2017 Alpina B7 xDrive
BMW has not graced us yet with an M7,
but it continues to work with Alpina to give us the best alternative, with
their new B7 xDrive.
The third generation of the full-sized
luxury sedan uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, connected to an 8-speed
Sport Automatic Transmission with Alpina Switch-Tronic made in collaboration
with ZF, that delivers an impressive 608 PS between 5,750
and 6,250 rpm, and 800 Nm of torque, available from 3,000 rpm.
The figures were achieved by performing
a number of technical upgrades in the air intake, intercooler, turbocharging,
pistons and sports exhaust system and they allow the "BMW M7" to go
from naught to 96 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 311 km/h - preliminary figure.
Not until long ago, these were
considered supercar figures, but they can be achieved in the tweaked BMW
7-Series and controlled by switching the Driving Dynamic Control between
Comfort and Sport Mode.
Modifications were made to the
suspension system too, but the focus was to retain "he exceptional
long-distance cruising comfort of the predecessor while at the same time
significantly sharpening tthe agility, handling and lateral dynamics".
Adaptive dampers, active roll bars and four-wheel steering are present as well.
The car rides on 20-inch Alpina Classic
wheels, wrapped in 255/40 front and 295/35 rear Michelin performance tires that
cover the 15.5-inch front (with four-piston fixed calipers) and 14.5-inch rear
(with floating calipers) high-performance braking system. Optional 21-inch
forged wheels are available.
On the outside, the car has maintained
the BMW kidney grille, which was fitted with "an integrated air flap
control system that adapts to the BMW Alpina B7 xDrive's cooling needs",
while it also sports two elliptical twin tailpipes, integrated in the rear
apron. The design is complemented by the bespoke Alpina Blue Metallic and
Alpina Green Metallic paints.
An extensive range of standard equipment
is offered inside, including high-end Nappa leather, ceramic inserts, soft
close doors, comfort seats, leather-wrapped instrument panel, full-color HUD,
rearview camera, latest BMW navigation, communication and infotainment systems.
Other goodies found are the sports
steering wheel with blue and green stitching, Timeless Piano lacquer or classic
Myrtle Luxury Wood, door sills with blue illumination, Alpina B7 model inscriptions
and full-color digital instrument panel in LED technology.
In Comfort Mode, the car has a classical
look with round instruments, blue background and red needles, while in Sport
mode, the design changes to blue and green drag indicators and focuses on
primary information, such as the centrally positioned permanent digital speed
read-out.
The new Alpina B7 make its debut
at the Geneva Motor Show, before heading to the New York Auto
Show later in the same month.
