by Jay Traugott
BMW's 7 Series has always been the ultimate expression of the brand's latest advances in technology and design, and few would look at this lavish, large luxury sedan thinking that it's not quite enough. Alpina feels differently, and the BMW-backed tuning partner continues to deliver souped-up versions of BMW's best. In the B7, that means a heavily reworked 750i xDrive sedan putting out a prodigious 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque as it swats away the 0-60 mph run in just 3.6-seconds. Along with theAudi S8andthe Mercedes-AMG S63, the B7 delivers an unparalleled mix of opulence and speed. However, unlike those two German rivals, the Alpina B7 is built in far more limited numbers, assuring the few lucky owners of a high level of exclusivity. For the 2019 model year, the B7 continues to enjoy the usual Alpina trimmings that set it apart fromthe regular 7 Series, while also getting more standard safety features added to the equipment list. If the standard 7 Series is a bit too much of a wallflower for you, this could be the car you want.
Available as an option last year, the Driving Assistance safety package is now standard on the B7. Its active safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning and mitigation, and speed limit information. Support for Apple CarPlay is now standard, although it's limited to a one-year subscription.
The single-model BMW Alpina B7 with xDrive starts at an MSRP of $139,350 before options. The price is exclusive of taxes, licensing, registration, and a destination fee of $995.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alpina B7 xDrive LWB |
4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas |
8-Speed Automatic |
All-Wheel Drive |
$139,350 |
悬架升级的目的是清纯甜美ter the B7's considerable weight, providing both stable cornering and the ability to cosset like any well-sorted large luxury sedan should. The Driving Dynamics Control system allows you to choose between Comfort and Sport modes, while there is even more customization within these modes. For instance, in Sport+ mode, the B7 sits 0.8-inches lower to the ground to reduce the center of gravity and ultimately improve handling.
Does it all work? Yes, indeed. Comfort+ sees the B7 gliding down the road and smothering surface imperfections as if they weren't there. Together with the 7 Series' inherently high refinement levels, this makes sitting in the back of the B7 and being driven around an extremely relaxing affair. However, swap seats with the chauffeur, and you're likely to be just as impressed. There is reasonable feel through the steering, which is well-weighted and neither too light nor too heavy. In Sport mode, the B7 surprises with its ability to haul itself through a couple of tight turns, although you'll very often be aware of its sheer size. Still, body roll is admirably kept in check, and while the Sport setting will firm up the suspension, it never gets harsh or uncomfortable. The large brakes are similarly up to the task with brilliant bite and good feedback through the pedal.
阿尔B7是一个杰出的豪华车和锅entially the best 7 Series you can buy. Not only does it match the V12-engined M760i's performance, but the B7 does so at a cheaper price and while offering a unique aura that is difficult to quantify until you experience it. Alpina's expertise shows in the way the B7 accelerates, rides, and handles, without compromising on any of the 7 Series' traditional strengths. Comprehensive exterior and interior detailing also sets the B7 apart as something special. These same differences also leave the Mercedes-AMG S 63 - an exceptional luxury car in its own right - looking a bit too familiar. Plus, the B7 isn't all about explosive performance and head-turning looks, either - it now also offers additional driver assistance safety equipment, and the large trunk ensures it's practical enough for most daily duties. Whether you're seated behind the wheel or behind the driver, Alpina's B7 is a mightily impressive luxury sedan.
With just one trim to choose from, choice will come down to which packages or options you choose for your B7. If you can make the stretch (excuse the pun), we'd highly recommend at least the cheaper of the two Luxury Rear Seating packages. These rear seats are majestically comfortable, offer both ventilation and massaging functionality, and make the Alpina B7 an absolute joy to be driven in. Plus, you'll still walk away with a cost-saving over the equally rapid M760i.
Two ultimate luxury sedans with limousine-like comfort and the performance of a supercar. While the S-Class is often viewed as the default large luxury sedan and the BMW 7 Series is the more anonymous choice, the same doesn't really apply to the Alpina B7. Both have similarly vicious V8 engines and all-wheel-drive. The S63 has an even more magnificent interior that edges the B7's for style and top-class detailing. Both have sensational comfort in the rear seats and can be upgraded to offer rear-seating that any A-lister would be satisfied with. While the AMG has the more aggressive growl, the B7 has a breadth of ride and handling talents that is incredibly wide. These two constantly trade blows, but the B7's rarity over even one of the great AMG models gives it the edge.
An altogether different animal to the B7, Audi's A8 is nevertheless an accomplished player in the large luxury sedan segment. The 4.0-liter TFSI uses Quattro all-wheel-drive to put down its 453 hp. While this makes it rapid, it can't compete with the B7's outputs. This variant of the A8 is, however, over $40k less expensive. Dynamically, the super comfortable A8 provides a serene ride but isn't as consistent as the B7 over a range of different surfaces. The Alpina is also the more engaging of the two when the road gets twisty. Both have lovingly crafted cabins, and each can overwhelm with the sheer amount of on-board tech, although the B7's more old-school layout is easier to digest at first glance. The Audi A8 is a beautifully balanced luxury sedan and a good buy, but the Alpina B7 tugs at the heartstrings like few other sedans in this segment.
The most popular competitors of 2019 BMW Alpina B7: