BMW ALPINA B7

– Detroit, Michigan

You can’t buy an M7. Despite BMW’s want to M all the things, a proper M7 has never been in the cards. Yes, you’ll soon be able to buy an M760i with a biturbo V12 engine, but that’s not a real M7 – an M235i isn’t the same as an M2, after all. But I’m not worried about this lack of a hella-performance 7 Series. That’s because the very cool Alpina B7 exists, and it’s all the Super Seven you need.

Despite offering a number of different models in Europe and abroad, Alpina’s U.S. market products are limited to this B7 and the 6 Series Gran Coupe-based B6. You’ll know Alpina’s work by the unique front fascia, signature blue and green paint hues, and iconic 20-spoke wheels, all of which work well on the new 7 Series shape. But this is far more than just a style updo; there’s a tremendous amount of power to back up the sportier look. The end result is a truly exquisite 7 Series – not an M7 per se, but a range-topper all its own.

Pros

• The Alpina B7 uses the same biturbocharged 4.4-liter V8 as the 750i, but output is increased to 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque – huge gains of 155 hp and 111 lb-ft. Yes, the all-wheel-drive B7 weighs 200 pounds more than the 750i xDrive, but even so, 0-60 acceleration is 0.7 second quicker (3.6 seconds versus 4.3) and the Alpina will keep going all the way to 193 miles per hour. Or, look at it this way: The upcoming M760i uses a massive, 6.6-liter biturbo V12, but it only makes 10 more horsepower and no more torque th...