Skip advert
Advertisement

Alpina reveals new B7 super saloon

German tuner creates BMW 7 Series-based limousine with 205mph top speed

Long-standing BMW tuner Alpina has turned its attention to the freshly revised BMW 7 Series, and while the shock of the huge grille has yet to die down, a 205mph top speed is a welcome distraction.

The performance comes from an Alpina-fettled version of BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8. Power remains at the same 600bhp and 800nm of torque as the old model, but tweaks to the turbocharger turbines, intercoolers and engine management system mean that the maximum torque figure is reached 1,000rpm sooner, covering a plateau between 2,000 and 5,000rpm.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best luxury cars on sale

Combined with BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system, it allows the B7 to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds - one tenth quicker than before, and one tenth quicker than the V12-powered M760Li.

The smaller engine brings other benefits, too: the B7 weighs 145kg less than the M760 which, by limousine standards, should allow the Alpina to feel much sharper to drive.

The revised engine is paired with BMW’s eight-speed ZF automatic, albeit with specific software for sharper shifts under hard acceleration.

Alpina has applied its usual styling tweaks to the outside of the 7 series. The most notable modification comes in the shape of the 20-inch Alpina Classic alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. Forged 21-inch items are also available, reducing unsprung mass by 20 per cent.

Elsewhere, the B7 takes the standard 7 Series body and adds a deeper front splitter with ‘Alpina’ lettering, a subtle lip spoiler around the back, and a rear bumper that houses four round tailpipes.

The exhaust tips sit at the end of a new stainless steel system which not only reduces back pressure, but weight too, while active exhaust flaps allow for a more vocal soundtrack in Sport mode.

Pressing the Sport button also alters the suspension’s characteristics (a setup that features Alpina’s own software with some Alpina-specific components), dropping the ride height by 15mm. At lower speeds, the ride height can be increased by 20mm (that’s 35mm above Sport mode) for extra ground clearance.

Inside, the B7 can be trimmed in Alpina’s endless leather and wood veneer options, while the digital instrument display features unique graphics.

UK prices have yet to be confirmed but the outgoing model cost £115,000.

Would you take an Alpina B7 over a standard 7 Series? Let us know in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best luxury cars to buy 2025
Best Luxury cars - header

Top 10 best luxury cars to buy 2025

Indulge yourself with our list of the best luxury cars on sale today
Best cars & vans
3 Jul 2025
Used Car Hunter: high-class luxury cars for £35,000
Used Car Hunter - luxury saloons, header image

Used Car Hunter: high-class luxury cars for £35,000

Our Car Hunter has a £35,000 budget for a luxury saloon that isn’t a Mercedes S-Class
Features
30 Jun 2025
New BMW 7 Series facelift could bid farewell to that massive grille
BMW 7-Series Facelift - front 3/4

New BMW 7 Series facelift could bid farewell to that massive grille

The range-topping limousine could be in line to get BMW’s latest interior tech
News
7 Mar 2025
Best long-distance cars 2025
Best long distance cars - header image

Best long-distance cars 2025

From long-distance road trips to mile-munching motorway commutes, these are the best long distance cars money can buy
Best cars & vans
13 Feb 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025