2012 BMW ALPINA B7 Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Prodigious power
standout handling
supreme long-distance capability
sublime seats.

Cons

Rough shifting in Sport mode
high-tech features may overwhelm.

What’s new

Fresh from its introduction last year, the 2012 BMW Alpina B7 carries over unchanged.

Edmunds says

The 2012 BMW Alpina B7 makes a great car even better, forging power, performance and comfort into one outstanding luxury package.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2012 BMW ALPINA B7 SWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$316/mo

$219/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Vehicle overview

Alpina has specialized in hot-rodding BMWs since the mid-1960s, and recently the German tuner joined BMW as an official partner, distributing its higher-performance and higher-comfort versions of Bavaria's finest through BMW's American dealers. The 2012 Alpina B7 marks the second year of that partnership.

The 2012 BMW Alpina B7 begins with a BMW 750i -- namely its 400-horsepower twin-turbo V8. Adding larger turbos and higher-capacity cooling, Alpina wrings 500 hp from the 4.4-liter engine. A stouter transmission and brake system accommodate the power increase, while the suspension also receives an upgrade. Outside, signature Alpina design cues -- crystalline blue paint, front and rear spoilers and 21-inch versions of the tuner's classic wheels -- immediately grab the eye (there are 12 additional color options if blue is not for you).

Compared to the V12-powered BMW 760Li, a long-wheelbase version of the Alpina B7 will actually save you about $10,000 and get you slightly better performance. Outside of the family, the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is worthy of consideration, offering increased horsepower and loads more torque. The Jaguar XJ Supersport will save you a bit of cash, but sacrifices some handling prowess. And the

Performance & mpg

The 2012 BMW Alpina B7 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that produces 500 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission available and includes manual shift control via steering-wheel-mounted buttons. In standard form, the B7 comes in a rear-wheel-drive configuration, but all-wheel drive is also available.

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.

Safety

Standard safety features on the Alpina B7 include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and side curtain airbags. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control with a front collision warning system, a lane-departure warning system, active blind-spot detection, rear- and sideview cameras, and infrared night vision with pedestrian detection that displays the images either in the main dash display or in the head-up display (if so equipped).

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

Driving

With 500 hp under the hood, the 2012 BMW Alpina B7 is one of the most exhilarating luxury sedans available. All 516 lb-ft of torque is available very early in the power band for acceleration that can pin passengers to their seatbacks. But even with such impressive power, the B7 is remarkably well-mannered when driven conservatively. Gearshifts are fired off quickly and smoothly, with steering-wheel-mounted buttons to allow the driver to manually control the shifting.

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.

Interior

Subtle differences aside, the 2012 Alpina B7's interior matches the heady mix of executive-class luxury, comfort and cutting-edge technology found in the BMW 7 Series. Supple leather and rich wood accents adorn almost every surface and the available "multicontour" front seats ensure comfort for virtually any body type.

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.

2012 BMW ALPINA B7 models

The 2012 BMW Alpina B7 is offered in either short- or long-wheelbase versions, as well as rear- or all-wheel drive, all of which are equally well appointed.

Standard features include 21-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlamps, a power trunk lid, front and rear parking sensors, keyless ignition/entry, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, rear side sunshades (powered in RWD models), auto-dimming mirrors, four-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats, heated rear seats and wood interior trim. Also standard are a head-up display, a rearview camera, a navigation system with real-time traffic, the BMW iDrive telematics interface, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer, digital music storage, satellite radio and iPod and USB input jacks.

The Alpina B7 offers a handful of stand-alone options and packages. The optional Driver Assistance package adds automatic high beams, side and top camera views, and lane departure and blind-spot warning systems, while the Luxury Rear Seating package -- available only on long-wheelbase models -- adds power-adjustable and ventilated seats with massage functions. Stand-alone options include a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, smartphone integration, and night vision with pedestrian detection.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 BMW ALPINA B7.

5 (50%)

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1 (0%)

4.5

4 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Problems

Robert, 09/19/2010

2011 BMW ALPINA B7 SWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A)

I purchased my car in July. I owned the previous edition. A major change was the fact that the head rest does not move forward or back. The current head rest resides to far back and definitely places strain on the neck. I have also noticed that at speeds in excess of 80 mph the outside wind noise is far greater than the previous model. Aside from these issues it is a wonderful car.

If you live in the Northeast do NOT buy this car

johnneymax, 12/27/2012

2012 BMW ALPINA B7 SWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A)

The low pro tires and 21 inch wheels can not survive the smallest pothole in the road or the slightest raised railroad crossing. I have had 5 flats and 2 damaged rims in 15000 miles. My children are afraid to go in the car. Don't even think of taking this car into a major city. OEM tires are 725 installed and dealers do not stock rims or tires for this model. Call and ask them. Every …

The car I’ll never sell

BigA, 05/19/2020

2011 BMW ALPINA B7 LWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A)

Super fun luxury and looks awesome. So many gadgets and nothing ever breaks.

Bad Styling

Bob, 07/29/2010

2011 BMW ALPINA B7 SWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A)

All in All this car is very pleasing to live with. Only complaint is the styling, which is to busy in my opinion. Styling mimicking the regular 7 series would be a big improvement.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 BMW ALPINA B7, so we've included reviews for other years of the ALPINA B7 since its last redesign.

See all 4 reviews of the BMW ALPINA B7

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2012 ALPINA B7 Highlights

Trim:

SWB

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$122,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$316/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the ALPINA B7 include:

Back-up camera
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

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2012 BMW ALPINA B7 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2012 BMW ALPINA B7 SWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2012 BMW ALPINA B7 models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 BMW ALPINA B7.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Problems

If you live in the Northeast do NOT buy this car

The car I’ll never sell

Bad Styling

2012 ALPINA B7 Highlights

Safety

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2012 BMW ALPINA B7 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 BMW ALPINA B7 SWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2012 BMW ALPINA B7 models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Problems

If you live in the Northeast do NOT buy this car

The car I’ll never sell

Bad Styling

2012 ALPINA B7 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2012 BMW ALPINA B7 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Bmw

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2012 BMW ALPINA B7 SWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}