Two years after the launch of the first BMW 7 Series, a new flagship model was introduced as the BMW 735i in 1979. This car was powered by the 3.5 litre engine familiar from the BMW 635CSi, which also ensured impressive driving performance in the luxury sedan. The five-speed gearbox used as standard for the first time ensured that this power was available in all driving situations. The "Highline" and "Executive" equipment packages further enhanced the flagship model, which was also supplied as the BMW L7 in the USA.