The 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 commences the third generation of the 7-series ALPINA line-up. The ALPINA division has a strong reputation for taking something good and making it great. Pairing luxury with the highest level of performance and technology, in a BMW vehicle, is what ALPINA has successfully done with their latest B7 model. They have taken all the fundamentals that make up the 7 Series and have spiced it up with their own touch.
Lets jump right into the good stuff! The term ALPINA is commonly associated with BMW and performance. The 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 packs a 4.4L V8 with BMW’s TwinScroll turbos producing close to 600HP and 590lb.-ft. of Torque on 20lbs of boost. This, paired with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a ZF 8-Speed “Switch Tronic” transmission, creates the perfect recipe for outstanding performance numbers. The B7 goes 0-100km/h in a breath-taking (for a large luxury sedan) 3.7 seconds; climbing to its top speed of 310km/h, a number only to be seen on the Autobahn. A high performance braking system and light, forged ALPINA wheels, paired with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, help bring the vehicle to a stop.
To keep this beast tame around corners, the B7 features a “2-axle air suspension” system that includes Dynamic Damper Control and Active Comfort Drive with “Road Preview”; systems that assess road and driving conditions and adjust the vehicle’s suspension dynamics (i.e. lowering the big body by 40mm and adjusting camber angles) according to the environment. Body roll is counteracted with Active Roll Stabilization, and coupe-like handling is the result of rear wheel steering or as BMW calls it “Integral Active Steering”. Each suspension feature can be individually manipulated through the Driving Dynamics Control system. The xDrive system and 8-speed transmission have a number of notable features as well. The xDrive system features the ability to redistribute torque according to the driving situation; with the capability of sending all the torque to the rear wheels for maximum handling in hard driving. The transmission is intelligently linked to the navigation (a feature called Connected Shift) to assess road and traffic conditions in order to adapt transmission settings and maximize efficiency.
ALPINA adds its unique touch to the 7-series using exclusive paint and iconic design options. Iconic paint options include the ALPINA Blue metallic and Green metallic. A front and rear spoiler help reduce uplift and increase stability, while an integrated air flap behind the iconic kidney grille opens and closes to increase air flow into the engine for cooling. The traditional ALPINA sports exhaust with twin tailpipes adds an integrated and elegant look to the rear of the B7.
Key amenities of the interior include Nappa Leather, ceramic inserts, soft close doors and a technology package including a heads-up display and navigation. Fine attention to detail is paid inside the cabin with contrast stitching (blue or green) and ambient lighting to match the exclusive exterior colour.
