The world of executive luxury sedans is small, and it gets even smaller when you are shopping the high performance versions. The BMW Alpina B7 fits that criteria and more, however, wrapping a seemingly unending supply of luxury and acceleration in a unique and highly exclusive package.

The B7 starts as a BMW 7 Series. From there, Alpina, a specialty automotive company in Germany that's closely aligned with BMW, applies its own performance upgrades and styling changes. Though sold in the United States as a BMW, the B7 is available through Alpina as the B7 Bi-Turbo in other markets. The exclusivity provided by the name and the subtle exterior modifications, including the 20-spoke Alpina wheels, gives the B7 a distinct appearance versus the standard 7 Series.

While the previous generation of the B7 was available in standard or long-wheelbase variants with either rear- or all-wheel drive, the current B7 only comes in one long-wheelbase model with standard all-wheel drive. Alpina prioritizes refinement versus the all-out performance found in vehicles from BMW's M Division. That doesn't mean the B7 is slow; its turbocharged V8 still cranks out a sweet 600 hp, or 1 hp shy of the output from the M760i's turbo 6.6-liter V12.

In your search for supreme luxury, you'll find a few competitors that offer similar levels of performance and exclusivity, including the Mercedes-AMG S 63 and Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. There's no way to go wrong with this group, but certainly the 2018 Alpina B7 is a commendable choice.

2018 BMW ALPINA B7 configurations

BMW offers two levels of active safety features. The Driving Assistance package includes blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning and speed limit information. The Plus variant of this package adds lane departure intervention and adaptive cruise control.

The Luxury Rear Seating package adds extra-plush seats with ventilation and massage function, heated armrests, and a 7-inch tablet to control vehicle functions. The Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package adds a reclining rear seat and footrest, rear-seat entertainment, and a table that folds out from the center console. This package also deletes the rear center seat along with the front-passenger seat massage, side bolster, lumbar and headrest adjustments.

Stand-alone options include Apple CarPlay, an Ambient Air package that infuses the climate control with various scents, a 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround-sound audio system, a system that allows you to park the car using only the key fob, and a night-vision camera.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 BMW Alpina B7 (turbo 4.4L V8 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Driving

9.0

You'd expect a lot from 600 horsepower, but somehow this sedan still over delivers. Acceleration is simply bewildering. More impressive, though, is how confidently this large and heavy sedan handles and stops. The agility and quickness make the B7 capable and immensely satisfying to drive.

Acceleration

10.0

Really, the only problem will be keeping your license safe. With 600 hp, the B7 is among the most powerful cars on the road, and the acceleration does that figure justice. The B7 reached 60 mph in a ludicrous 3.6 seconds. Passing power is even more impressive. Yet the power always feels in control.

Braking

10.0

The powerful brakes are easy to control and halt this heavy sedan with authority, just as you'd hope from a car built in a country where some freeways don't have speed limits. Their test track performance was extraordinary, consistently stopping the B7 from 60 mph in a sports carlike 105 feet.

Steering

8.5

BMW has dialed in the right amount of assistance and resistance for the B7. The wheel offers crisp turn-in and good on-center feel. The steering assist is nicely balanced, but adjustable settings can increase resistance to absurd levels, especially in the Sport+ setting.

Handling

9.0

Despite its weight and dimensions, the B7 turns quickly and always seems to be able to corner harder, making it seem nimbler than you'd expect. It can snake up a mountain road without protest, and you might even enjoy the process. Sport modes firm up the ride without making it too harsh.

Drivability

9.0

The powerful engine is very quiet until you stomp on the gas pedal, and the transmission makes smooth, almost imperceptible shifts. Aside from a slight hesitation from an intentionally soft throttle response when you're in Comfort+ mode, this sedan drives the way a luxury car should.

Comfort

9.0

The B7 delivers comfort in spades. The supportive seats have wide adjustability and relaxing massage settings. The suspension and noise insulation protect the interior from most of the outside world. While the climate controls are powerful, the high level of adjustment seems needless.

Seat comfort

9.5

The B7 has the kind of seats that you benchmark all other seats against. Extensive seat adjustments with multiple massage settings and pillowlike headrests ensure comfort for everyone. The middle rear seat's rock-solid backrest and elevated seat bottom mean it's best ignored.

Ride comfort

10.0

The suspension is remarkably smooth but not overly soft. You don't recognize most bumps or road imperfections unless they're of a size that warrant attention. Ride height and adjustable firmness make appreciable differences to the driving experience without excessive compromise.

Noise & vibration

9.0

You get some pleasing engine noise when you romp on the gas pedal, but the B7 travels the highway with minimal wind, road and tire noise. Similarly, vibrations are few and far between, even during bouts of spirited acceleration. The interior boasts the calmness you expect of a luxury sedan.

Climate control

8.0

The four-zone climate control system is quiet and supremely capable of cooling the cabin. Occupants will love the heated armrests, too. But the amount of customization is daunting. There are simply too many adjustments even when the system is set to auto, and some are fussy.

Interior

8.0

The fundamentals of the B7's interior, from getting inside to getting comfortable to seeing out, are stellar. And while you can get familiar with the bulk of the interior controls, the reliance on touch-sensitive switches and abundance of adjustments can be a source of frequent frustration.

Ease of use

6.5

Daunting options and adjustments. Reliance on capacitive switches causes distraction. The rotary iDrive controller's top is too easy to graze, often changing the screen. Other inconsistencies are maddening: Sometimes the radio turns off with the engine; other times it waits until you lock the door.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

Large doors and a low stepover make big openings to climb through. The rear doors are even bigger, accommodating passengers of any size. You can increase the ride height so passengers don't have to duck down far. The doors also pull shut automatically if you get them close enough.

Driving position

9.0

The driver's seat has many adjustments, including headrest, side bolsters, lumbar and a lower leg extension. Combined with a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, it's easy to put yourself in the right position with all controls and gauges in easy view.

Roominess

9.0

The ample size of the B7 translates to lots of interior space. Rear passengers especially benefit with abundant rear legroom. The only complaints will come in those rare instances when someone is forced to sit in the middle rear seat. Its elevated seating position reduces headroom.

Visibility

8.0

The B7 is a large car, but the blind spots are minimized thanks to large side mirrors and electronic monitoring. The hood may be long, but it's easy to see over, and you can sense where the bumpers are when parking. The comprehensive exterior cameras have every angle covered.

Quality

7.0

Generally strong, but there are some warts. The headrests sound hollow and cheap when you tap them, and the underside of the steering wheel squeaks if you press it with your thumbs. During our test, the left rear door occasionally refused to open from the inside even with the child lock disabled.

Utility

8.0

A large vehicle has advantages when it comes to space, and the B7 makes full use of its size. The trunk is massive, while the interior has plenty of storage for small items. Installing car seats can be annoying, but you probably wouldn't want kids touching leather this nice anyway.

Small-item storage

7.5

You won't have trouble finding places to put stuff. Front seats have an averaged sized center console, two cupholders, and an open tray. In the back, there's storage within the center armrest and a thin cubby in the back of the center console. Doors have large pockets and additional cupholders.

Cargo space

8.5

With 18.2 cubic feet of storage, the B7's cavernous trunk is among the largest you'll find in a luxury sedan, so it will easily carry four full-size adults and their luggage or golf clubs. While the rear seats don't fold, a pass-through behind the center armrest makes space for longer objects.

Child safety seat accommodation

6.5

The outboard lower anchors are hidden behind zippers that are pretty but difficult to open. Rear tethers are covered by plastic lids. The massive rear space easily accommodates a child seat, though you might feel a little guilty installing car seats on leather that looks this good.

Technology

7.0

BMW has taken the kitchen sink approach, adding everything plus more. The overall package has a solid foundation but is hampered by gimmicks. The gesture controls give false positives, and the overly complicated key fob adds little benefit and many inconveniences, such as requiring charging.

Audio & navigation

6.5

The optional Bowers & Wilkins stereo system sounds fantastic, and the powerful navigation system is relatively easy to learn and operate. Unfortunately, gimmicky gesture controls often trigger when you don't intend them to, adding needless frustration. At least you can turn them off.

Smartphone integration

6.0

Android Auto is not supported, and wireless Apple CarPlay is a $300 option. Other luxury and far less expensive cars support both at no cost. The BMW Connected app replicates some functions of those systems and generally works well. Occupants have access to two USB ports and four 12-volt outlets.

Driver aids

9.0

Adaptive cruise and lane keeping assist take the frustration out of stop-and-go, taking over steering, gas and brake application. All you have to do is keep your hands on the wheel and watch traffic. An excellent camera system shows every angle you'd want for parking.

Voice control

9.0

The B7 understands and responds to voice controls with surprising ease and quickness, making it a breeze to navigate through the entertainment system. It had no difficulty comprehending the addresses and desired stereo settings we called out.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 BMW ALPINA B7.

Overall Consumer Rating

5.01 reviews

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5(100%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Alpina B7, awesome!

Dave,02/27/2018

Super car, what else can I say!?

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Features & Specs

MSRP

$138,800

MPG

16 city / 25 hwy

Seats 5

8-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

600 hp @ 5750 rpm

See all 2018 BMW ALPINA B7 features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite ALPINA B7 safety features:

Active Protection System: Reacts to imminent accidents by pre-tensioning seat belts, closing windows and activating post-accident braking.
Active Blind Spot Detection: Warns you with LED lights if a vehicle is in or quickly approaching your blind spot.
Pedestrian Warning with City Braking: Alerts you if a pedestrian is in front of the vehicle and primes the brakes. If you don't react, the system automatically slows the vehicle.

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More about the 2018 BMW ALPINA B7

The 2018 BMW Alpina B7 is among a rarefied group of fully appointed, ultra-high-performance luxury sedans. Within its market segment, the Alpina B7 leans toward the sporty end of the spectrum, with precision dynamics and stunning engine response aimed at driving enthusiasts, while delivering the luxury and convenience features that upscale shoppers expect.

For the B7, BMW turned to its traditional performance partner, Alpina. Alpina transforms the standard BMW 7 Series sedan with a variety of targeted upgrades to the suspension and powerplant, as well as a number of exclusive interior and exterior touches. As a result, the Alpina B7 offers increased performance, extra standard features and a considerable degree of exclusivity.

Inside, the B7 matches its competitors feature for feature with such details as leather seats with massage functions, four-zone climate control, and the latest entertainment and safety technology. Several packages and options allow buyers to add even more driver assist, luxury and convenience features.

The Alpina B7 is propelled by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that generates 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The standard sport-tuned, eight-speed automatic transmission includes multiple driving modes and quick-shift buttons. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is also standard.

Behind the wheel, drivers will find the Alpina B7’s road manners to be exceptional, courtesy of an advanced suspension system, four-wheel steering and more horsepower than most people will ever use on a public street. BMW says to expect a 0-60-mph time of 3.6 seconds, a figure we've verified in our own testing.

The Alpina B7 is only available in one trim level, but the extensive list of standard features will likely satisfy many buyers. Those who wish to add some personalization can choose from a few feature-laden packages and accessories. If you're in the market for a 2018 BMW B7 Alpina, we like your style. Let Edmunds help you find the perfect B7 for your needs.

2018 BMW ALPINA B7 Overview

The 2018 BMW ALPINA B7 is offered in the following submodels: ALPINA B7 Sedan. Available styles include xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A).

What do people think of the 2018 BMW ALPINA B7?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 BMW ALPINA B7 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 ALPINA B7 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 ALPINA B7.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 BMW ALPINA B7 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 ALPINA B7 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall8.2 / 10

Driving

9.0 / 10

Acceleration10.0 / 10

Braking10.0 / 10

Steering8.5 / 10

Handling9.0 / 10

Drivability9.0 / 10

Comfort

9.0 / 10

Seat comfort9.5 / 10

Ride comfort10.0 / 10

Noise & vibration9.0 / 10

Climate control8.0 / 10

Interior

8.0 / 10

Ease of use6.5 / 10

Getting in/getting out8.0 / 10

Driving position9.0 / 10

Roominess9.0 / 10

Visibility8.0 / 10

Quality7.0 / 10

Utility

8.0 / 10

Small-item storage7.5 / 10

Cargo space8.5 / 10

Technology

7.0 / 10

Audio & navigation6.5 / 10

Smartphone integration6.0 / 10

Driver aids9.0 / 10

Voice control9.0 / 10

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2018 BMW ALPINA B7?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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2018 BMW ALPINA B7

2018 BMW ALPINA B7 pricing

Which ALPINA B7 does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

2018 BMW ALPINA B7 configurations

Trim tested

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

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2018 BMW ALPINA B7 Overview

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Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds Scorecard

Our Review Process

Which 2018 BMW ALPINA B7s are available in my area?

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Should I lease or buy a 2018 BMW ALPINA B7?

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