BMW Alpina Models: A Look at Their History and Performance Upgrades

BMW is known around the world for creating luxury cars that blend style, comfort, and high performance. But for those who want an even more powerful and exclusive driving experience, there’s BMW Alpina. These cars combine BMW’s cutting-edge technology with Alpina’s special performance upgrades. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of BMW Alpina and the unique features that make these models stand out. We’ll also take a closer look at the popular BMW Alpina B7.

A Brief History of BMW Alpina

Alpina began as a small company in 1965, focused on improving the performance of BMW cars. It was started by Burkard Bovensiepen, who first made improvements to BMW carburetors. Over time, Alpina’s reputation grew, and in 1983, it became officially recognized as a car manufacturer in Germany. This close partnership with BMW allowed Alpina to offer cars that weren’t just regular BMW models with a few upgrades—they were special versions that offered a different driving experience.

The Growth of BMW Alpina Models

Since its founding, Alpina has focused on making BMW cars even better by enhancing both their performance and luxury. Alpina cars are designed to be fast and powerful, but they’re also comfortable and stylish for everyday use. Alpina models are known for their precise engineering, smooth driving, and high-end features, making them some of the most desired cars on the road today.

Key Performance Upgrades in BMW Alpina Models

While BMW is already known for its exceptional performance, Alpina takes these cars to another level with a range of enhancements that increase power, improve handling, and add unique design features. Let’s break down some of the key performance upgrades in Alpina models, specifically focusing on the BMW Alpina B7.

Increased Engine Power

One of the standout features of Alpina models is their increased engine power. The BMW Alpina B7 is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine with twin turbochargers, delivering an impressive 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This engine allows the B7 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest luxury sedans available.

1. Larger Turbochargers – The twin turbochargers are a significant upgrade over standard BMW models. These turbochargers force more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and generate more power. This results in faster acceleration and higher top speeds.
2. Improved Cooling Systems – To handle the extra power, Alpina has installed advanced cooling systems that keep the engine operating efficiently. The larger intercoolers and optimized air intakes help manage the increased heat generated by the engine, ensuring that it performs consistently, even during high-speed driving.
3. Fine-Tuned Engine Management – Alpina has refined the engine management system for better fuel injection and ignition timing. This precise tuning allows for optimal performance, giving the driver immediate throttle response and smooth power delivery.

With these upgrades, the BMW Alpina B7 offers a top speed of 205 mph, blending the ultimate in luxury and performance for those who want a car that can compete with the best on the road.

Improved Transmission

The BMW Alpina B7 features an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission that has been specially tuned for performance and comfort. The transmission is designed to handle the car’s immense power while delivering smooth, responsive gear changes.

1. Quicker Shifts – Alpina’s tuning allows for faster shifts between gears, improving acceleration and overall performance. This is particularly noticeable when pushing the car at high speeds, as the transmission adapts to keep the engine in its optimal power range.
2. Adaptive Shift Logic – The transmission in the B7 can adapt to different driving styles. In regular driving, it shifts seamlessly for a smooth, comfortable ride. When driving more aggressively, the transmission holds gears longer to maximize power output, delivering a more engaging driving experience.
3. Performance in Manual Mode – For those who prefer manual control, the B7 also features a manual mode with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. This allows drivers to shift gears manually, offering greater control over the car’s performance.

This combination of quick shifts and adaptability makes the BMW Alpina B7 ideal for both long-distance cruising and high-speed performance driving.

Enhanced Suspension

Alpina has worked extensively on improving the suspension system in the BMW Alpina B7 to ensure it handles like a sports car while providing the comfort expected from a luxury sedan. The B7 comes equipped with an adaptive air suspension system and active roll stabilization, which make it exceptionally stable and smooth on any road.

1. Adaptive Air Suspension – The adaptive air suspension allows the B7 to adjust its ride height and stiffness based on driving conditions. For instance, at high speeds, the suspension automatically lowers the car to improve aerodynamics and stability. At lower speeds, the suspension softens to absorb bumps and provide a smoother ride.
2. Active Roll Stabilization – This system helps the B7 remain flat during cornering, reducing body roll and improving handling. It’s particularly useful for fast cornering, as it keeps the car stable and allows for more precise control.
3. Perfect Balance Between Comfort and Performance – While the B7 is designed to handle like a high-performance vehicle, the suspension ensures that it’s also comfortable for everyday driving. Whether on long highway trips or navigating city streets, the suspension system adapts to provide a balance of comfort and sportiness.

These upgrades make the BMW Alpina B7 feel agile and responsive, while still offering the luxurious, smooth ride that BMW is known for.

Upgraded Brakes

With all the extra power and speed, the BMW Alpina B7 requires a high-performance braking system. Alpina has outfitted the B7 with Brembo brakes, which are larger and more capable than the standard BMW brakes, providing excellent stopping power even under extreme conditions.

1. Larger Brake Discs – The front brakes feature 15.5-inch discs, while the rear brakes come with 14.5-inch discs, both clamped by multi-piston calipers. These larger discs offer more surface area, improving braking efficiency and reducing stopping distances.
2. High-Performance Brake Pads – The B7 is equipped with high-performance brake pads designed to withstand the heat generated during hard braking, ensuring that the brakes maintain their stopping power even after repeated use.
3. Improved Brake Cooling – To prevent overheating, Alpina has added advanced brake cooling systems that help dissipate heat. This ensures that the brakes remain effective, even during spirited driving or in high-performance situations.

These upgrades ensure that the BMW Alpina B7 can safely handle its powerful engine and high speeds, providing the driver with confidence and control at all times.

Unique Design Touches

Alpina doesn’t just focus on performance—design plays a big role in making these cars stand out. The BMW Alpina B7 features a number of exclusive design elements that set it apart from standard BMW models.

1. Custom Alpina Wheels – The B7 comes with 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels that are both lightweight and stylish. These wheels are a signature of Alpina and are designed to reduce unsprung weight, improving the car’s handling and performance.
2. Exclusive Badging and Paint Options – Alpina models are available in unique color options like Alpina Blue and Alpina Green, colors exclusive to the brand. The car is also adorned with Alpina badging throughout, including the front grille, rear trunk lid, and inside the cabin.
3. Aerodynamic Enhancements – The B7’s exterior features subtle aerodynamic tweaks, such as a rear spoiler and a redesigned front bumper. These enhancements help reduce drag and improve the car’s stability at high speeds, while also giving it a distinctive, sporty look.

These design upgrades reflect Alpina’s commitment to combining luxury with high performance, making the BMW Alpina B7 not only a powerful vehicle but also one that turns heads wherever it goes.

The BMW Alpina B7: Power and Luxury Combined

One of the most well-known models in the Alpina lineup is the BMW Alpina B7. This car is based on the 7 Series, but Alpina has made several upgrades to make it even more powerful and luxurious.

Performance of the BMW Alpina B7

The BMW Alpina B7 comes with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This incredible power allows the B7 to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest luxury sedans in the world.

In addition to speed, the BMW Alpina B7 is known for its smooth ride. The car has a specially tuned 8-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This means the car can handle different road conditions easily, providing both stability and high performance.

Interior and Exterior Features of the BMW Alpina B7

Inside, the BMW Alpina B7 is designed for comfort and luxury. The interior features hand-stitched leather seats, custom Alpina badging, and the latest technology, including a high-end sound system and advanced driver assistance features.

On the outside, the BMW Alpina B7 has Alpina’s signature look, with custom multi-spoke wheels, quad exhaust pipes, and a sleek design that enhances its aerodynamics. This car is built to perform, but it also looks stylish and sophisticated.

What is special about a BMW Alpina?

A BMW Alpina is special because it takes the already high-performance BMW vehicles and elevates them to a new level of luxury, power, and exclusivity. Alpina, a separate company with close ties to BMW, fine-tunes BMW models by making enhancements to the engine, transmission, suspension, and overall performance. These cars offer more horsepower and torque than standard BMW models, along with custom features like hand-stitched interiors, unique badging, and exclusive color options. Alpina cars are known for blending top-tier performance with the comfort and refinement expected from a luxury vehicle.

Unlike typical BMW models, Alpina cars are manufactured in limited numbers, making them more exclusive and rare. They are also produced directly on BMW’s assembly lines, meaning Alpina cars receive the same attention to quality control as any other BMW but with the added touch of Alpina’s craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking at the BMW Alpina B7, with its 600-horsepower engine, or other models in the lineup, Alpina vehicles deliver an extraordinary driving experience.

How much is a BMW Alpina?

The price of a BMW Alpina depends on the specific model and the features chosen, but generally, these vehicles are positioned at the higher end of BMW’s pricing spectrum due to their performance upgrades and exclusivity. For example, the B7, a luxury performance sedan based on the BMW 7 Series, starts at around $150,000. This price can increase with additional options and customizations such as unique paint colors, interior upgrades, or advanced technology features.

Other Alpina models, like the BMW Alpina XB7, which is based on the BMW X7 SUV, have a starting price of around $145,000. The price reflects the high-end performance, luxury features, and exclusivity that come with owning an Alpina vehicle. Given that Alpina models are designed for drivers who want the very best in performance and comfort, the cost reflects the premium nature of these cars.

Is ALPINA the same as AMG?

While Alpina and AMG specialize in enhancing performance vehicles, they are different. Alpina works exclusively with BMW, while AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s performance division. Both brands take luxury cars and give them performance upgrades, but they do so in different ways.

Alpina focuses on blending high performance with comfort, making sure the cars are fast but still provide a smooth, luxurious driving experience. Alpina emphasizes a refined, understated approach to power, with finely tuned engines, transmissions, and suspensions that offer a balanced ride.

On the other hand, AMG typically focuses more on aggressive, track-ready performance. AMG cars often have louder exhausts, stiffer suspensions, and more focused handling designed for sporty driving. While both Alpina and AMG cars deliver high performance, Alpina tends to offer a more luxurious, comfort-oriented experience, whereas AMG leans more toward raw power and sportiness.

Can you buy an ALPINA in the US?

Yes, you can buy an Alpina in the US. Alpina models, including the popular BMW Alpina B7 and XB7, are available at select BMW dealerships across the country. While they are not as widely available as standard BMW models due to their limited production, Alpina vehicles can be purchased in the US, and buyers can even customize their cars with special options.

Alpina vehicles sold in the US meet all necessary safety and emissions standards, making them fully road-legal. If you’re interested in buying an Alpina in the US, it’s best to visit a BMW dealership that specializes in high-performance models or reach out directly to inquire about availability and ordering options.

Alpina’s Impact on BMW

Over the years, Alpina has played a big role in pushing the limits of BMW’s performance. These models are proof of how performance and luxury can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re looking at the B7 or any other model in the lineup, you’re getting a car that represents the best of both BMW and Alpina.

Conclusion

BMW Alpina models are the perfect combination of luxury and high performance. From their unique history to their state-of-the-art upgrades, these cars are designed for those who want the best driving experience. If you’re interested in learning more about BMW Alpina or would like to explore the models available, contact us for more information or visit our service page to find out how you can get behind the wheel of one of these amazing vehicles.