While the rest of Europe can enjoy BMW‘s xDrive AWD system on the Alpina B7-tuned 7-Series, Brits will have to settle for rear-wheel drive only.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the imposing full-sized luxury saloon will celebrate its UK premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, from June 23 to 26, before going on sale locally, with a £115,000 ($162,825) price tag.
The 608 PS (600 HP) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque developed by the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and channeled to the rear axle through an 8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with Switch-Tronic shift buttons, allow it to sprint from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.0 seconds, unlike its four-wheel drive sibling that needs 3.6 seconds. Top speed stands, in both cases, close to 200 mph (322 km/h).
Drivers can adjust the sound settings by switching between Comfort and Sport models with the Driving Dynamic Control, while the system can automatically adjust the vehicle’s suspension for upcoming corners by using the air suspension and Road Preview. Making sure that speed bumps don’t pose a threat, owners can raise the ride height by 2 cm (0.78 in) when driving at a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h), while above 140 mph (225 km/h), it lowers itself by 2 cm to improve stability.
UK deliveries of the Alpina B7 will commence this fall and it will eventually be joined by the B6, which will feature the same V8 engine as the B5 and B7, with powered channeled to the rear wheels.
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