2007 BMW Alpina B7 Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

3:2 min

BMW�s Alpina B7 is something special. And we�re not talking about the number of ways the name has been mispronounced. For the record, it�s Alp EE na. Packing a supercharger and signature Alpina wheels, the ultra high-performance B7 is unlike any other BMW � and that includes the company�s stout M cars. Think of the B7 as a limited-edition, factory-approved, tuner version of the 750i. Alpina replaces the 4.8 liter V8 with the smaller 4.4 liter engine from the previous 745i. Then they add a supercharger, fortify the V8�s bottom end and add a new exhaust system. With 12 lbs of boost from the supercharger, the V8�s output is raised to 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque � and that torque comes on at just over 4,000 rpm. Backed up by the six speed automatic transmission, It�s enough to propel the B7 from 0-60 in 5 seconds flat � nearly equal to the M5�s 0-60 time. The engine supplies endless amounts of torque and produces a deep, almost American sounding exhaust note. Supercharger whine is almost non-existent. On other hand, the transmission is the car�s weak point. Not only does it start out in 2nd, it doesn�t hold gears in manual mode and it doesn�t match revs when downshifting. Alpina did get the car�s suspension just right. The combination of firmer suspension and 21-inch wheels and tires sounds like a recipe for a teeth chattering ride - but it isn't. The ride is certainly on the firm side, but it's remarkably smooth and compliant. Steering feel is also class leading and the big sedan comes to a stop from 60 in just 114 feet. While the B7�s upgrades are primarily performance enhancing, it also gets a good dose of luxury inside the cabin as well. A large Alpina logo replaces BMW propeller logo on the steering wheel. Features like heated front and rear seats as well as active front seats are included as well. A Logic 7 stereo with Sirius satellite radio is part of the package and rear seat passengers are treated to a power rear sunshade. Essentially combining the Luxury of a 760Li with the performance of what would be an M7, the BMW Alpina B7 offers serious competition for Mercedes� S63 and Audi�s S8. The B7 is just what the Beverly Hills doctor ordered and is simply one of the finest, fastest sedan available.