(Trend.
BMW was the first to offer a six-speed automatic transmission on the 7-Series back in 2001, but two years later, Mercedes added another speed when it equipped the S-Class with seven-speed automatic. Lexus jumped to the front with its new eight-speed auto in the LS 460.
BMW isn't the only automaker with an eight-speed automatic on the horizon. General Motors is thought to be developing an eight-speed automatic, which will likely be mated to Cadillac's new V8.