With this B7 Bi-Turbo Alpina Australia has rolled out its third BMW-based model into the local market following the 3-Series based B3 and B4 that’s hewn from a 4-Series Coupe.
If you haven’t already guessed, the B7 here is based upon the new G11 7 Series, specifically the 750Li. Alpina’s upgrades, luxury additions, and the fettled engine that have culminated in the B7 will set you back at least an extra $50,000 over the ‘standard’ BMW limo, or $369,720 before on-road costs.
On the outside, the B7 gains many of the standard-fare visual changes that Alpina have been known to employ. Most prominently, the pronounced ‘snowplough’ front lip with the Alpina emblazoning, its signature 21-inch 20-spoke forged wheels, and quad tailpipes.
Like the 750i (and long wheelbase Li), the Alpina B7’s engine is based on the N63 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol . Here, it’s been reworked to a staggering 447kW and 800Nm (up from 330kW, 650Nm).
Despite its substantial size and mass, all that grunt means it can propel itself to 100km/h from rest in just 4.2 seconds and carry on to a top speed of 330km/h. To aid it’s pursuit of speed, the standard self-levelling air suspension lowers the car by 20mm for extra stability and improved aerodynamics at speeds above 230km/h.
The brakes, consequently, have been upgraded to 395mm discs at the front and 370mm for the rears, with a new set of four-piston callipers to make sure they can cope with the car’s new legs. In typical Alpina fashion, these are painted blue.
There’s also adaptive rear wheel steering that certainly help a car of this length feel more agile through the bends while increasing high speed stability.
The excellent 8-speed ZF automatic handles shifting duties, a transmission that so far occupies every model Alpina offers, both here and back in its native Germany.
As impressive as the B7’s performance is for a car this car substantial, it’s really inside where the the Alpina difference becomes really apparent. Nothing against BMW’s cabin construction, materials, opulence, and ambiance, but Alpina strives to take it a notch further, and have gone through each detail with a fine-toothed comb to make it feel extra special.
There’s leather pretty much everywhere now and accents new piano black gloss or Myrtle wood inlays. The steering wheel is wrapped in premium Lavalina leather and beyond it, the digital instrument cluster has been programmed with Alpina’s own graphics - a tip of the iceberg in terms of the small changes applied to the car.
At the rear, the longer wheelbase means there’s ample room for rear passengers, cosseted by the electrically adjustable seats with massage functions and a 10-inch screen behind each front headrest should anyone get bored. The standard panoramic sunroof should also lift the already high spirits in the back.
They’ve kept the best features from the BMW camp, though, such as the iDrive system with Professional navigation and all the appropriately top-shelf safety kit that a car at this level demands such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, lane keep assist.
For more on BMW vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
