The Alpina B7 Bi‑Turbo has arrived in the United Kingdom, offering a high‑performance luxury sedan that now claims a top speed of 205 mph, a figure that pushes it into the exclusive club of 200‑mph saloon cars.
Performance specs and powertrain details
At the heart of the Alpina B7 Bi‑Turbo sits a 4,395 cc twin‑turbocharged V8 that delivers 600 bhp between 5,750 rpm and 6,250 rpm. Torque peaks at 590 lb‑ft from 3,000 rpm to 5,000 rpm, thanks to a wide‑bore intake, upgraded pistons and spark plugs, and an air‑water‑air intercooler that keeps intake temperatures low.
Power reaches the wheels via an eight‑speed ZF automatic transmission, branded by Alpina as “Switchtronic.” The transmission features reinforced gear clusters and a beefed‑up torque converter, allowing the rear‑drive‑only layout to handle the engine’s output without strain.
Acceleration is swift: 0‑60 mph is recorded at exactly four seconds. While the figure cannot be confirmed on UK roads, it aligns the B7 with BMW’s own flagship M760Li, which uses a V12 engine to reach similar performance.
Related: Evo calls this crossover the most engaging EV
Chassis, suspension and styling
All UK‑spec models are delivered in the long‑wheelbase version and come standard with an air suspension system. An Alpina Sport+ mode can lower the ride height by 20 mm, and the active rear‑steering system has been retuned to match the car’s handling characteristics.
The wheels follow Alpina’s usual large‑diameter approach, with front tires sized 255/40 ZR20 on 8.5×20 in wheels and rear tires 295/35 ZR20 on 10×20 in wheels. A 21‑inch wheel option is also available for customers seeking a more aggressive stance.
Exterior changes are subtle: a body kit adds a hint of aggression, and an optional “Deco set” offers Alpina’s signature blue‑green stripe. Inside, the cabin can be trimmed with Nappa leather and features Alpina’s distinctive stitching, reinforcing the car’s premium positioning.
From a broader perspective, the B7 Bi‑Turbo shows how niche manufacturers can use established platforms to create vehicles that blend everyday usability with near‑supercar performance. By focusing on engine tuning, drivetrain reinforcement, and bespoke suspension work, Alpina targets buyers who want a refined driving experience without sacrificing outright speed.
Related: The Lustrous Appeal of Metallic Labels
The price tag for the UK‑spec Alpina B7 Bi‑Turbo is £115,000, which undercuts the similarly equipped BMW M760Li by more than £17,000. Despite the lower price, the Alpina offers comparable straight‑line speed, though the BMW’s V12 provides a different character. With only a limited number expected to reach the British market, exclusivity becomes an additional selling point.
Alpina’s approach to tailoring the B7 includes recalibrated power steering and traction‑control settings, aiming to deliver a balance between comfort and performance. The brand’s long‑standing practice of matching specific wheel and tire combinations to the car’s chassis helps maintain ride quality that rivals or exceeds that of the standard 7‑Series.
It competes with elite sedans.
Overall, the Alpina B7 Bi‑Turbo adds a new choice for buyers seeking a high‑speed luxury sedan that sits between traditional executive cars and pure‑bred supercars. Its combination of a V8 powerplant, reinforced transmission, and bespoke suspension makes it a noteworthy entrant in a niche market segment.
