2022 BMW Alpina B7

The BMW Alpina B7 is an interesting deviation from what we usually expect from the high-performance variants of standard Bimmer models. Generally, vehicles from BMW's M Division simply tune up the engines to absurd outputs and tighten up the handling to deliver a race-car like feel, but Alpina seems to feel that the executive sedans from the German automaker have a lot more to offer, and we certainly agree. The latest B7 is the epitome of this philosophy, and while it may have access to a whopping 600 horsepower, courtesy of its twin-turbo V8, it's the sheer luxury and comfort of the car that really impresses. The sedan is perfectly engineered for city living; the ride comfort and opulence of the cabin are peerless. But it is still more than capable of being playful when it has space to flex its muscles. So, while these specially tailored BMWs may not be all that prevalent in the US, we wouldn't be surprised to see that change as the already impressive B7 continues to refine its elegance, year after year.

There is nothing subtle about the exterior styling of the new Alpina, especially after the universal changes BMW made to its brand aesthetic recently. The kidney grille is enormous, eating up a large portion of the front fascia, with the rest taken up by disproportionately slim LED headlights and programmable daytime running lights. There is a bespoke rear diffuser with a rear spoiler, while the signature Alpina quad tailpipes complete the look. The B7 rides on 20-inch Alpina Classic wheels in its base guise, while 21-inch variants can be opted on.

Most dimensions here do not differ from those of the base model M Performance 7 Series sedan upon which the Alpina is based. However, it is a little taller at 58.7 inches, and a heavier at a curb weight of 5,159 pounds. The remaining measurements are all standard, with a 126.4-inch wheelbase set within the 207.4-inch body, while width comes in at 74.9 inches. Overall, it is a pretty large and hefty machine, but it wears it well and has more than enough power to handle it.

You get a fair number of options when it comes to paint colors, eight to be exact, and some are certainly eye-catching as you will see in promotional images or in photos from those lucky few who own one of these beauties. The only non-metallic option is Alpine White, which has no extra cost associated with it. Other free-of-charge choices include several metallic hues, such as Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Alpina Blue, and Alpina Green. The less expensive of the premium paints go for $1,950 a pop and are the Dravit Grey and Tanzanite Blue II metallics, with the only red hue - Aventurin Red - being discontinued for the 2022 model year. For those who simply must stand out, there is a single $5,000 option, trademarked Frozen Bluestone Metallic.

Performance is the name of the game when it comes to the B7, even though it is not technically an M Performance model. The twin-turbo V8 has been tuned by Alpina to deliver a whopping 600 hp and 590 lb-ft to all four wheels, which gives the luxury sedan the power to complete the 0 to 60 mph sprint in a blistering 3.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130 mph in standard form and 205 mph when the vehicle is outfitted with performance tires and an increased top-speed limiter.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S may be a better performer, but it is still extremely impressive that such a large luxury sedan can do what the Alpina B7 does with such grace and poise.

While the engine under the hood of the B7 may technically be the same as that found in the 750i, some tinkering from the folks at Alpina means that it certainly doesn't behave like it. The 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 has been tuned to develop a monstrous 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a refined eight-speed automatic eight-speed automatic transmission, which directs these outputs to all four wheels via the automaker's patented xDrive AWD system.

To call this powertrain anything but vastly overqualified would be an understatement. From the get-go, it never feels lacking, and peak torque is reached at as little as 2,000 rpm. An Alpina cooling system is in place to ensure that everything runs smoothly, no matter how much you push the car to perform. In fact, it seems designed to dare you to do just that.

While it may not have an M badge, the Alpina B7 is a dream to drive. In fact, it feels even better than the usual performance models from BMW. Despite all its power, comfort still seems to be the primary concern, as the sedan smooths over bumps and rough roads easily, even in Sport mode. This is thanks to the Dynamic Damper Control and the self-leveling air suspension. Normally, such floaty cars suffer when trying athletic maneuvers, but the Bimmer handles sharp turns remarkably well for its weight.

But while the B7 has the ability to deliver some real thrills, you may be too blissed out by the luxury to even notice. Launching from a stop with 600 hp will normally give you whiplash, but the seats are so soft that you literally melt into them instead. The same is true for those in the back seats, so you won't be distracted by flailing bodies sliding around in the back as you speed around corners.

The only downside worth mentioning is the lack of traditional paddle-shifters. Instead, the Alpina opts for peculiar gear-shift buttons on the steering wheel. However, you'll unlikely ever need to use them, since the automatic transmission does such a great job when left to its own devices.

Thanks to constant powertrain refinements over the years, many high-performance vehicles from BMW are returning pretty impressive gas mileage figures, and the B7 is no exception. Even with so much extra power under the hood, it matches the consumption of the 750i with 17/24/19 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. However, it does burn premium gasoline, so this still leads to some hefty gas bills. With a 20.6-gallon fuel tank, a total cruising range of 391 miles is possible in mixed driving conditions.

For how much you are paying, it goes without question that the interior is death by decadence. The build quality is flawless, the materials used are all lavish, and there is plenty of space to really enjoy it. The overall design is not too extravagant, but it is classy in its simplicity. Where it is not simple, though, is its extensive array of features and the comprehensive infotainment suite. The layout of all this is carefully planned, meaning that interaction with the tech is easier in comparison to the complexity found in competitors like the Porsche Panamera. Naturally, the Alpina stands out from the base series with emblazoned carpets, Piano Black interior trim, and bespoke door sills. The Live Cockpit Professional is a 'love it or hate it' modernization that helps to bring the BMW in line with its competition.

Space is never lacking, no matter where you are seated inside the prestigious vehicle. Headroom is very good across both rows, and while it is not exceptional, it should be more than enough to accommodate even tall adults. Legroom is far more generous, especially for those in the back seats, who can sprawl out without worrying about digging their knees into the backs of those in front. Power-adjustable comfort seats with heating front and back are a given, with functions like ventilation and massage included for the front seats. These can be added to the rear seats, too, as part of the available Luxury Rear Seating Package.

Several choices of leather and interior trim are offered to dress the cabin, but every option is of the finest quality. Nappa leather is the bare minimum, which gives you an idea of just how plush the interior is, and no hard plastics are to be found anywhere. The color palette comprises Ivory White and Black, Zagora Beige, Mocha, Cognac, and classic Black, but you can spend an extra $500 to opt for Mocha or Cognac with extended quilting. However, both these options require the Luxury Rear Seating Package, which hikes the total price up to $4,400. Merino leather with an anthracite headliner is available too, at a cost of $4,000, while color options include Tartufo, Smoke White/Black, Amarone Brown/Black, Fiona Red/Black, or plain Black.

Beyond the seating surfaces, a choice of nine trim inlays are offered. Individual Piano Black is an elegantly simple option, while multiple wood trims create a more natural-feeling environment. Buyers can opt for Grey Poplar, Chestnut, Ash Grain Black and Red, Fineline Black, Fineline High Gloss, and Fine Wood American Dark Oak, which includes metal inlay. Custom Alpina options comprise Myrtle Wood and Piano Black.

Many performance-oriented vehicles treat the trunk as more of an afterthought, even within the luxury segment, but the Alpina B7 refuses to fall short in any area. Open the trunk lid and you are presented with a more-than-respectable 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than enough space for a set of golf clubs or several suitcases. Access is easy thanks to the hands-free power lid, and the aperture makes loading or unloading a simple affair. However, the lack of rear folding seats means that you will never have access to more than the stated capacity.

Around the plush cabin, there are a variety of small-item storage solutions. Each of the four doors features a sizable pocket, while the center armrest cubby and glovebox are large enough to store quite a bit. The rear seat has a fold-down armrest, too, which hosts cupholders that complement those up front.

As the only model in the range, the B7 is outfitted with just about everything BMW has to offer. Plush upholstery dresses the interior, and the 20-way power front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions, which can be added to the rear seats via the available packages. The cabin is regulated by the quad-zone climate control and a panoramic moonroof is installed. Conveniences include full power accessories, soft-close automatic doors, remote engine start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power sunshades for the rear windows. The sunroof can be upgraded to a Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof for an additional $900.

BMW's iDrive 7.0 infotainment system comes equipped on the B7, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. All this is operated via the large 10.25-inch central touchscreen interface, which also allows for voice command or gesture controls. The sound system is a 16-speaker Harman Kardon setup, as standard, but a resplendent 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system is available for $3,400. A pair of USB ports come standard. Of course, besides the central display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Alpina-specific coloring is included.

If you choose to spec on the Luxury Rear Seating Package, passengers in the back get access to a seven-inch command tablet that allows them to operate the infotainment. There is also the option of a rear-seat entertainment system, which adds ten-inch screens to that back of the front seats.

J.D. Power's 2021 review of the BMW Alpina B7 rewarded the stylish cruiser an overall rating of 79 out of 100 for reliability; there is no 2022 rating yet but it should be similar. While this is not quite as impressive as some of the competition, or even other offerings from the German automaker, it is still well above average. As a low-volume vehicle that benefitted from even more attention to detail from its engineers, the B7 has never been subjected to the recalls that have besmirched the good name of the 7 Series. However, one recall was issued for the 2021 model for an inaccessible child seat tether anchor.

The warranty is pretty basic for a premium automobile, with four years/50,000 miles limited coverage. Roadside assistance is not limited by mileage and is valid for four years, while 12 years of rust perforation cover is offered.

It comes as no surprise that the extremely expensive car has not been subjected to the grueling battery of crash tests that wreck cheaper machines willy nilly. But the lack of such reviews doesn't mean that safety is ever a concern, since BMW has outfitted its prized sedan with an array of features to ensure your peace of mind.

Standard safety mechanisms include ABS, stability and traction control, and a set of dual front, front knee, front side, and side curtain airbags. On the more tech side of things, there is a standard rearview camera, as well as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, parking assistance plus, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera. The forward collision avoidance suite comprises collision detection, automatic emergency braking, city collision mitigation, and even a side collision avoidance system. There is also an adaptive cruise control function and a driver alertness system in case you really aren't paying enough attention.

While it isn't the largest or fastest luxury sedan in the USA, the Alpina B7 is a more than competent rival to the stiff competition presented by Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Since it doesn't fall under the purview of BMW's M Division, it is unlike any other model offered by the automaker.

While there is more than enough power on tap to deliver a few thrills, and the handling dynamics are perfectly tuned to allow even such a hefty vehicle to move with athletic grace, this is not the focus of the B7. Instead, the engineers at Alpina have perfected the sedan for in-town driving, with almost peerless luxury.

If you want style and speed in equal measure, but refuse to compromise on tech and comfort, then the Alpina B7 will feel like it was designed just for you. It is definitely one of the best vehicles on offer today, and it could be argued that it is the zenith of BMW's years of automotive experience to date.

The price of the BMW Alpina B7 slots it in right between the standard 750i and the V12-powered M760i. In its standard guise, it has a base price of $143,200, but you can expect the cost of the BMW Alpina B7 to climb quickly when you start tacking on the optional packages or standalone extras. This is the MSRP price and does not include tax, registration, licensing, or the manufacturer's $995 destination charge.

As a highly exclusive vehicle, the 2022 BMW Alpina B7 is offered in a single trim only. It is fitted with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Full self-leveling air suspension and dynamic damper control are standard features.

On the outside, the B7 is distinguished from normal 7 Series models by its unique badging, rear spoiler, Alpina 20-inch alloy wheels, and quad exhaust tips. The headlights are adaptive LEDs. Inside, Nappa leather is standard and a variety of wood finishes is offered.

Standard equipment includes heated, cooled, and massaging front seats with 20-way electrical adjustment and memory functions, four-zone climate control, remote engine start, a power tilting/telescoping steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The driver faces a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the iDrive infotainment system has a 10.25-inch touchscreen and incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Standard safety features include a backup camera, forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a parking assistant.

Since there aren't multiple configurations to choose from, the only way to alter the Alpina B7 is via the available packages. But even these are not that elaborate, since the sedan is so well-equipped to begin with. The $1,800 Interior Design package offers a choice of Alcantara or anthracite Alcantara headliners, and adds wood-trimmed grab handles as well as several other wood-trim elements. The Luxury Rear Seating Package adds $3,900 to the bill in exchange for a heated steering wheel, heated, ventilated, and massaging rear comfort seats, as well as a seven-inch command tablet. The Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package is the most expensive option at $5,750, although the total cost is actually $9,650 since this option requires the Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package. It includes electric reclining rear seats with footrests, an executive lounge rear center console, and a rear-seat entertainment system. This final feature can be added as a standalone option for $2,700, and the sound system can be upgraded to a 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup for $3,400.

There is only one model to choose from, so that decision is already made for you. However, that doesn't mean you don't have options. Whether or not you want the $5,000 paint job is up to you, or the 21-inch wheels. We'd recommend going for one of the exclusive Alpina colors, since there really is no better way to show off. As for the interior, the Nappa leather is already more than supple enough, but upgrading the rear seats is very tempting. We'd suggest considering the Luxury Rear Seating Package and the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, which combine to create the perfect fine cruising experience for those in the back. And while it may be pricey, the Bowers & Wilkins sound system is basically a must-have. If possible, take various configurations for a test drive to see exactly which one suits you best, but it may very well be impossible to find one that disappoints.

Naturally, there is a lot of similarity here, since the B7 is just a specially tailored variant of the 7 Series. But, that doesn't mean it is the clear winner. It may handily best the base model 750i in terms of performance, and even the M760i can't quite keep up with its large displacement twin-turbo V12. However, it's the interior luxury and supreme ride comfort that really set the B7 apart. It may very well be the most opulent and comfortable Bimmer ever made, if we are being honest. It gets all the best tech available to the 7 Series and seems to make even better use of the available space. With better speed and handling, too, it is hard to justify skipping it just for the growl of a V12. The Alpina is cheaper, faster, more luxurious, and equally practical. There really is no reason not to pick it.

With no new AMG version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class available yet and no 2022 model Audi S8, there is a comparative dearth of top-performing, spacious, all-wheel-drive full-size sedans from Germany to rival the B7. The current top-dog Mercedes-Benz S580 comes closest with its 496 hp V8 and 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph. It compares best with the B7 in its Executive Line trim, which starts at over $10,000 cheaper than the base B7's price. It offers similarly sumptuous trimmings and lots of executive rear seat options and entertainment, coupled with the svelte new S-Class design and tech-rich interior. It's a better car than the aging 7 Series and unless you absolutely must have the performance advantage, the S580 is probably the one to have. You can option it up and still save on a B7. You could wait for faster AMGs to arrive, but they will almost certainly be more expensive than the B7. The chauffeured plutocrat is probably going to be more than happy with the S580's performance figures, considering its unmatched refinement and class-leading infotainment tech.