BMW ALPINA B7

2011 BMW ALPINA B7

     Alpina always pays attention to aerodynamics, and the B7 is fitted with a front spoiler that reduces lift by 30% in the front and a rear spoiler that cuts 15% to better ground at higher speeds. The stylists are no fools, so they’re integrated into the 7 Series’ plain body to give it a sportier look. The tail end, with its two pairs of nickel-plated exhaust tips, gives the B7 the look of a large 3 Series. It looks terrific with Alpina’s traditional blue bodysuit, but there are eight other metallic colors, including white, black, silver and titanium.

     The front grille also features air intakes that cool the engine and the gearbox separately. The two front intercoolers and the central exchanger for the turbos thus require a fresh air supply. And the powerful 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 produces 500 hp at 5,500 rpm, which is 100 more horses than the 750i.

     35% larger than two 44mm turbos and a new steel exhaust system and new pistons. A maximum of 516 lbs-ft of torque is delivered at 3,000 rpm, in contrast to 4,250 rpm on the first B7, whose V8 had the same capacity and supercharged by a turbocharged compressor.

     With its xDrive all-wheel drive and its 6-speed automatic transmission, the B7 goes from 0-100km / h in 4.77 seconds and devours the quarter-mile in 13.02 seconds with a maximum speed of 177km / h. With larger calipers and brake pads for its front and rear discs of 374 and 370 mm in diameter, it stops at 37 km even going 100 km / h.

     Pushed to the limit on the St-Eustache road circuit during the filming of the guide of the car television show on Canal Vox, the B7 took on curves and sequences of turns with impressive confidence. It is disastrous to fishtail at the apex of the turn, even with the antiskid control disengaged.

     The Sport + mode activates the electronic suspension’s firmer settings, almost entirely eliminating roll. The firmer springs lower the body by 15 mm in front and 10 mm in back. Shifting gears with the stick is therefore a lot of cleaner in Sport + mode, but it can also be done at the touch of a finger via the large buttons behind the wheel.

     For normal driving in town or on the highway, there’s the comfort, normal and sport settings. The B7 is surprisingly smooth, pleasant and comfortable on the highway, despite its 21-inch wheels and extremely low-profile tires. Its steering is lively and sensitive in turns, but is being reduced in the city and a little loose in the middle of the highway.

Before I got a taste for the B7′s performance and handling, this vehicle surprised me with the exceptional quality of its interior. The factory standard black trim, lacquered like a concert piano, offering a perfect contrast with the hand-held pale leather on the seats, dashboard and door panels. Forget about the optional walnut trim. Alpina affixed its insignia to the center of the wheel and big blue B7s light up on the metallic sills.

     In addition to the 750i xDrive’s equipment, the B7 features a series of systems and accessories, such as automatic door and trunk closure, head’s up display on the windshield, a night vision system, rearview and peripheral cameras, climate controlled front seats, ski bag, stops and re-starts the car.

One thing is certain: the Alpina B7 is both my favourite and the sportiest of the 7-Series models because of its magnificent interior, an always lively and smooth ride, and the consistently dazzling performances of its bi-turbo V8. Its main strength is this rare mixture of performance, precision, comfort and refinement.

The B7 is less tough and stiff than the Panamera Turbo, and it doesn’t groan when it flexes its muscles like the Mercedes S 63 AMG. It manages to be both livelier and smoother than its siblings, the 750i and 760Li, without sacrificing one iota of comfort and refinement. That said, all bets are off though if it encounters even the smallest pothole. Then, watch out, because the banging noise is very harsh, as with many BMWs. Cracked or rough roads are no problem for the B7, it just doesn’t like potholes, that’s all.

     This Alpina B7 is a pleasure to drive at any time and is certainly one of the best. Alpina undoubtedly has a few excellent recipes up its sleeve. The secret may is produced by another branch of the same company. Be that as it may, the folks at BMW should continue to visit their Bavarian cousins ​​to taste this magic potion.