BMWALPINA B7

　　

2022 BMW Alpina B7 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior Manager, Written Content

　　Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at zzdcar and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.

　　High-performance M models have proliferated throughout BMW's portfolio with a notable exception: the automaker's flagship 7 Series sedan. While the lineup does offer a V12-powered M760i trim, this is essentially an "M Lite" package grafted onto the existing car, not something developed as a high-performance model. Since a proper M7 remains elusive, drivers seeking the ultimate 7 Series can look to the alternative: the 2022 Alpina B7.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) 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

　　$234/mo  for ALPINA B7 xDrive

　　ALPINA B7 xDrive

　　xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $143,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　With its trademark turbine-style wheels and distinct bodywork, the B7 is developed by Alpina, until recently an independent manufacturer (BMW has since brought the brand under its umbrella). Interestingly, the B7 actually slots between the 750i and M760i trim levels, massaging the engine of the former to the power levels of the latter. The result is neck-whipping acceleration, from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. That's rarefied air, shared with certain Aston Martins, Bentleys and Lamborghinis. B7 upgrades aren't limited to the engine compartment, though. A sport exhaust system, higher top speed, and sportier shifting, suspension and all-wheel drive settings are among the other Alpina enhancements.

　　Maybe more important than the B7's performance pedigree, however, is its exclusivity. Alpina produces fewer than 2,000 cars annually, many of them for less expensive BMW models destined for other countries. While you can walk into a Mercedes or Audi dealer and easily find an S-Class or S8, the allocation of Alpina B7s for the U.S. is fairly small, making it a rare sight in the wild. The price may seem dear (although still lower than the top-range M760i), but given the B7's performance, comfort and rarity, we think it's worth it.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

9.0/10

　　How does the ALPINA B7 drive? You'd expect a lot from 600 horsepower, but this sedan still manages to overdeliver. The 0-60 mph sprint takes just 3.6 seconds, which is frankly phenomenal for a car this size. When you aren't mashing the throttle, the B7 impresses with restrained throttle calibration and nearly imperceptible shifts.

　　But the B7 isn't just a speed demon. The powerful brakes bring this super-sled to a stop from 60 mph in a sports car-like 105 feet. Handling is sublime for a car with this much mass, thanks in part to the trick adaptive dampers. The steering is well tuned and nicely balanced overall, but turning the dial to Sport+ adds a silly amount of steering resistance.

　　

Comfort

9.0/10

　　How comfortable is the ALPINA B7? The B7 delivers comfort in spades, starting with seats that set a benchmark for the class. They feature extensive seat adjustments with multiple massage settings and pillow-like headrests. The overall perception of luxury continues with the remarkably smooth — but not overly soft — suspension calibration. Even in the sportiest setting, the ride is acceptably firm and not harsh in the slightest. There's minimal wind, road and tire noise, and the engine only produces its sonorous growl when you stomp on the gas pedal.

　　The only quibble we have is with the climate system. It's undoubtedly powerful and comprehensive — the B7 even features heated armrests — but the level of customization can be daunting.

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