Call me crazy, but the E65 has always been my favorite 7. While previous models look classy, the E32 and E38 lack the wow factor of the E65.
In my opinion, it looks the F01 has taken off where the E38 left off. Sure it looks classy, but it lacks the wow factor of the E65.
Honesty, I am not surprised in the result of the F01. After looking at the mules, I could tell that this 7 was going to be more boring. I figure BMW got so many complaints regarding the E65 at first, that when they started development of the F01 they decided to go more conservative. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the F01 sells less than the E65, especially since the S Class went from conservative to controversial and is now more appealling to me than the 7.
A step back IMO, sad. Hopefully an 8-series 4 door coupe is on the horizon that is a ringer for the CS!