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 Turbo 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
The B7 is the most performance oriented 7 Series ever. Thanks to several upgrades from Alpina. The engine on this BMW makes 600 hp, and can push this full size sedan past 205 mph mark.
Imagine comfortably cruising around in a luxurious full-size sedan on a bright sunny day. Wrapped in elegant Nappa leather and surrounded by custom wood trim spread across, you are enjoying the countryside. Then all of a sudden you hear a loud roar approaching. You look in the rearview mirror and see a sportscar making its way up to you. Its headlights and exhaust note instigate you to go hard on the pedal, and when you do so, that so-called fast car is nowhere to be found. It's not a daydream, rather a reality for those who drive a BMW Alpina B7.
The 2020 BMW Alpina B7 is the very poster car for those who aim to blend luxury and performance. The 2020 Alpina B7 is powered by a 600 hp 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also on offer with this Bimmer.
Trim |
xDrive |
---|---|
MSRP (AWD) |
$143,200 |
Key Features |
Electronic throttle control |
Active kidney grille |
|
Driving Dynamic Control |
|
ALPINA sport suspension |
|
Nappa leather upholstery |
|
Heated/ventilated front row seats |
|
BMW Assist eCall |
|
SiriusXM |
|
LED light carpet |
Which trim to choose?
Since Alpina B7 is a standalone car, we suggest you add the Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection Package for that added sense of security. Also, while you're at it, opt for the Tanzanite Blue II Metallic color which accentuates the curves of this Bimmer.
The 2020 BMW Alpina B7 is based on the 7 series BMW, and is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine. But the engine on the B7 makes an additional 77 hp and 37 lb.-ft. torque over the standard 7 Series’s powertrain. At 600 hp and 590 lb.-ft. torque, the Alpina B7 offers that additional oomph which transforms the otherwise sedate four-door sedan into a jackhammer on wheels.
The bump in power is a result of several tweaks in the Alpina. Those upgrades include a new intercooler, improved intake geometry, a custom high-volume cooling system, and a raucous quad exhaust setup. As a result, the 2020 Alpina B7 is a total riot down the straights. Also, the B7 manages to do something that no other 7 Series, even the M760i, can’t, i.e., travel all the way up to 205 mph!
Models |
BMW Alpina B7 xDrive |
Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
Maserati Quattroporte |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$143,200 |
$149,550 |
$151,500 |
$137,980 |
Engine |
4.4L premium V8 |
4.0L premium V8 |
4.0L premium V8 |
3.8L premium V8 |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
Transmission |
8-speed Sport Automatic |
9-speed SpeedShift Automatic w/OD and Auto-manual |
8-speed PDK Auto-shift with Manual |
8-speed ZF Automatic |
Power (hp @ rpm) |
600@5,500 |
603@5,500 |
550@5,750 |
523@6,500 |
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) |
590@2,000 |
664@2,750 |
567@1,960 |
524@3,000 |
The Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 gets the most powerful engine in this lineup. Its V8 makes most power at 603 hp. That is not that much more than the Alpina B7, yet its AMG expertise grants the car more torque, which at least grants it some help with its heavy S-Class chassis. The Porsche possesses the best transmission in the segment. Ferrari supplies the highly refined engine for the Maserati, yet its ZF gearbox prevents the car from realizing its true potential.
The B7 is more powerful 7 Series sedans out there, even the 750i. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which is the same as the rest of the series, makes 600 hp and 590 lb.-ft. torque, while the rest of the 7 Series’s V8 makes 527 hp and 553 lb.-ft. torque.
The 8-speed automatic shifts extremely quickly and delivers peak low-end torque, and constant power is available throughout the powerband. Also, the xDrive system is a bit rear-wheel biased. As soon as you press down on the accelerator, the weight of the Alpina B7 shifts towards the back. The peak low-end torque along with the rear-biased xDrive system pushes this full-size sedan off the mark with utmost urgency. So much so that for a second you forget how big and heavy the BMW Alpina B7 is.
Model |
BMW Alpina B7 xDrive |
Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
Maserati Quattroporte |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH (sec) |
3.5 |
3.7 |
3.3 |
4.7 |
Quarter Mile (sec) |
12.5 |
12.1 |
11.7 |
13.3 |
Top Speed (MPH) | 205 | 190 | 190 | 191 |
Engine |
4.4L premium V8 |
4.0L premium V8 |
4.0L premium V8 |
3.8L premium V8 |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr) |
8.8 |
8.8 |
8.4 |
10.3 |
Even though the Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 makes more power than the Alpina B7, the latter is one of the quickest to the 60 mph mark as peak torque is available from as low as 2,000 rpm. However, the Porsche Panamera is the fastest overall.
The tuners from Alpina not only upgraded the B7’s performance to make it accelerate faster but also fitted bigger brakes on it so it would stop just as well. At the front are four-piston, fixed calipers, while the bigger discs at the back feature floating calipers.
At the same time, to manage cost, the stoppers have been made of steel rather than carbon-ceramic. Not that it makes any difference because even after repeated hard stops, brake fade is never an issue on the 2020 BMW Alpina B7.
However, even with the slightest push of the brake pedal, the entire weight of this elongated sedan shifts to the front and there’s severe amount on nose dive, which is not at all fun. A trade-off of this Bimmer’s ample stopping power.
Model |
BMW Alpina B7 xDrive |
Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
Maserati Quattroporte |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Rotors Front (in) |
15.5 |
15.4 |
16.1 |
15.0 |
Brake Rotors Rear (in) |
15.6 |
14.2 |
15.0 |
13.8 |
Curb Weight (lbs) |
4820 |
4564 |
4398 |
4189 |
60-0 MPH (ft) |
104 |
109 |
104 |
109 |
Despite being the heaviest in the section, the braking performance of the Alpina B7 is by far better than all other sedans. Only the Panamera manages to stop as quickly as the B7.
The several upgrades from Alpina make the B7 a sharper performer than the 750i, and less cumbersome than the M760i. There are various driving modes that alter steering as well as pedal response in order to offer versatile driving dynamics with changing scenarios. The switch-Tronic multi-function steering wheel is extremely well-weighted, and the standard 20-inch Michelin Performance tires grip the road like glue and follow in the direction of the steering wheel with utmost responsiveness. In Comfort and Comfort+ mode the Alpina B7 feels loose and relaxed. Switching to Sport or the Sport+ mode tightens things up so you can adeptly conquer hairpins.
On the streets, the Alpina B7 is a total pavement crushing machine. The beefed-up Alpina switch-Tronic 8-speed automatic transmission has been retuned to shift all the more quickly. Pair that with an engine that delivers peak power really low on the powerband, and what you get is brutal overtaking prowess on highways. The dynamic damper control with Alpina software soaks up bumps the way a sponge absorbs water.
On the track, the 2020 BMW Alpina B7 is an equally capable machine despite its stretched out design. The active all-wheel drive system favors the rear wheels of this sedan. As soon as you step on the gas, the entire weight of the Alpina B7, all 4,800 pounds of it, shifts towards the back and the rear-wheels biased all-wheel-drive hurls this stretched sedan with utmost ease and comfort. The reinforced rear axle improves stiffness and gives the B7 its agility. The Alpina sport suspension allows the B7 to handle curves like a pro, and in order to make sure that you don’t go overboard with this Alpina, the adaptive drive and active roll stabilization with the Alpina software help keep things in check.
But the 2020 BMW Alpina B7 is a big machine after all. Even though the amount of body roll is very much contained, you do feel some of it while enthusiastically diving in and out of corners. Nonetheless, this BMW handles like a dream despite its large footprint.
Despite its hefty demeanor and all the more heftier performance, the 2020 BMW Alpina B7 is very practical. The all-wheel drive unit of the Alpina B7 sends up to 85% of power to the rear wheels most of the time. This feature allows the big and fast B7 to be just as fuel efficient at the same time.
Model |
BMW Alpina B7 xDrive |
Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
Maserati Quattroporte |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
17 |
17 |
18 |
15 |
MPG (Highway) |
25 |
26 |
25 |
22 |
MPG (Combined) |
20 |
20 |
21 |
17 |
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
20.6 |
21.1 |
23.7 |
21.1 |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi) |
350/515/412 |
359/549/422 |
427/593/497 |
317/464/358 |
The BMW Alpina B7 gets the smallest fuel tank in this comparison. Still, it offers a pretty decent range on cities and on highways. The Porsche Panamera has the most fuel-efficient engine and offers the most range.
Alpina does not limit displaying its craftsmanship only on B7’s performance front. It elevates the car’s overall interior too. The standard 7 Series’s elegant interiors carry over to the B7, but feel all the more upscale thanks to Alpina-exclusive Nappa leather which coats literally every surface.
Custom wood trim spreads across the dash and the door sills, floor mats, center console, and even headrest display the Alpina badging. Other than that, every surface that you see or touch is covered in some seriously high-quality stuff. As far as the seats are concerned, they are roomy, to say the least. Both the front row and the second-row seats feel very accommodating.
The front row seats feature 4-way lumbar support for the ultimate driving pleasure. The power tilting and telescoping steering wheel automatically tilt up to make getting in and out of this Alpina B7 seem even less like a task. Other than that, the availability of the headroom and legroom are plenty in both the rows and the cabin manages to keep almost all road noises at bay.
Model |
BMW Alpina B7 xDrive |
Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
Maserati Quattroporte |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.9/59.2/41.4 |
39.7/59.7/41.4 |
N/A |
N/A |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.9/57.7/44.4 |
37.7/59.1/34.1 |
N/A |
N/A |
Almost every car in this face-off is equally comfortable for passengers spending time inside them. However, the 2020 BMW Alpina B7 has the most accommodating second row.
You’d expect a car like the BMW Alpina B7 to be more loaded with tech than a Big Mac, and it is. The Live Cockpit Professional features two screens. One is a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and the other is a 10.25-inch touchscreen central information display. The iDrive 7.0 system is extremely intuitive and responds not only to touch but also to voice and an iDrive touchpad controller. The list of cool tech features include:
The 2020 Alpina B7 benefits greatly from its longer wheelbase. It frees up a lot of space on the inside. As a result, the Alpina B7 not only offers the best in class second-row space but also gets a boot to suit.
The trunk of the 2020 BMW Alpina B7 is big enough to comfortably store your luggage. In all, the passengers, as well as their belongings, can travel comfortably in this big sedan.
Model |
BMW Alpina B7 xDrive |
Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
Maserati Quattroporte |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Capacity (ft3) |
18.2 |
18.0 |
17.6 |
18.7 |
The 2020 BMW Alpina B7 has the longest wheelbase. Consequently, it boasts the biggest boot in this lineup after the Maserati Quattroporte.
The B7 is the most luxurious 7 Series sedan ever. It carries over the same well laid out cabin from the standard 7 Series. So it ensures the utmost comfort for the driver and all the people riding along in this sedan. The many comfort features of the 2020 BMW Alpina B7 include:
The 2020 BMW Alpina B7 is very much like a killer whale. It’s big, it’s heavy, but you can see the hints of sportiness all around. At the front is the trademark kidney grille, which is now 40% bigger than the preceding model. The sleek adaptive LED headlights offer form and functionality. The deeper front splitter and aerodynamic bits not only improve this Bimmer’s performance but also help the B7 look a lot more fierce than the standard 7 Series. Beneath the muscular hood lies a new front bumper with functional air intakes and Alpina badging to complete the B7’s aggressiveness.
Things from the side look a lot more sedated as compared to the front. From the sides, the Alpina B7 displays the kind of stateliness that is expected from a sedan as upscale as this one. The side skirts are lower and pressed into the body to take away some of the B7’s heft. The only signs of muscularity are hinted by the fenders which wrap around the standard 20-inch wheels.
The tail of the 2020 BMW Alpina B7 looks rather futuristic. The slim horizontal taillights stretch from the rear quarter panels to the trunk. In order to improve high-speed stability, Alpina has added a rear spoiler. The slim, rectangular Alpina stainless steel sports exhaust feature twin tailpipes on either side, which complement the front bumper.
Model |
BMW Alpina B7 xDrive |
Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
Maserati Quattroporte |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
4820 |
4564 |
4398 |
4189 |
Length (in) |
206.7 |
208.5 |
198.8 |
207.2 |
Width (in) |
74.9 |
75.0 |
76.3 |
76.7 |
Height (in) |
58.7 |
59.0 |
56.1 |
58.3 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
5.6 |
5.1 |
N/A |
N/A |
Wheelbase (in) |
126.4 |
124.6 |
116.1 |
124.8 |
The BMW Alpina B7 has the longest wheelbase and is also the heaviest sedan in this lineup.
The most alluring exterior features of the 2020 BMW Alpina B7 are:
The BMW Alpina B7 carries over all the safety systems from the standard 7 Series. It's reinforced chassis provides a lot of stiffness, which makes the Alpina B7 all the more safer. The safety features aboard the 2020 BMW Alpina B7 are as follows:
There’s no denying that the Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 is a great car. However, the Alpina B7 is even better. It is a better performer than the AMG S63. The amount of body roll in the Alpina B7 is almost non-existent in comparison to the Mercedes-Benz AMG S63. The Alpina B7 also offers more comfort and more luxury for the passengers than the Mercedes-Benz AMG S63. To top it all off, the Alpina B7 is also significantly cheaper.
The Porsche Panamera impresses as much as the BMW Alpina B7. Even though the Panamera' V8 makes less power than the Alpina B7 on paper, it is faster, and at the same time offers a lot better fuel economy, than the 2020 BMW Alpina B7. However, the Alpina B7 is cheaper than the Panamera and offers a lot more comfort and elegance.
Do you want your luxury sedan to change directions like the wind? Or do you want your swanky sports car to be a little more accommodating? Either way, what you need is the 2020 BMW Alpina B7. For a price of a touch over $140,000, you get two cars in one. There are many cars out there that offer unmatched luxury, and just as many offer unmatched performance. However, there are only a few cars out there that can do both, but still, be cheaper than any of those. And that folks is what the 2020 BMW Alpina B7 is all about.