth-generation 7 Series->ke323 lineup. Pricing is not yet available, but production will be limited to only 100 units.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW 7 Series Centennial Edition.

2017 BMW 7 Series Centennial Edition

Specifications
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  • Model: 2017 BMW 7 Series Centennial Edition
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What makes the BMW 7 Series Centennial Edition special

The first thing that catches the eye when looking at the 7 Series Centennial Edition is the Centennial Blue Metallic paint. Exclusive for this limited-edition run, the finish is the result of an elaborate painting process that highlights the sedan’s design through "outstanding brilliance and an intensive depth effect." The new paint is complemented by a set of 20-inch Individual light-alloy wheels featuring a V-spoke design and a two-tone Silver/Ferric Grey finish. Rounding off the exterior is handcrafted signet with the lettering “The Next 100 Years” on the B-pillars. The latter doesn't do much to change the sedan's appearance, but it's there to confirm that this is no regular 7 Series and could prove very valuable once the Centennial Edition is sold out.

The cabin also received numerous features to help it stand out from the pack. For the Centennial Edition, BMW Individual went with a fine-grain Merino leather upholstery in Smoke White and black accents for the dashboard, door panels, and center console. Now that's a distinguished look worthy of a Rolls-Royce Phantom. The interior also sports the lettering "The Next 100 Years" above the glove compartment on the passenger side as well as the front and rear seat headrests, while the cover of the cup holder located in the center console boasts the inscription "1 of 100"

The seats have quilted surfaces in a woven look, hand-woven piping, and contrasting seam applications that showcase tremendous attention to detail. The floor mats, seat belts, and the BMW Individual headliner come in Smoke White Alcantara to match the upholstery. The exquisite ambiance is rounded out by BMW Individual inserts in Piano Black and a BMW Individual steering wheel with fine-wood applications in the same finish.

The package also includes a fountain pen by Montblanc designed to mirror 7 Series Centennial Edition. Exclusive with this special-edition sedan, the pen is also limited to 100 units.

Under the hood, the Centennial Edition comes with the standard engine available with each trim. Customers that will opt for the 740Le iPerformance will get a hybrid system that combines a 2.0-liter TwinPower four-cylinder and an electric generator. Total output for this model is rated at 326 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor is responsible for 113 horses and 184 pound-feet. Those who update to the 740Le xDrive will get the same model, but with all-wheel drive.

Next in line is the 750Li. This version uses the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 that generates 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Also available with all-wheel drive, the 750i can charge to 60 mph from a standing start in as low as 4.3 seconds. Lastly, buyers can also have the Centennial Edition package with the range-topping and newly launched M760Li. Offered with xDrive only, the M760Li gets its juice from the company's 6.6-liter V-12, which pumps out 600 turbocharged horses and 590 pound-feet of twist. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is estimated to take 3.9 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph.

BMW 7 Series

Redesigned for the 2016 model year, BMW's biggest sedan to date gained a brand-new platform and a Carbon Core passenger cell, which is similar to the one developed for the BMW i range. Made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and high-tensile steel, it's incredibly light and helped BMW cut 190 pounds of the car's curb weight compared to the previous model. The interior is more luxurious than ever, provides ample legroom for both front and rear seat passengers, and features BMW's latest technology, including the iDrive 5.0 infotainment system and the Touch Command Tablet. Motivation is provided by four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines. The four-pot mates with an electric motor for the first-ever hybrid 7 Series, while the 3.0-liter inline-six delivers 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The 4.4-liter V-8 cranks out 445 horses and 480 pound-feet of twist. The sixth-gen 7 Series also brought the first M-spec variant. Although not a full-fledged M car, the M760Li features a sporty chassis and suspension setup, and a 6.6-liter V-12 that sends a whopping 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque to all four corners. Pricing for the 7 Series starts from $81,300.

Read our full review on the BMW 7 Series here.