Alpina B7
While the rest of Europe can enjoy BMW's
xDrive AWD system on the Alpina B7-tuned 7-Series, Brits will have to settle
for rear-wheel drive only.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in
March, the imposing full-sized luxury saloon will celebrate its UK premiere at
the Goodwood Festival of Speed, from June 23 to 26, before going on sale
locally, with a £ 115,000 (US$ 162,825) price tag.
The 608 PS and 800 Nm of torque developed by the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and channeled
to the rear axle through an 8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with
Switch-Tronic shift buttons, allow it to sprint from rest to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, unlike its four-wheel drive sibling that needs 3.6 seconds. Top
speed stands, in both cases, close to 322 km/h.
Drivers can adjust the sound settings by
switching between Comfort and Sport models with the Driving Dynamic Control,
while the system can automatically adjust the vehicle's suspension for upcoming
corners by using the air suspension and Road Preview. Making sure that speed
bumps don't pose a threat, owners can raise the ride height by 2 cm when driving at a maximum speed of 32 km/h, while above 225
km/h), it lowers itself by 2 cm to improve stability.
UK deliveries of the Alpina B7 will
commence this fall and it will eventually be joined by the B6, which will
feature the same V8 engine as the B5 and B7, with powered channeled to the rear
wheels.
