The Alpina B7 is an ultra-rare version of the BMW 7 Series Sedan designed for hardcore enthusiasts who think too much is never enough.
by Jim Gorzelany and Matthew de Paula, ForbesAutos.com
2008 BMW Alpina B7
The Alpina B7 is for hardcore car enthusiasts who think the capable BMW 7 Series Sedan isn't fast or exclusive enough. The Alpina B7 takes the 7 Series Sedans' basic characteristics and amplifies them. But be ready to open your wallet and pony up well over six figures for one of the rarest cars on the road.
Besides the exclusivity factor, the main difference is under the hood. Alpina fits BMW’s 4.4-liter V8 engine with a supercharger to boost power and pairs it with a six-speed automatic transmission. That combination produces 500 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 516 pound-feet of torque for a 4.8-second sprint to 60 miles per hour. Not bad for a car that weighs more than two tons.
Alpina is based in Buchloe, Germany, and is well known among industry insiders. It has been modifying luxury cars for decades and the quality of its work is high enough to be endorsed by major automakers like BMW.
An example of the companies engineering prowess and impeccable craftsmanship can be seen in the steering-wheel-mounted buttons it adds to the B7 that allow drivers to shift gears manually.
To sharpen handling, Alpina adds huge 21-inch wheels with Z-rated performance tires and firms up the suspension, which includes BMW's Active Roll Stabilization system to help keep the car from leaning through hard turns.
A modest rear spoiler aerodynamically improves stability, handling and performance at high speeds, and aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers further distinguish the B7 from the standard 7 Series. As is typical of Alpina conversions, the overall effect is subtle; only devoted car enthusiasts are likely to know the difference just looking at the car.
The 7 Series’ interior is dressed up with special Alpina accents, including a unique blue-faced instrument cluster. The car is packed with the full range of comfort and convenience features included with the top-of-the-line 760Li, such as keyless Comfort Access operation, power-assisted soft-close doors and trunk, a massaging driver’s seat, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, and a premium Logic7 audio system. Available high-tech options include a night-vision system, radar-based active cruise control and high-definition radio.
Is the BMW Alpina B7 for You?
Buy the Alpina B7 : if You want more performance and exclusivity than the 7 Series affords, but don’t want an exotic car or a Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class.
Keep Looking : if A steep six-figure sticker price is too rich for your blood; the “regular” flagship model is classy enough for you; fuel economy is a top concern.
Who Fits? Four or five adults will ride in complete comfort.
Closest Competitors
Audi S8
Maserati Quattroporte
Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
Did You Know?
Alpina is a longstanding and respected BMW tuner founded in 1964. As a testament to the company's skill and craftsmanship, BMW warranties many of Alpina's modifications as if they were done in the BMW factory. The only other Alpina-revised BMW to be officially sold in the United States was the Alpina Roadster V8 in 2002, which was a customized version of the now-defunct Z8 roadster.
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