2012 BMW ALPINA B7 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Fresh from its introduction last year, the 2012 BMW Alpina B7 carries over unchanged.

　　

zzdcar says

　　The 2012 BMW Alpina B7 makes a great car even better, forging power, performance and comfort into one outstanding luxury package.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 BMW ALPINA B7 SWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$268/mo  for ALPINA B7 SWB

　　ALPINA B7 SWB

　　SWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) - $122,600 MSRPSWB xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) - $125,600 MSRPLWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $126,500 MSRPLWB xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) - $129,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Alpina has specialized in hot-rodding BMWs since the mid-1960s, and recently the German tuner joined BMW as an official partner, distributing its higher-performance and higher-comfort versions of Bavaria's finest through BMW's American dealers. The 2012 Alpina B7 marks the second year of that partnership.

　　The 2012 BMW Alpina B7 begins with a BMW 750i -- namely its 400-horsepower twin-turbo V8. Adding larger turbos and higher-capacity cooling, Alpina wrings 500 hp from the 4.4-liter engine. A stouter transmission and brake system accommodate the power increase, while the suspension also receives an upgrade. Outside, signature Alpina design cues -- crystalline blue paint, front and rear spoilers and 21-inch versions of the tuner's classic wheels -- immediately grab the eye (there are 12 additional color options if blue is not for you).

　　Compared to the V12-powered BMW 760Li, a long-wheelbase version of the Alpina B7 will actually save you about $10,000 and get you slightly better performance. Outside of the family, the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is worthy of consideration, offering increased horsepower and loads more torque. The Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG will save you a bit of cash, but sacrifices some handling prowess. And the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

　　

2012 ALPINA B7 Highlights

Trim: SWBSWB xDriveLWBLWB xDriveSWB

　　

Base MSRP	$122,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$268/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles