5 Month Review of 2020 Alpina B7

[fl0950]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

First some background. Long time BMW owner, most recently a 2018 M550i but before that numerous 7 Series, most recently a Carbon Black 2014 750i. I wanted a daily driver to complement my '18 911T and '19 Cayenne. I considered an S63, A8 (S8 wasn't out when I bought the B7 in December) and standard 7 Series. I was intrigued with the B7 for its combination of comfort and performance, so found this car in Minneapolis. The dealer also had a black/black B7 but seeing them both side by side, I thought the Azurite was more unique. Options include:

Azurite Black II Metallic
Amarone Brown/Black Full Merino Leather
Luxury Rear Seating
Ambient Air
Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof
LED w/laserlight
Bowers & Wilkins

As to the color, you can see the blue in the sunlight, but in shade it's pretty subdued, sometimes appearing black. It has a greater depth than my previous Carbon Black 750i. The interior is difficult to describe, and I'm color blind green/red, so to me it's more brown than an Amarone wine would be, but it's a good combination with the Azurite in my opinion. I know there is a lot of discussion about the front grill, but the car has real presence overall, and I actually think it's a good design. The subtle Alpina exterior enhancements certainly make a difference in that regard.

One of the first things I noticed was how smooth the car was over bad pavement, much more than my 5 series was. That's important to me given the lousy condition of local roads. Even in Sport mode, it's a very smooth and controlled ride. It's also incredibly quiet, although putting the transmission in Sport, or the mode in Sport seems to bring a bit more aggressive exhaust note. I didn't want a loud car, one of the reasons I wasn't crazy about the S63 which was too loud under hard acceleration. I like the fact that I can drive the B7 like any 7 Series, but the available power and responsiveness is fantastic. Very Jekyll and Hyde, in a good way. Most people probably see it as just another 7, which I'm fine with.

So having driven about 3000 miles so far, I'm very happy with the car. The Bowers and Wilkins is great and wireless Apple Car Play works every time. Alpina does an excellent job of enhancing the interior, from the leather on the steering wheel, to the graphics on the screens, the piano black trim, and the illuminated Alpina door sills. I've never used gesture control, and I turn off all driver aids except active cruise control, which works pretty well with occasional false positives. I've tried the ambient air package and I can't seem to detect much, although my wife claims she can smell the various scents. The massaging seats actually work well although I haven't used them much. The LED lights are great, and I love the look of the daytime running lights. So far I don't have any real complaints about the car as it has fulfilled my intended use, so overall very happy I went for the B7 vs. a standard 7.

[13M5F10]

Stunning car and thanks for your review! It's on my radar, i just wish the front was more aggressive similar to previous generations. I'm on the fence between this, the M5 and the S63. I have a G12 750 and I love having the space but I do miss the roar of the exhaust too and ability to hit corners lol

[jettie1767]

Thanks for the review. I have a 2018 B7 and I agree with your experience with the car. I'm surprised you haven't bent a wheel yet. Maybe NJ roads are worse than your roads. If there is one complaint I have, it's how soft the 21 wheels are and they easily get bent even on very minor potholes.

[fl0950]

I have the 20" wheels, so maybe a bit better for rough roads. Still have 35 series rubber, so not much protection there, but at least they're all season.

[Kmish]

Nice review. I have a 2019 Azurite/Black Merino 760. I am also red/green color blind. Been thinking about a B7 or 760 with the Amarone brown interior for my next one for a change of pace. Glad to know you like the Amarone interior.

[jettie1767]

Originally Posted by fl0950

I have the 20" wheels, so maybe a bit better for rough roads. Still have 35 series rubber, so not much protection there, but at least they're all season.

That's why....I have the 21s and I've gone to the dealership 4 times last year in a span of 4 months driving in NJ. I'm on my 20s for winter since late October and no bent wheels yet...knock on wood!

[AlteBMW]

I am now on my third Azurite in row. F10 and then two 750 G12's. I never tire of it. I have Cognac interior, but same idea of the blueish black/brown combo. Apparently BMW took it out for 2021's. I hope that is a temporary decision.

[fl0950]

I love Cognac, maybe would have gone for that given the choice, buy Amarone is unique, and maybe a bit more understated, now that I've lived with it.

[mjr24]

Love it....you never see these around here (SE Wisconsin).

[fl0950]

Good point. But I actually did see another one and it was even on the street we live on. Almost turned around to follow it, but didn't. Haven't seen it again and even seeing another 2020 7 series is rare.

[SYT_Shadow]

beautiful car! thank you for the writeup!

Alpinas are pretty damn special, good job getting one!

[Dackelone]

Congrats on the B7. Something tells me your next car will also be a Alpina.

[adc]

OP you can rest easy, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Amarone is really a brown, like a light milk chocolate or hot chocolate beverage. Not like wine at all.

Interesting color combo, suits the big car well.

[530iDriver]

Lovely Alpina B7!

Curious, did the V-12 M760i crossed your mind?

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Congrats on the B7. Something tells me your next car will also be a Alpina.

I would love to see the Alpina B5 being offered stateside. An interesting alternative to the F90 M5.


https://www.alpina-automobiles.com/e...bo/highlights/

[Jason60051]

Stunning! What a machine!

[J-RO]

Beautiful car except of the size of the grille.

[ALPINA_DREAMS]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

I would love to see the Alpina B5 being offered stateside. An interesting alternative to the F90 M5.


https://www.alpina-automobiles.com/e...bo/highlights/

B5 Touring to compete with the E63 wagon....

[GOLFFRR]

stunning automobile. nice post.

[JCZ5]

Was just watching reviews of the MY20 B7. Wish alpina sold the 3 and 5 series here in the states. Lee pics please! Especially of that gorgeous interior

[dezzracer]

Talk about a cruise missile. What a ride. Grill too big tho :

[fl0950]

Hey 530i Driver: I thought about the 760i but there weren't any in the midwest when I was shopping, and I liked the concept of the Alpina better, slightly more performance oriented. And I didn't want screens in the back, which I think are standard on the 760.

As to those commenting on the size of the grill, I was concerned initially too, but now I think it gives the car more presence compared to the previous model. Or maybe I'm just getting used to it.