Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen (Alpina) is a German auto manufacturing company that specializes in developing high-performance versions of BMW cars. Think of it as something similar to what Brabus and Maybach are to Mercedes-Benz. Just recently, it has revealed a new car in its lineup, the 2020 Alpina B7.
The 2020 B7 is based on a standard 2020 BMW 7-series, a 750i to be precise, which was revealed a month earlier. However, where a normal 750i with its 4.4-liter V8 just makes do with 523bhp, the B7 makes 608. But that’s not what makes the 2020 B7 special. It has to do with its top speed. Flat out, the new B7 will do a whopping 205mph (328 km/h), which makes it the fastest sedan money can buy.
It is truly an impressive feat considering, the previous car holding that title was none other than Dodge Charger Hellcat. Despite being 320lbs heavier and making a 100 less horsepower, the Alpina manages to beat out the Hellcat thanks to its better aerodynamics. With that out of the way, onto the features of the B7.
Performance
As mentioned earlier, the Alpina B7 has a 750i derived 4.4-liter V8 that produces 608bhp. It also produces 590lb-ft of torque and is mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. Unlike a 750i, however, you do not get an option for a rear-wheel-drive variant. The B7 is only available with X-Drive, which is what BMW calls its all-wheel-drive system.
The purists amongst you may be turned off by this but hear me out. This drivetrain allows the B7 to do it’s 0-60 in just 3.6 seconds. Let me remind you guys for a second that this is a full-sized luxury sedan we’re talking about that weighs 4855lbs (2202kg). The top speed, we talked about, is 205mph.
That does not only make the B7 faster than all the other sedans out there but also faster than some purpose-built supercars like the Lamborghini Huracan.
Exterior
There’s nothing particularly interesting in the design of the B7. It looks the same as the car its based on, the 2020 750i. This means that the B7 also gets the highly controversial, massive kidney-grille. It may not look pretty but it’s functional alright. There are active flaps inside the grille that close when the engine doesn’t require much cooling to improve the aerodynamics and open when it does.
Unique to the B7 is a functional front splitter that increases downforce, a small rear deck-lid spoiler, larger brake calipers, and a decreased ride height. These do help make the B7 look more aggressive and sportier compared to the 750i.
Interior
The same is the case with the interior. You get the same interior with almost the same options as the 750i. New in 2020 models is a fully digital instrument panel with an inverted tachometer. It’s fully customizable and can also change depending on which mode the car is in.
You also get an optional luxury seating package, which is a must if you intend to be chauffeur-driven in comfort. Other premium features include a Bowers & Wilkins sound system and a Driving Assistance package that offers semi-autonomous driving. It also has an Alpine badge on the steering wheel instead of a BMW one, to make you feel, if nothing else, unique.
Price
For a full-sized luxury sedan with a high caliber of performance and features, the price of the B7 seems reasonable. It will start from over $142,000 when it goes on sale in a few months. It costs $39,000 more than the X-Drive 750i, and you may think that is too much. But look at it this way, if you go for the top of the line M760i variant, with the 6.6-liter V12, it will cost you $16,000 more.
The B7 produces the same power as the M760i and, minus the top speed, has the same performance. In the end, it all comes down to your personal preference. If you want to set yourself apart from other BMW drivers, have a higher top speed and save on fuel costs, then go for the Alpina.
However, if you want those extra 2 cylinders, are willing to pay that $16,000 premium plus the extra fuel costs, and are out of your mind, the M760i is the car for you!