New 2019 Alpina B7 - price, specifications and release date

It’s unlikely that there’ll be a full ‘M’ version of the new BMW 7 Series – although there will be an ‘M’ Performance version – so BMW tuning specialist Alpina has produced its own idea of what a high-performance BMW 7 Series should be. The latest one is based on the facelifted 7 Series, with its larger grilles and sleeker headlights. It’s on sale now with a price of £121,850 in the UK.

Launched at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Alpina B7 features a 600bhp twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre BMW petrol V8 engine, as well as a number of other upgrades over the standard 7 Series. It’s a slightly niche choice compared to rivals like the Mercedes-AMG S63, the upcoming Audi S8 and the Jaguar XJR.

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The B7 includes styling tweaks like Alpina’s signature ‘turbine’ 20-inch, 20-spoke alloy wheels, as well as a subtle bodykit, including a front splitter (a piece of bodywork designed to increase front grip) and a small rear spoiler. The new car also gets quad exhaust pipes, as well as a system to make the exhaust louder if the driver wishes.

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Alpina B7 specification

As you’d expect from a luxury car with a six-figure price tag, the Alpina B7 is bristling with equipment and technology. Air suspension, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof and soft-close doors are all standard. Inside, highlights include a digital instrument cluster, individual air-conditioning, massaging front seats, a Harman Kardon stereo, Nappa leather upholstery and a ‘Parking Assistant’. All cars also get ceramic-coated controls, a head-up display, Alpina extras and a numbered plaque.

The flagship Alpina also features plenty of connectivity and safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, preventative pedestrian protection, rear cross-traffic alert, emergency calling and adaptive cruise control.

Optional extras

If that’s not enough, there are a bewildering number of options to choose from. Alpina says cars rarely leave the factory without any personalisation, and you can spend thousands picking out upgraded finishes and extras, as well as more tech. Choosing Alpina metallic paint over the standard BMW colours costs £2,500, as does ticking the Night Vision box. Opting for the Executive Lounge interior pack costs £8,000 and adds massaging, ventilated seats front and rear, rear-seat entertainment and an executive rear console.

You can also add extras like a coolbox, ski-bag, winter tyres, LaserLight headlights with up to 600m of range, a rear telephone, a Bowers & Wilkins diamond stereo and heated armrests, although even DAB radio costs £300. To really push the boat out, you can specify ‘Lavalina’ interiors, which can cost over £15,000.

Performance

Under the bonnet sits a 600bhp twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre petrol V8 engine, capable of pushing the B7 from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 205mph. The B7 is now four-wheel drive, instead of rear-wheel drive, and pushes its huge power through an upgraded version of the standard 7 Series’ eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Running costs are unlikely to be a top priority for Alpina owners, which is a good job as the performance on offer means claimed fuel economy is just 19.6mpg, while CO2 emissions are 269g/km.

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Alpina’s engineers have also modified the car’s traction control to make the B7 more involving, as well as fettling the standard air-suspension to provide a more dynamic drive without compromising the 7 Series’ supple ride – an essential part of a luxury saloon’s repertoire. The mountain of torque is now available from just 2,000rpm - from 3,000rpm in the old car - to make the car feel faster and more responsive.

Only a very small number of Alpina B7s will be available in the UK through specialist dealers and prices start at £121,850. It’s also worth noting that even though the B7 is badged as an Alpina, owners still get a two-year, BMW-endorsed warranty.

See how the Alpina B7 compares to the standard BMW 7 Series by reading our review.