2020 Alpina B7: Meet The World’s Fastest Sedan!

This is the third-generation B7 to make its way to the U.S.

German manufacturer Alpina just unveiled the 2020 Alpina B7, the sixth generation based on the BMW 7 Series to get a touch of Alpina style and a heap of Alpina performance. This B7 can accelerate to a mind-boggling top speed of 205 miles per hour. While Alpina has been in the business of building beefed-up BMWs for some time, this is just the 3rd B7 to make its way to the US.

Performance

How did Alpina make this the fastest sedan on sale in the US? As you’d expect from a performance model, they started at the engine. Under the hood is the same 4.4-liter V-8 from the 2020 BMW 7 Series. In stock form it makes 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to shoot from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Alpina have spent considerable time modifying the turbos and intercoolers:

The exhaust side of the turbochargers are equipped with a 54 mm (previously 50 mm) diameter impeller. Additionally, the ALPINA-specific intercoolers feature an interconnection to equalize and reduce pressure pulsations between the two cylinder banks of the V8 engine.

-BMW

That is a lot of technical jargon. What it means is that this engine now makes 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. That is as much power (and more torque) than the current BMW M5. Furthermore, the torque band has been broadened. Peak torque now begins 1,000 RPM lower, reaching from 2,000 RPM all the way up to 5,000 RPM. Acceleration from 0-60 quickens to a rapid 3.5 seconds. These numbers are especially surprising when you consider the 2020 Alpina B7 weighs 4,855 pounds. Part of that acceleration gain comes from an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission powering all four wheels.

Styling

How else has Alpina differentiated the B7 from its BMW-badged sibling? Well, they certainly didn’t get rid of the massive new grille. But, the B7 has a different front splitter with an Alpina logo, different side skirts, and a new rear diffuser with quad exhaust tips. You have the choice of 20-inch or 21-inch (20 spoke) wheels, and a selection of two exclusive, Alpina paint colors, green and blue.

On the inside, the B7 also gets different leather and wood interior trims. Plus, plenty of Alpina bades and new graphics for the digital gauge cluster.

Pricing & Equipment

Pricing for the 2020 Alpina B7 starts at an eye-watering $141,700 plus $995 Destination. That seems like a lot, at first. But, the B7 comes pretty much loaded with most of the more interesting features available on the 2020 7 Series. Plus, this is not even the most expensive 2020 7 Series you can buy. That title goes to the M760i xDrive, which starts $16,000 more than the B7. For that money you get four extra cylinders under the hood. But, 0-60 is still slower than the B7 at 3.6 seconds to highway speed. You can decide which one you would buy.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for the latest news, views & real-world reviews and even more information on the 2020 Alpina B7. Perhaps we will get the chance to drive one and make a full video review in the future.