Alpina, recognized as an independent manufacturer by German authorities, has released the latestversion of its B7, a fastest 7-Series you can buy.
With BMW having shown what its next-generation limousine will look like last month, this latest Alpina’s B7 is based on the new7-Series, with its massive grille. For those who desire what BMW refuses to deliver – an M7 – the B7 is a very compelling alternative.
Although it is powered by a 4.4-litre turbocharged BMW V8, which produces series production output numbers of 447kW and 800Nm, Alpina’s technicians have fabricated some custom bits for the B7 engine. The turbocharger impellers are 4mm larger than BMW’s factory specification units and Alpina adds an intercooler circuit of its own design, in addition to custom engine management software.
Beyond the engine, Alpina’s also updated the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission's mapping to ensure the most urgent throttle response available. Although 0-100kph acceleration improves by a marginal tenth of a second (down to only 3.6 sec), the B7’s top speed has ballooned to a ridiculous 330kph.
Any limousine with a true top speed of 330kph would need some trick aerodynamics to keep it stable and the B7 benefits from a sophisticated collection of air-suspension components carried over from its base 7-Series architecture, and some clever bits from Alpina’s parts-bin.
The slimline headlights and new bumper might look like a fashionable bodykit but there are aerodynamic merits to it all, including a rear diffuser and spoiler combination which claim to induce zero-lift characteristics to the rear axle at speed.
Best of all? Well, those classic multispoke Alpina alloy wheels and the subtle touches, such as 5mm thicker window and windscreen glass, which ensure that even at 330kph, this B7 cruises with the serenity you’d expect from a 7-Series.