xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
The BMW 7 Series has been one of the best large luxury sedans that has had a powerful engine under its hood and a level of luxury that is hard to beat.
The BMW 7 Series has been one of the best large luxury sedans that has had a powerful engine under its hood and a level of luxury that is hard to beat. With the 2022 BMW Alpina B7, the manufacturer just takes it to the next level with a tuned V8 and massive horsepower to boast of. The Alpina B7 is available for sale along with the run-of-the-mill 7 Series at your local BMW dealership and slots in between the V8-powered 750i and the V12 powered M760i.
The 2022 BMW Alpina B7 is available as a stand-alone variant of the 7 Series but if seen as a whole, it slots between the 750i and the M760i in terms of price and gets a V8 engine that is tuned up to the M760i’s power levels. The MSRP is placed at a rather lavish $144,195 and the kit is based on the 750i and gets almost all the luxury features that exist in the automobile market these days. Some of the features on offer include:
Trim |
2021 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive |
---|---|
MSRP |
$144,195 |
Key Features |
Wireless smartphone charging pad |
Ceramic-trimmed interior controls |
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Wireless Apple CarPlay |
|
16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system |
|
Power rear sunshades |
|
Heated rear seats |
|
Heated and ventilated front seats with massage |
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Heated armrests and steering wheel |
|
Leather interior trim |
|
Head-up display |
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Four-zone automatic climate control |
|
Soft-close doors |
|
Panoramic sunroof |
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Air suspension with adaptive dampers with road-sensing camera |
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Rear-axle steering |
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20-inch wheels with summer performance tires |
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360-degree camera system |
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Automated parking system |
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Front and rear parking sensors |
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Lane-keeping system |
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Adaptive cruise control |
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Rear cross-traffic alert |
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Blind-spot monitor |
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Forward collision mitigation |
We recommend
With all the goodies the Alpina comes packed with and also seeing it is a stand-alone variant as well, there is nothing else to go for and the base car is our choice for the people. For the people who want more, BMW offers various packages on offer as well, of which we recommend opting for the Rear Executive Lounge Seating package and the Interior Design package to tick all the boxes that make this saloon a luxurious choice.
The 2022 BMW Alpina B7 comes powered by the same twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 that is found in the 750i and tuned up to M760i’s figures, now rated at a massive 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This output is a lot even for a luxurious super-saloon and to tackle this, the German manufacturer has fitted the same with an 8-speed automatic transmission which sends the power to all four wheels as standard. With such figures and a capable drivetrain, there is no lack of power felt anywhere in the rev range and the drive is very smooth both in the city and on the highway. As for the concerned timings, the Alpina B7 reaches 60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in a rather quick 11.4 seconds, while carrying a top whack of 205 MPH.
The B7 comes shod with adaptive air suspension that takes the city drives to a whole new level with the level of comfort it offers. The Comfort mode takes care of the bumps and the undulations by easing off the tension on the drive parts. The turning circle is rather huge on the sedan and would require one to do multi-pointed turns to navigate through the city. The steering is light and the gearbox does its job well with smooth shifts irrespective of the selected drive mode. On the highway, the B7 is very relaxing and the seats are super comfortable. The cabin sees more soundproofing and maintains low NVH levels throughout.
Models |
2022 BMW Alpina B7 |
2022 Mercedes Maybach S560 |
2022 Audi S8 |
2022 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$143,200 |
$173,000 |
$130,900 |
$188,100 |
Engine |
Twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 |
Bi-turbo 4.0L V8 |
Twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 |
Twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 |
Drivetrain |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
9-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Power |
600 hp @ 5,500 RPM |
463 hp @ 5,250 RPM |
563 hp @ 6,000 RPM |
620 hp @ 6,800 RPM |
Torque |
627 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM |
516 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM |
590 lb-ft @ 1,350 RPM |
604 lb-ft @ 2,300 RPM |
0-60 MPH (sec) |
3.5 |
4.8 |
3.8 |
3.0 |
Quarter-mile (sec) |
11.4 |
13.1 |
11.6 |
10.8 |
Top-Speed (MPH) |
205 |
155 |
155 |
196 |
All the cars have a twin-turbocharged setups which enables all of them, except the Maybach S560, to churn out more than 500 horsepower on tap. The Mercedes Maybach S560 gets a lower output than all and due to the extras fitted on to it, the timings take a dive as well, but for what it is the car is super quick for its class. As far as the timings are concerned, the sporty Porsche Panamera takes the lead with a 3.0 second run to 60 MPH and a mind-bending 10.8 second quarter mile. The Bimmer isn’t slow by any means and boasts of the highest top whack of all, followed by the Panamera that manages 205 MPH.
This parameter remains more of reading material when talking about the 2022 BMW Alpina B7 because the twin-turbocharged setup on this luxury saloon has no toggle for superior fuel economy. For the reader’s interest, the EPA-rated figures stand at 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway with a combined 19 MPG from a 20.6-gallon fuel tank onboard. This combination gets a very respectable range and needs lower fuel stops while on a long journey.
Models |
2022 BMW Alpina B7 |
2022 Mercedes Maybach S560 |
2022 Audi S8 |
2022 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
17 |
16 |
13 |
15 |
MPG (Highway) |
24 |
25 |
22 |
21 |
MPG (Combined) |
19 |
19 |
16 |
17 |
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
20.6 |
21.1 |
21.7 |
23.7 |
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles) |
350/494/391 |
338/528/401 |
282/477/347 |
356/498/403 |
Of all the luxury saloons the Alpina remains the most economical and also gets a very impressive range in the city from its 20.6-gallon fuel tank which, coincidentally, also remains the smallest in the segment. The Mercedes Maybach S560 remains the most fuel economical vehicle overall with a highway range of more than 500 miles, while also returning good MPG in combined use.
The 2022 BMW Alpina B7 is essentially a 7 Series and that said, expect nothing less when it comes to interior quality and experience. The trims used are top-notch right from the get-go and the poshness starts from the door panels itself with a nicely trimmed Nappa leather arrangement along with contrast stitching and brushed aluminum surrounds to add visual charm. The dashboard carries over a similar treatment with leather upholstery and a brushed-aluminum trim around the AC vents.
The infotainment system on offer utilizes a massive 10.3-inch infotainment system which is powered by BMW’s iDrive system and enables super crisp graphics on board with smartphone levels of smoothness. There is in-built navigation while people can also pair their smartphones via Bluetooth and mirror its screen via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The music is played via an excellent 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system as standard and this system can be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system for an even richer experience.
The centre of the dashboard gets two AC vents and temperature sliders behind a TFT display. It also houses the regular controls for the climate control and the infotainment shortcuts along with some radio shortcuts as well. There are controls for the heated/ventilated seats as well as for the massage function (if equipped). The centre console gets a reclining lid that covers a wireless charging pad, a USB socket, two cup holders, and a 12V outlet as well. The common trim continues to the centre console and also surrounds the gear lever, the iDrive controller, and a BMW Alpina badge.
The seats are the main talking point inside due to the level of comfort it carries in both the rows. The cabin is spacious and has a lot of room inside while being adorned in Nappa leather and other posh materials. The front seats get the Alpina badge and are power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated as standard. The rear seats are adorned as beautifully as the front seats and consist of heating only with massaging and ventilation being available as optional.
Models |
2022 BMW Alpina B7 |
2022 Mercedes Maybach S560 |
2022 Audi S8 |
2022 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in inches) |
39.9/59.2/41.4 |
42.3/59.7/41.4 |
38.3/59.1/41.5 |
N/A |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in inches) |
38.9/57.7/44.4 |
37.9/58.7/40.0 |
38.5/57.6/44.3 |
N/A |
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet) |
18.2 |
17.6 |
14.8 |
17.6 |
All the cars seat 5 people inside, except the Porsche Panamera whose interior dimensions aren’t released by the manufacturer. Typical Porsche. As for the others, the Mercedes Maybach S560 wins the game with the most space on offer in the front row while also being the one with the most shoulder room for the rear-seat passengers. The Alpina B7’s room is a tad bit less than the Merc but it feels as spacious with the efficient use of space inside. This usage also carves out the segment’s biggest trunk in the B7 as well, carrying 3.4% more than the Porsche and the Maybach and a massive 23% more than the S8.
Some of the highlighting features of the Alpina B7’s beautiful cabin are:
The 2022 BMW Alpina B7 is based on the 7 Series but also has a lot of design elements of its own which help in distinguishing it from the run-of-the-mill car. In the front, the B7 carries a very similar headlight setup to the 7 Series with the massive kidney grille upfront but below that, the bumper has been redesigned and now has an aerodynamically better character and Alpina badge on it. This new bumper gives a sporty look and adds to the aggression of the saloon.
To the side, the B7 gets Alpina-exclusive 20-inch wheels which also give a view of the blue Alpina badged calipers and the massive disc brakes which do a tremendous job of braking to a halt. The overall side is similar to the 7 Series but the side skirts extend a bit more, adding to the sporty flair. The taillights are similar to the 7 Series but the badging is as per Alpina’s. The rear bumpers see a redesign as well and have a rear diffuser with a quad exhaust setup.
Models |
2021 BMW Alpina B7 |
2021 Mercedes Maybach S560 |
2021 Audi S8 |
2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
5,159 |
5,170 |
5,302 |
4,839 |
Length (inches) |
207.4 |
215.0 |
209.0 |
204.7 |
Width (inches) |
74.9 |
74.8 |
76.6 |
78.2 |
Height (inches) |
58.2 |
59.0 |
58.4 |
56.4 |
Ground Clearance (inches) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Wheelbase (inches) |
126.4 |
132.5 |
123.2 |
122.0 |
The Alpina has more to offer than the 7 Series which also bulks up the saloon to quite some extent. Given the segment’s average weight, the B7 is still very appropriately weighted and sits more towards the lighter side. While the length of the saloon might not be the most, the efficient space utilization does make it easy for the people to fit in comfortably due to the long wheelbase. As for the others, the Porsche is the lightest of all and hence has a more sporty characteristic while the Maybach is all-out luxury with its comfort and proportions. The Audi S8 is all about being active on its foot and providing a serene driving experience without compromising on agility.
Some of the most highlighting features of the 2022 BMW Alpina B7’s exterior are:
The 2022 BMW Alpina B7 is a rather exclusive car and hence has not been crash-tested by the NHTSA nor the IIHS but since the car is based in the 7 Series, the availability of advanced safety features will not be an issue. The super-saloon gets all the necessary safety elements that have been upgraded to the max, while also adding quite a lot of driver assistance features as standard:
The 2022 Mercedes Maybach S560 is no match to the Alpina B7 when it comes to brute power and acceleration timings but when it comes to luxury, it is better and posher than the B7 and also has more customization on offer. It drives as well as the B7 in the city and on the highway without making the power difference felt. The 2022 BMW Alpina B7 is faster, more agile, more fuel economical, and also has a bigger boot space to boast of. As for the exclusivity, telling which one is more exclusive is something that no commoner can do.
The 2022 Audi S8 has a price tag which is way lower than the Alpina B7 but gives a very close competition in terms of performance and handling. The Audi comes with a more powerful and, dare I say, better AWD system that helps manage the traction off the line. That said, the B7 is more practical with good cabin space and better trunk space while also boasting better fuel economy.
For the performance advantage, the 2022 BMW Alpina B7 gets a very tough competition from the 2022 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive because the latter gets more power despite rocking a smaller engine. Given this, the Porsche is more inclined towards performance and agility without giving as much attention to the comfort inside as the Alpina. The former gets impressive times and is also lighter while the B7 is more of a high speed highway cruiser.
The 2022 BMW Alpina B7 is a massive luxury barge that handles sharp, has a lot of grunt under its hood, has practical trunk space, good fuel economy, and boasts of a high level of exclusivity as well making it a complete package for someone who can shell out nearly $145,000. The peers don’t come close to the perfect balance of comfort and performance that this saloon provides, let alone the exclusivity and road presence.