Alpina’s take on a BMW 7er: Stunningly composed, quick and even more driver-pleasing  

BUCHLOE, GERMANY – How do you improve on a luxury limo flagship that’s already packed with tech innovations? If it’s the already impressive BMW 7 Series you’re talking about, that’s a tough job – unless you’re Alpina.

A whirlwind visit to the home of Alpina in Buchloe sees us driving the flagship B7, albeit in all-wheel-drive guise, unlike the rear-driven B7 we get in Singapore.

In case you’re wondering, Alpina is a recognised manufacturer that has its cars built on BMW’s line with powertrain and mechanicals engineered to Alpina’s specifications, before they are brought back to Buchloe for finishing.

Alpina may have started out as a tuner, but it has evolved into a proper manufacturer of complete cars, and in our experience, it makes pretty superb ones with cars like the Alpina D5 and B4 coupe as stunning examples of well-rounded dynamics. It just happens to have the benefit of tapping on the BMW operations for production assembly. The company’s relationship with Munich is reciprocal, as Alpina also does behind-the-scenes help for BMW as an independent consultant.

The point of an Alpina isn’t just in its outright performance, but also in the exclusive and handcrafted finery of the complete package, so let’s get those M comparisons out of the way, because it wouldn’t be comparing like for like. Simply put: Alpinas offer a luxurious, all-rounded performance that you’d be able to exploit on both the highways, as well as on the winding roads (and the occasional track-day).

Although the B7 we drove in Buchloe was an AWD model (left-hand-drive cars are AWD only), readers might like to know the right-hand-drive variant that Singapore gets is rear-drive only. However, like the BMW M760Li xDrive and its very own G31 B5 Touring, the AWD comes with active rear steer that creates a rather nimble handling package, which is a real boon considering the B7’s long wheelbase.

A large criticism levelled against Alpinas is how ordinary they look compared to M’s aggressive in-your-face offerings, and therein lies the appeal to the discerning owners who appreciate the understatement of Alpina’s aerodynamic and styling elements. Another reason for the lack of big wings and outrageous body addenda is thanks to Alpina’s philosophy of engineering zero-lift into its cars.

The B7 wears a smart set of forged 20-inch rims in the brand’s distinctive style and out the back pop two twin tailpipes for a rich baritone under acceleration, yet nothing too intrusive that will cause any cabin dissonance – in any case the active exhaust valves are controlled by toggling between Comfort and Sport+ modes.

Alpina’s modifications to the air-intake, charge-cooling and turbocharging mechanicals of the 4.4-litre V8 have resulted in 608hp and a monumental 800Nm from 3000rpm, with 670Nm available from just 2000rpm. To put this in perspective, the similar-engined 750Li xDrive produces 450hp/650Nm and the M760Li generates 610hp/800Nm, albeit with a V12. There’s such a fat spread of seamless torque with the B7 that the only indication of speed is the sight of the rapidly climbing numbers. On the autobahn, it closes in on 280km/h with alarming haste as it hunkers down for even greater stability so the driver has the confidence to press on towards the 330km/h top speed – the car drops 20mm when the car exceeds 230km/h, although hitting Sport+ achieves the same effect manually.

The B7 is capable of achieving such deceptive speed that you need to remember to brake in time for the off-ramp exits. The B7’s proportions on the small country roads seem daunting at first, especially with such poke available from prods to the gas pedal. However, like the M760Li, it quickly becomes apparent that Sport+ imparts a sense of nimble agility to the B7, where it’s possible to carve up the winding roads with a liveliness that belies its size, which even enables it to keep up with sportier machines.

There are quite a few high-performance lux-limo rivals in the segment, which include very impressive BMW stablemate the M760Li xDrive, Bentley Flying Spur, the Porsche Panamera Turbo and the recently launched Mercedes-AMG S 63, all with similar potential for bespoke customisation – after all, individualisation is one of the key traits of the segment. However, an Alpina possesses the extra emotional appeal that comes with a truly independent, artisanal creation, and this is something that cannot be taught, only experienced in the flesh to appreciate.

Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo (AWD)
Engine 4,395cc, 32V, V8, biturbo
Power 608hp at 5750-6250rpm
Torque 800Nm at 3000-5000rpm
Gearbox 8-speed automatic
Top Speed 330km/h
0-100km/h 3.7 seconds
Fuel efficiency 10.4L/100km
CO2 242g/km
Price from $730,000 with COE (RWD-only for Singapore)
Availability Now