1991 BMW 850i

The 1991 BMW 850i was blasted by the automotive media and ardent Bimmer-philes as an enormous letdown – a passionless cruiser from the self-proclaimed makers of the Ultimate Driving Machine. The complaints were numerous, and many were valid. But the 8-series’ mission wasn’t to tear up back roads, it was to grab attention on the boulevard – and nearly two decades later, it still turns heads. The 850i was a technological showcase, boasting cutting-edge luxury features such as remote keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, a twelve-speaker stereo, and windows that automatically closed at high speeds. An active five-link rear suspension helped steer the 850i at the limit, and an early form of electronic stability control helped keep the big coupe on course. Under the hood, an aluminum-block, 5.0-liter V-12 used the industry’s only drive-by-wire electronic throttles and was attached to one of the world’s first six-speed manual transmissions.