BMW recently revealed a refreshed, 2020 model year 7 Series, which features a newly revised front end. The "entry-level" model with the 3.0-liter inline-six starts at $87,445 while the top V12 M760i model costs $158,695. The M760i's 6.6-liter V12 is quite a beast with 600 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, though it is now being joined by an equally powerful new model.

Introducing the new 2020 Alpina B7 xDrive, the new ultimate 7 Series. This B7 is the sixth generation full-size performance model from Alpina and the third generation to be offered in the US, where Alpina cars are extremely rare.

The B7 may not have 12 cylinders but its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 has been tuned to produce 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Without so much weight over the front axle, the B7 is actually a tenth of a second quicker to 60 mph than the M760i at 3.5 seconds. And unlike the M760i, the Alpina isn't limited to 155, so it can hit a top speed of 205 mph - that should come in handy on all of those speed-limited US roads.

In order to coax all that extra power out of the V8 (the standard 750i xDrive produces 523 hp), Alpina used unique intercoolers with an interconnection to "equalize and reduce pressure pulsations between the two cylinder banks of the V8 engine."

Along with new engine management software, the engine's 590 lb-ft of torque is available from 2,000 rpm up to 5,000. Alpine has also reworked the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, giving it closer gear ratios and a new lock-up clutch, so no torque reduction is necessary during upshifts.

Alpina has also gone to work underneath the 7 Series to improve its ride and handling. The standard two-axle air suspension system and Dynamic Damper Control combine to minimize body roll during cornering. Alpina says the self-leveling suspension is capable of being adjusted by up to 1.4-inches and automatically lowers itself by 0.6 inches at speeds of over 140 mph.

The B7 should also turn tighter courtesy of rear axle steering. BMW steering feel hasn't been perfect lately but Alpina calibrated the variable-ratio electric steering system to work with the suspension and model-specific Michelin performance tires. Of course, those tires will surround Alpina's legendary 20-spoke wheels measuring 21-inches in this application.

Inside, The Alpina B7 is equipped with Nappa leather multifunctional comfort seats, a leather instrument panel, ceramic inserts on control elements, and soft close doors (all interior and engine photos are taken from a 2018 model and weren't available for this new 2020 model). We will be interested to see interior pictures because Alpina says it has created a unique design for BMW's new digital instrument display.

As you'd expect, the B7 comes nicely optioned with a head-up display, rearview camera, and the latest iDrive 7 with navigation. Alpina's classic blue and green stitching appears throughout the cabin and Contemporary Piano lacquer or classic Myrtle Luxury Wood adorn the doors and dashboard. The cabin can optionally be decked out with the Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package, including a touchscreen tablet and two 10-inch full-HD displays with a Bluray player.

This B7 will even include a unique individual production plaque to remind the driver they are behind the wheel of something special. Pricing begins at $141,700 plus a $995 destination fee and deliveries will begin in the third quarter of 2019.