2011 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive: The eagle finds its nest

Alpina is a German outfit that has been modifying and transforming BMWs for a half-century with remarkable care, light-years beyond the garish and juvenile mutations of some European tuners. This firm’s creations have been wholeheartedly endorsed by the Munich-based manufacturer since 1964 and the company has been recognized as a separate automaker since Germany is 1983.

The Alpinas available in Canada are armed with a full BMW warranty and all of the benefits that come with it. An exclusive version of the Z8 roadster was the first Alpina to cross the Atlantic, followed by the B7, a full-size 7-Series sedan that BMW discretely imported to North America in 2007 and 2008.

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Alpina also manufactures the B3 and B5 that are drawn from the 3- and 5-Series, but BMW has wisely chosen to leave those in Europe since they are already bringing over some cutting-edge interpretations of the M3 developed by its own Motorsport division. There’s also the 1-Series’ M coupe, the X5/X6 M duo, a new M5 is on the way and possibly new M6s.

Skilful transformation

There has never been an M7 and there may never be one either as long as Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division continues to produce athletic versions of just about everything with a three-point star on the hood. That’s surely because the Motorsport division is always aiming for sharp performance and handling that don’t suit the large luxury sedan’s personality.

No sweat for Alpina, though. They’re constantly seeking flexibility; comfort and quality finish along with pure performance and incisive handling. The new Alpina B7 is a version of the fifth generation of the 7-Series designed by Montreal’s own Karim Antoine Habib. The car I test drove, derived from the BMW 750i xDrive with a short wheelbase, was more than 5 metres long. It’s also available with an extended wheelbase.

And the B7 arrives just in time to challenge the Mercedes-Benz’s 550 horsepower S 63 AMG as well as the 500-horsepower Porsche Panamera Turbo, which has been shaking up the established order in this category since its launch. The Mercedes is the longest, heaviest and most powerful of the three, while the Porsche is the shortest and lightest. The B7 falls between the two. The three rivals are with a few thousand dollars of one another. Since all are over $150,000, the difference is of little consequence. The Jaguar XJ Supersport is as big and powerful as the Alpina, while the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S almost equal in size and slightly less powerful. Both are less expensive.

Like any good Alpina, the B7 can be recognized by its oversized alloy wheels featuring twenty ultra-thin spokes. They are 21 inches in diameter and fitted with Pirelli P Zero Nero performance tires measuring 245 mm in the front and 285 mm in the back. These large rubber footprints also contribute to the Alpina’s optimal weight distribution of 52.8% to the front wheels and 47.2% to the back.

Its xDrive all-wheel drive has been modified to transfer up to 80% of the torque to the rear wheels, compared to the 750i’s 60%. In the absence of snow and ice, a slippery dirt road gave us the opportunity to test the B7’s balance, actuation and impeccably progressive torque transfers in turns. The positive results are an excellent sign for winter driving.

Form and function

Alpina always pays careful attention to aerodynamics, and the B7 is fitted with a front spoiler that reduces lift by 30% in the front and a rear spoiler that cuts 15% to better ground it at higher speeds. The stylists are no fools, so they integrated these features into the 7-Series’ plain body to give it a sportier look. The tail end, with its two pairs of nickel-plated exhaust tips, gives the B7 the look of a large 3-Series. It looks terrific with Alpina’s traditional blue body, but there are eight other metallic colours, including white, black, silver and titanium.

The front grille also features air intakes that cool the engine and the gearbox separately. The two front intercoolers and the central exchanger for the turbos also require a fresh air supply. And boy is it necessary under the hood, because the powerful 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 produces 500 hp at 5,500 rpm, which is 100 more horses than the 750i.

Alpina made a multitude of modifications to the factory-standard engine, including the addition of three air aftercoolers that are 35% larger for two 44 mm-turbos and a stainless steel exhaust system and new pistons. A maximum of 516 lbs-ft of torque is delivered at 3,000 rpm, in contrast with 4,250 rpm on the first B7, whose V8 had the same capacity and was supercharged by a compressor rather than turbocharged.

With its xDrive all-wheel drive and its 6-speed automatic transmission, the B7 goes from 0-100 km/h in 4.77 seconds and devours the quarter-mile in 13.02 seconds with a maximum speed of 177 km/h. With larger calipers and brake pads for its front and rear discs of 374 and 370 mm in diameter, it stops in 37 metres even going 100 km/h.

Just about unflappable

Pushed to the limit on the St-Eustache road circuit during the filming of the Guide de l’auto television show on Canal Vox, the B7 took on curves and sequences of turns with impressive confidence. It understeers just enough at the beginning of turns and you can forget about fishtailing at the apex of the turn, even with the antiskid control disengaged.

The Sport + mode activates the electronic suspension’s firmer settings, almost entirely eliminating roll. The firmer springs lower the body by 15 mm in front and 10 mm in back. Shifting gears with the stick is also a lot cleaner in Sport + mode, but it can also be done at the touch of a finger via the large buttons behind the wheel.

For normal driving in town or on the highway, there’s the Comfort, Normal and Sport settings. The B7 is surprisingly smooth, pleasant and comfortable on the highway, despite its 21-inch wheels and extremely low-profile tires. Its steering is lively and sensitive in turns, but the ratio is too reduced in town and a little loose in the middle on the highway.

Inner beauty

Before I got a taste for the B7’s performance and handling, this vehicle surprised me with the exceptional quality of its interior. The factory-standard black trim, lacquered like a concert piano, offered a perfect contrast with the hand-sewn pale leather on the seats, dashboard and door panels. Forget about the optional walnut trim. Alpina affixed its insignia to the centre of the steering wheel and big blue B7s light up on the metallic sills.

In addition to the 750i xDrive’s regal equipment, the B7 features a series of systems and accessories, such as automatic door and trunk closure, head’s up display  on the windshield, a night vision system, rearview and peripheral cameras, climate controlled front seats, ski bag, rear multimedia system and automatic cruise control that stops and re-starts the car.

One thing is certain: the Alpina B7 is both my favourite and the sportiest of the 7-Series models because of its magnificent interior, an always lively and smooth ride, and the consistently dazzling performances of its bi-turbo V8. Its main strength is this rare mixture of performance, precision, comfort and refinement.

The B7 is less tough and stiff than the Panamera Turbo, and it doesn’t groan when it flexes its muscles like the Mercedes S 63 AMG. It manages to be both livelier and smoother than its siblings, the 750i and 760Li, without sacrificing one iota of comfort and refinement. That said, all bets are off though if it encounters even the smallest pothole. Then, watch out, because the banging noise is very harsh, as with many BMWs. Cracked or rough roads are no problem for the B7, it just doesn’t like potholes, that’s all.

This Alpina B7 is a joy to drive at any time and is certainly one of the best luxury cars out there right now. Alpina undoubtedly has a few excellent recipes up its sleeve. The secret may lie in the renowned wines produced by another branch of the same company. Be that as it may, the folks at BMW should continue to visit their Bavarian cousins to taste this magic potion.