This fall, BMW will launch the 2020 Alpina B7 in Canada, marking the third generation of this prestigious performance sedan to be available here.
Like previous generations of B7, the 2020 model is based on the BMW 7 Series but takes that flagship sedan a step beyond with a unique powertrain and badging. BMW is showcasing the car this week at the Toronto auto show (officially the Canadian International AutoShow) ahead of its arrival in showrooms.
Under the B7's hood is a 4.4L V8 borrowed from the BMW 750i and tuned for an impressive bonus of 155 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque, for totals of 600 hp and 590 lb-ft. That extra power comes thanks to turbochargers with larger exhaust impellers (54 mm instead of 50 mm), B7-specific intercoolers that equalize and reduce pressure pulses between the engine's two cylinder banks and reprogrammed engine management software. Alpina also fits extra engine water and oil coolers to manage temperatures under high loads.
Alpina's alterations continue in the transmission and xDrive AWD system, both of which are recalibrated for B7 duty. Behind the Alpina's signature wheels are big brakes using brake-by-wire technology.
The B7's 7 Series roots means the latest Alpina creation benefits from BMW's improvements to its flagship. The B7 gets the same improved B-pillar and rear wheel arch sound deadening as the 7 Series, and power window motors calibrated for consistent sound and glass movement.
Also true to the B7's BMW origins, there are pricey options to choose from. Among them is a rear executive lounge seating package that adds four-zone climate control, massaging rear seats with ventilation and a rear-seat entertainment package with two 10-inch displays.
BMW's active driving assistant is standard in B7, bringing collision warning with city braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane departure warning, blind spot detection, traffic jam assistant, active cruise control with stop and go, active lane keeping with side collision avoidance, evasion assistant and cross traffic alert.
There's also a parking assistant that can help find a spot large enough for the B7. A back-up assistant is there to help when rearward visibility is compromised. The car effectively memorizes the steering maneuvers the driver made when driving forward into a parking space and uses those movements to help it trace a route out of the tight spot.
BMW says the Alpina B7 will be available in Canada this fall, with pricing to be announced closer to that date.
You may also like
