Used 2012 BMW ALPINA B7

In Edmunds testing, a B7 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in an impressively quick 4.5 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined for RWD models, while AWD versions achieve slightly less at 14/20/16 mpg.

In Edmunds brake testing, an Alpina B7 stopped from 60 mph in just 107 feet.

The B7 rides lower than the standard 7 Series and features larger 21-inch wheels, yet ride comfort is still pretty much intact. Various dynamic settings that adjust, among other parameters, throttle response and suspension stiffness notably change the car's attitude, as does Alpina's dual-stage traction control; the more conservative Stage One intervenes immediately when it detects wheel slip, while Stage Two gives the driver a longer leash to play with. In the B7's sportiest setting, though, the transmission's shifts are so quick and hard that they become unpleasant.

The rear seats similarly accommodate taller adults, and the extended-wheelbase versions offer even more legroom (by about 6 inches) and slightly increased headroom. Available rear seats that can heat, cool and even massage occupants should satisfy even the fussiest riders.

The B7 also adds tasteful Alpina badging and optional wood trims that include ash, myrtle or matte finish (classic Piano Black trim is also available) to distinguish it from the standard BMW 7 Series. Blue backlit gauges and illuminated scuff plates further add to the Alpina's unique character. Like the 7 Series, the Alpina B7 features the BMW iDrive telematics interface, which seems daunting at first but quickly becomes intuitive.