BMW Alpina B7 FULL review from Edmunds' InsideLine

[Mark]

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BMW Alpina B7 FULL review from Edmunds' InsideLine

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We've previously reported on InsideLine's First Drive of the Alpina B7. Now it seems the press has gotten their Full test reviews out the door (hot on the heels of Autoblog's review).

I have to say I really like this article. While to any true BMW fan, the name Alpina should be nothing new, and has become synonymous with a mix of oppulance and speed, something akin to BMW's version of AMG (atleast of yore). The analogy becomes more realistic when one consider's Alpina's Penchant for automatic transmissions. But back to the article, what I really love about this one is that this one gives a healthy sprinkling of Alpina family history, to help the unindoctinated along for the ride.

Edmunds tells us almost as much about Andreas Bovensiepen, the founder of Alpina just as much as the test car B7 itself.

As for the car itself, what can be said but InsideLine (and everyone else) loves it. Its a true rare bird that can back up its sparkling paintwork and stylistic bits with real productive power and handling (especially considering the size of the car).

Here are some select quotes, but follow the jump (at the bottom of this post) to read the entire article:

Burkhard Bovensiepen put Alpina on the map clear back in 1961 when he slapped a dual-carburetor setup from Weber on the BMW 1500 sedan. Soon enthusiasts were lining up at the door and Alpina became BMW's partner for specialty motorsports projects, like the 1972 BMW CSL 3.0 racecar. It's never looked back since.

And of course the next day, we're hammering this car around Infineon Raceway and it hardly seems like a luxury car at all. Once you dial the chassis calibration to Sport+, the transmission shifts so quick and hard that it can be unpleasant, while the chassis maintains an evenly balanced poise even when the Michelin PS2s get hot, something you really notice in the Turn 1-Turn 3 combination, which sloshes you this way and that as if you were the only cocktail olive in a very large jar.

Bovensiepen is keen to point out that the car's goodness comes from engineering the mechanical package first, then overlaying it with the electronic safety net that everyday drivers expect. For example, the Alpina-calibrated stability control lets you skate the tires around as long as your inputs are smooth, but as soon as something happens abruptly, the electronics pull your leash short. It's a very sophisticated approach, one that encompasses the whole car.

The 2011 BMW Alpina B7 certainly puts up good handling numbers on the Edmunds test track. Around the skid pad, the B7 grips to the tune of 0.90g, plus its Alpina-tuned stability control lets it achieve this number with the stability control engaged. Nearly the same thing is possible in the slalom, where the car does 68.5 mph with the stability control disengaged and 68.1 mph with the system engaged.

You can also see BIMMERPOST's Alpina B7 Gallery here.


Source/Full Article: Edmunds' InsideLine

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2013 BMW Alpina B7 Review [Car and Driver]

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

Amazing car to drive

[Diver]

A great car, but is Edmonds a great reviewer?

[vladberca]

Awesome car!

[lux]

For that kind of coin, I would expect even better performance. For similar money, you can buy a Porsche Panamera Turbo. It is ugly from the rear but you get a faster, better handling, and more practical luxury vehicle.

[nlpamg]

Originally Posted by lux

For that kind of coin, I would expect even better performance. For similar money, you can buy a Porsche Panamera Turbo. It is ugly from the rear but you get a faster, better handling, and more practical luxury vehicle.

huh? the B7 is only $127 - 134k. a Panamera Turbo starts at 135k. plus, it's a Porsche, expect it with options to go for in excess of $160k...

the B7 and the Panamera Turbo aren't even close. the Panamera is meant to be a sporty 4-door 911, whereas this is supposed to be a faster more exclusive land-yacht 7-series. the Panamera doesn't have the gizmos and do-dahs (such as night vision) as this car and it's not as comfortable.

yes, this car should have more performance, but it's one hell of a car.

[lux]

Originally Posted by nlpamg

huh? the B7 is only $127 - 134k. a Panamera Turbo starts at 135k. plus, it's a Porsche, expect it with options to go for in excess of $160k...

the B7 and the Panamera Turbo aren't even close. the Panamera is meant to be a sporty 4-door 911, whereas this is supposed to be a faster more exclusive land-yacht 7-series. the Panamera doesn't have the gizmos and do-dahs (such as night vision) as this car and it's not as comfortable.

yes, this car should have more performance, but it's one hell of a car.

Someone buying at this price level would certainly cross shop both cars. Yes the BMW might have a more luxurious drive but Alpina B7 is also supposed to be about sport as well. The bar has been significantly raised by the Panamera. It also offers very high levels of luxury too--Burmester audio system, front and rear ventillated seats, rear entertainment, etc.... So I don't think it is fair to say the Panamera is simply a spartan 4dr 911. The seats in the Panamera are very comfortable and the interior fit & finish is top notch. Don't get me wrong, I love my BMW but the Panamera Turbo offers serious performance and luxry as well. If they can only fix that damn butt! (I guess we used to say the same thing about the Bangle Butt as well...LOL)