BMW may not have the guts to build an M7, but Alpina has created the next best thing with the brand-new 2017 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive. The B7 will be the third generation of an Alpina based off the 7-Series. It goes without saying, but the Alpina B7 looks gorgeous and will have incredible performance. Underneath the hood the Alpina B7 features a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that generates 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to reach 60 mph in 3.6 seconds en route to a top speed of 193 mph.
The added engine performance is due to a new air intake system, a high-performance cooling system, along with a new intercooler and turbocharger configuration. Alpina has taken a page out of Mercedes-Benz's book by placing the turbochargers inside the "V" of the V8 engine.
This allows the engine to have nearly no lag and more power at low engine speeds. To give the Alpina B7 a ferocious bark, the automaker fitted it with a stainless-steel Alpina sports exhaust system, which the driver can control through the Driving Dynamic Control switch. Long-distance cruising is still the Alpina B7's main focus with an air suspension system, rear wheel steering and Electronic Damper Control, while the 2017 Alpina B7 uses a new butter-smooth eight-speed sport automatic transmission that was engineered in collaboration with ZF.
The Alpina B7's performance is highlighted by the luxury sedan's athletic and elegant exterior. The car features a front and rear spoiler, massive air outlets at the front, an integrated air flap control in the kidney grille, 20-inch Alpina Classic wheels and more to create a muscular look. The hi-po sedan can be finished in two exclusive paint jobs, which include Alpina Blue Metallic and Alpina Green Metallic. As usual, Alpina has worked wonders on the B7's interior, fitting it with high-end Nappa leather, a leather-covered instrument panel, ceramic inserts on control elements and soft close doors. In traditional Alpina fashion, the sports steering wheel is hand-finished using Lavalina leather and features blue and green stitching.
Other interior features include Piano lacquer or classic Myrtle Luxury wood interior trim, door sills with blue illumination, Alpina B7 model inscriptions and a bespoke production plaque. It looks like Alpina has created a winner with the new B7. If nothing else it will temporarily quiet the rabid cries for a full-blown M7. The new B7 will go on sale later this year in September with pricing yet to be announced.
