Today, ALPINA, together with BMW, introduces the revised version of its exclusive B7 xDrive sedan. The new 2020 B7 is the 6thgeneration full-size performance-luxury model from ALPINA and the 3rd generation of B7 to be available in the U.S.
Smooth performance, explosive power delivery
Besides its much lauded smoothness, the new ALPINA B7 xDrive sedan impresses with its sharpened responsiveness and enhanced power delivery over the entire rpm range. Continuous developments and detailed improvements mean the combination of high torque output and a transmission with great dynamic capabilities results in improved driving performance over its predecessor.
The latest generation 4.4-liter V8 engine with two, twin-scroll turbochargers, direct injection and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing, delivers 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
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. This, together with a new engine management software, means that the peak torque of 590 lb.-ft. is now available from only ,2000 rpm all the way up to 5,000 rpm (previously 3,000 – 5,000 rpm). This leads to significantly improved throttle response, more engaging power delivery and an effective performance gain in the most relevant rpm range.
The new ALPINA B7 now accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds (previously 3.6 seconds) and can reach a maximum speed of 205 mph (previously 194 mph).
All components of the ALPINA high-performance cooling system are designed to remove inefficiencies and maximize effectiveness – special high-volume coolers are interconnected by large diameter piping for maximum throughput. The intercoolers comprise an indirect air to water to air set-up to facilitate short air intake paths. Combined with additional external water coolers and a transmission oil cooler, the system ensures the thermodynamic stability of the twin-turbocharged V8 engine at all times, even under highest loads and high ambient air temperatures.
The new ALPINA B7 features the latest generation 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission from ZF (8HP76) with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC. The transmission software has been thoroughly reworked by ALPINA and adapted specifically to the performance characteristics of the new twin-turbocharged V8, offering exceptional driving comfort and performance in all situations.
Close gear ratios and a total spread of 7.81:1 results in high levels of shift comfort and efficiency. In Automatic Mode the combination of eight gears and high engine torque facilitate relaxed cruising at low engine rpm even when travelling at higher speeds. In Sport Mode, the shift times have been improved over the previous generation of B7 and are now considerably quicker.
Transmission components such as the torque converter with lock-up clutch and the planetary gear sets are reinforced and along with the inner transmission cooling are designed to cope with the high torque output of the twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This means that no torque reduction is necessary during upshifts.
The stainless steel ALPINA sports exhaust system is responsible for a reduction in both back pressure and weight. Active exhaust valves allow the driver to change the sound experience by using the Driving Experience Control switch to select between Comfort and Sport Mode. In typical ALPINA fashion: the two twin tailpipes of the exhaust system are integrated elegantly into the rear bumper.
ALPINA sport suspension offers agility and unrivalled comfort.
The new ALPINA B7 combines the latest suspension technology to offer exceptional ride comfort at any speeds as well as unrivalled agility and precise handling.
The standard two-axle air suspension system combined with Dynamic Damper Control and Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview guarantees the very highest level of driving comfort while Active Roll Stabilization minimizes body roll during cornering. The rear-axle steering of the standard Integral Active Steering system gives the new ALPINA B7 class-leading levels of dynamic performance and light-footed handling.
Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview also includes an anticipatory chassis control function. The advance information for controlling the combination of chassis systems is learned from driving style analysis readings, data from the navigation system and a stereo camera, and significantly increases ride comfort and active safety.
While the two-axle air suspension system with auto-levelling function is primarily responsible for the exceptional level of ride comfort, it also enables the ride height to be adjusted by a total of 1.4”. At speeds above 140 mph or when selecting Sport+ Mode the new ALPINA B7 automatically reduces its ride height by 0.6” for a lower center-of-gravity and improved handling. When needed, the ride height can also be raised by 0.8” up to a speed of 20 mph to increase ground clearance.
The settings of the Electronic Damper Control, which influences both rebound and compression, can be selected using the Driving Experience Control switch. A broad range of ALPINA damper set-ups are available ranging from Comfort+ Mode for effortless and relaxed cruising to ALPINA Sport+ Mode for maximum dynamic performance.
Standard Integral Active Sport Steering
In conjunction with the high-performance drivetrain and all-wheel drive system, the Integral Active Steering offers a driving experience par excellence. It combines a variable-ratio electric steering system at the front axle with active steering on the rear axle whereby the wheels can turn a maximum of 3 degrees. Specially calibrated to the ALPINA suspension and non-runflat MICHELIN® performance tires, the rear axle steers opposed to the front axle at low speeds for increased agility and dynamic handling. Conversely at higher speeds the rear axle steers with the front axle for maximum directional stability.
ALPINA CLASSIC wheels and model-specific MICHELIN® performance tires
The new ALPINA B7 is fitted with MICHELIN® performance tires measuring 255/40 ZR20 at the front and 295/35 ZR20 at the rear, mounted on 8.5 x 20” and 10 x 20” ALPINA CLASSIC wheels. Optional 21” ALPINA CLASSIC wheels feature a super-minimalistic design – high-density and high-strength aluminium as a result of forging leads to a weight saving of more than 20% of unsprung mass per wheel. The MICHELIN® performance tires are specifically designed to meet the demands of high-performance sports cars. They contribute directly to the precise steering feel of the new ALPINA B7 while foregoing run-flat technology in the interests of improved ride comfort. For those customers who desire it, 20” all-season tires are available as a no-cost option.
Performance brake system
A revised brake system, now utilizing brake-by-wire technology, combines powerful stopping power with consistent brake pedal feedback. On the front axle, 4-piston fixed calipers are paired with 15.55 x 1.42 inch discs. On the rear axle, floating calipers are now paired with larger 15.67 x 1.10 inch discs.
BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system with ALPINA calibration.
The all-wheel drive system builds upon the technical potential of BMW’s xDrive system and its intelligent distribution of drive power which continuously distributes torque between the front and rear axle within milliseconds for maximum traction and control. The programming of the torque distribution control, which is connected with the Dynamic Stability Control and the engine management system, is performance-oriented and increases agility and driving dynamics markedly – especially under lateral acceleration – while maintaining balanced and neutral handling.
Exterior Design.
The design of the 7 Series, the quintessential BMW flagship sedan, has for generations been characterised by a progressive, sporting elegance. The iconic BMW kidney grill has grown in size and function and, together with new slim headlights makes up the powerful front end appearance. The new, more modern appearance of the ALPINA styling and aerodynamic elements accentuate the visual presence of the new ALPINA B7 and its performance character.
A new front bumper with functional air intakes, free-floating ALPINA lettering and horizontal character lines works in conjunction with the rear spoiler in order to effectively reduce lift to almost zero at the front and rear axle for excellent high-speed stability.
The ALPINA stainless steel sports exhaust system features two elliptical twin tailpipes that are neatly integrated in the rear bumper and give the rear a smooth, elegant look.
The exclusive paint finishes in ALPINA Blue metallic and ALPINA Green metallic are hallmark feature reserved solely for BMW ALPINA automobiles. A wide range of other BMW and BMW Individual paint finishes are also available.
Interior Design and Equipment.
Generous levels of space, carefully selected materials, harmoniously coordinated design details and exclusive workmanship combine to create a luxurious interior ambience in the new ALPINA B7. An extensive range of standard equipment ensures maximum well-being and comfort for driver and passengers alike.
Nappa leather, multifunctional comfort seats, leather instrument panel, ceramic inserts on control elements and soft close doors come as standard. Features such as a full-color head-up display, a rear view camera, and the latest BMW iDrive 7 navigation and communication systems help support effortless driving.
Subtle ALPINA detailing ads exclusivity and individual style to the new ALPINA B7’s interior. Hand-finished using exceptionally high-quality LAVALINA leather, the sports steering wheel with blue and green stitching is captivating at the very first touch due to its luxurious feel.
Contemporary Piano lacquer or classic Myrtle Luxury Wood interior trim, door sills with blue illumination, ALPINA B7 model inscriptions and an individual production plaque are examples of exclusive equipment features.
The advanced full-color digital instrument display features a new ALPINA design with a classic or dynamic visualisation depending on the selected driving mode. It is networked to the latest connectivity and communication functions.
Enhanced acoustic comfort.
A series of refinements serve to enhance the acoustic comfort aboard the new ALPINA B7. The level of tire noise reaching the rear compartment of the exclusive performance-luxury sedans has been reduced by new shielding in the rear wheel arches. A further reduction in the interior noise level is attained through enhanced sound insulation elements in the B-pillar area, the seatbelt outlet covers and the rear seat backrest. Laminated glass with an increased thickness of 0.2 inches is now used not only for the windscreen, but also for the side windows and rear window.
The improved sound insulation is a significant factor in the superior level of comfort provided by the new ALPINA B7. The electric power windows feature new drive motors and control units which ensure precise power management, smooth movement and a consistent sound when the windows are lowered and raised.
Passenger comfort in a class of its own: Rear Executive Lounge seating, Touch Command, Rear-seat entertainment.
Available as an optional package, the Rear Executive Lounge Seating appointments maximize the luxury and passenger comfort of the rear compartment. In addition to four-zone automatic climate control and individual electrically adjustable comfort seats with massage function, the equipment package also includes active seat ventilation for all seats and an Executive Lounge Rear Console with Rear-seat entertainment Experience including a BMW Touch Command tablet.
The Rear-seat entertainment system comprises two 10-inch full-HD displays complete with a Blu-ray player. The system allows users to access the entertainment, navigation and online functions of the vehicle from the rear seats. The viewing angle of the screens, which now have touchscreen functionality, can be adjusted in accordance with the rear seat passengers’ seat position. Further improved hardware is the defining characteristic of the latest version of the BMW Touch Command unit. This removable tablet with a screen diagonal of seven inches can be used from any seat and even outside the vehicle. It lets the occupants operate comfort functions such as seat adjustment, interior lighting and climate control, as well as the infotainment, navigation and communication systems. It can also be used to play external audio and video files. The graphics and menu system of the BMW Touch Command tablet and the Rear-seat entertainment Experience displays are now aligned with the software features and functionality of BMW iDrive 7, which is also used for the all-digital displays of the instrument cluster and Control Display in the new ALPINA B7 to create an environment with a contemporary look and feel focused on the individual needs of the user.
Driver assistance systems. Heading down the road to automated assisted driving in comfort and safety.
The new ALPINA B7 underlines its status as one of the performance-luxury segment’s most innovative models with a comprehensive range of standard and optional driver assistance systems. Numerous new functions have been added through the introduction of BMW’s latest generation of advanced driver assists systems, which come to the driver’s aid in all sorts of different situations and specifically enhance various aspects of comfort and safety in the process. They ease the driver’s workload in monotonous driving conditions, such as traffic jams and slow moving traffic, and make it easier to stay in complete control in awkward traffic situations. Camera images and the data gathered by radar and ultrasonic sensors are used to monitor the vehicle’s surrounding area and either alert the driver to hazards or minimize the risk of an accident by means of corrective braking and steering. The assistance systems fitted in the new ALPINA B7 with their impressive wealth of features demonstrate how much progress has been made along the road to automated driving.
The Active Driving Assistant package is standard equipment for the new ALPINA B7. Based on camera and radar technology, it includes the Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, the latest version of which also alerts the driver when a cyclist is detected. The Active Driving Assistant additionally includes the Lane Departure Warning Blind Spot Detection systems, which are operational from 44–130 mph and from 12 mph up to top speed respectively and help the driver guide the vehicle back onto the correct path with an active turn of the steering wheel. The Active Driving Assistant also features the Speed Limit Info system, Rear Collision Preparation and Cross Traffic Alert, which mitigate rear end collisions.
Driving Assistance Professional: complete assistance for comfortable and safe driving.
The standard Driving Assistance Professional package adds the Driving Assistance Professional suite of features. It offers extensive assistance to make driving as safe and as comfortable as possible. This comprehensive package adds Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision avoidance, Steering & Traffic Jam Assistant, Automatic Lane Change and Evasion Assistant & Cross Traffic alert.
Extended Traffic Jam Assist for limited access highways greatly eases the driver’s burden during what may be the most tedious part of driving, stop and go highway traffic. Operating at speeds up to 37 mph on divided highways, this assist system uses the interior driver-facing camera to allow the driver extended hands off driving as long as they are attentive to the road ahead. It also handles acceleration and braking and is capable of adapting the road speed to the planned route with the help of navigation data. As a result, the vehicle is automatically decelerated to an appropriate speed in preparation for bends, junctions or roundabouts ahead. The camera-based traffic sign recognition system makes use of the navigation data to glean information about upcoming speed restrictions so that they can be taken into consideration in advance.
Evasion Assistant & Cross-traffic alert can help avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians suddenly appearing in the driver’s path. As soon as an evasive maneuver corresponding to such a scenario is detected, the system supports the driver when they steer the vehicle into a clear adjacent lane.
Improved driver focus and visibility in the dark: BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Night Vision.
By projecting information graphics onto the windscreen, the optional BMW Head-Up Display provides a particularly effective means of focusing on the task of driving. The system mirrors the information directly into the driver’s field of vision where it can be assimilated without any need for them to divert their eyes from the road. This includes details of vehicle speed, speed limits and overtaking restrictions, Check Control messages, status indicators and warnings from other assistance systems, detailed turn instructions, plus telephone and entertainment lists.
The optional BMW Night Vision system includes pedestrian and animal detection as well as a marker light. It relays a real-time video image to the Control Display showing persons, larger animals and other heat-emitting objects. Any objects detected are additionally illuminated using the headlights’ marker light function.
A helping hand with parking and maneuvering: standard Parking Assistant Plus and rear view camera.
Drivers of the new ALPINA B7 also receive effective assistance when parking and maneuvering. The standard Active Park Distance Control (PDC) with sensors at both the front and rear has a range of functions, including not just visual and acoustic warnings but also automatic application of the brakes to prevent collisions with obstacles in the area surrounding the vehicle.
A rear view camera comes standard, as does the Automatic Parking Assistant for automatically selecting and maneuvering into spaces that can now be either parallel or perpendicular to the road. Suitable parking spots are identified with the help of ultrasonic sensors as the vehicle drives past. During the parking maneuver, the system takes care of controlling the accelerator, brakes and steering as well as changing gear. In addition to this, the system can be used for automatically maneuvering out of parallel parking spaces too.
Unique in segment: Back-Up Assistant.
Another of the standard Parking Assistant Plus’s features is the ingenious Back-Up Assistant, which helps the driver to exit parking spots or maneuver when space is limited. This system is the only one of its kind in this segment and offers the highly convenient facility of automated reversing, especially in confined spaces or situations where the driver does not have a clear view, such as multi-story car parks, entrances to courtyards or narrow driveways. This is done by storing the steering movements made during the vehicle’s last forward maneuver when travelling at speeds up to 22 mph. The system is then able to steer the vehicle for distances of up to 50 yards along exactly the same line it took when moving forward. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals and monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
The Panorama View and 3D Top View features are used to depict a 360° image of the vehicle and its surroundings from different perspectives in the Control Display. The Remote 3D View function additionally gives drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and its immediate vicinity on their smartphone.
BMW Live Cockpit featuring BMW iDrive 7.0 Operating System, BMW Connected and ConnectedDrive. Digital, intelligent and totally connected.
Standard on the new ALPINA B7 is the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an intelligent, digital helper which responds to the prompt “Hey BMW” and is an intrinsic element of the iDrive 7 operating system. The BMW Group is set to revolutionize driving ease with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, as it marks the start of a new era in which drivers will increasingly be able to operate their car, access its functions and obtain information simply by speaking.
BMWs acquire a digital personality.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant learns routines and habits, and is subsequently able to apply them in the appropriate context. It helps the driver, learns their preferences and is familiar with the settings they like to have for the seat heating, for example, or the places they navigate to frequently (“Take me home”). One unique feature compared with other digital assistants of this type is the option of naming it (such as “Charlie”) for even greater individuality and personality. Not only does the assistant await the driver’s every command, it’s always there to assist and even provide casual conversation. It is familiar with the vehicle’s functions and is able to operate them as required. Saying “Hey BMW, I’m cold” will prompt the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant to adjust the temperature inside the car accordingly. Ongoing improvement of the technology will enable it to learn more and more preferences and favorite settings in future. The assistant gets better and better with every command given, every question asked and every setting made.
Always on board: the digital BMW expert.
The arrival of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant ensures there is always a genuine BMW professional on board. It is able to explain all sorts of different functions (“How does Park Distance Control work?”), provide current status information (“Is the oil level okay?”) and help answer questions (“What warning messages do I have?”). It knows the driver’s favorite settings, and can even activate a combination of them to enhance wellbeing. For instance, “Hey BMW, I’m tired” triggers a vitality program that adjusts the lighting mood, music and temperature, among other things, in order to make the driver feel more alert.
Connected Navigation with new digital services.
“Connected Navigation” encompasses a number of digital services that are designed to turn seamless and contextual route planning both inside and outside the BMW into an even more sophisticated experience. Drivers of the new ALPINA B7 can share destinations from some of their favorite apps straight to their car’s navigation system. The key destinations will be stored in BMW Connected and synchronized with the car, so that the most important addresses can be accessed from any device at any time. One particularly helpful new feature is the Automatic Parking, which proposes various parking options both on and off street before the destination is reached. This service provides information on the nearest parking lots and garages as well as proposing routes offering a particularly good chance of finding a parking spot close to the destination. To help create the new Automatic Parking Assistant, the existing On-Street Parking Information data and Parkmobile services have been intelligently incorporated into its scope of functions.
Exactly the right information at just the right time: the ALPINA B7 with BMW iDrive 7.0 Operating System.
The newly designed screen grouping comprising the instrument cluster and Control Display, together with the inclusion of new functions, enables intuitive operation to be taken to the next level in the new ALPINA B7, while helping drivers to concentrate even more effectively on the road ahead. The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional comprises a fully digital, high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches and a Control Display measuring 10.25 inches across. This package of equipment also features an adaptive navigation system and a hard-drive-based multimedia system with 20 GB of storage.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional brings the 7th generation of BMW iDrive to the new ALPINA B7. The operating system’s most recent incarnation boasts all-digital displays and is geared more closely to the driver’s personal needs – with the aim of maximizing their attention levels. The system’s clear presentation and structuring is designed to provide drivers with the right information at the right time, aided further by the customizable and personalized content. The redesigned information display in the center of the instrument cluster now leaves enough room for an excerpt from the navigation map, for instance. In the main menu on the Control Display, the driver is able to create and individually configure up to ten pages, each showing two to four widgets (tiles) with live content such as navigation, vehicle information and entertainment. Both the content and the graphics are personalized to an even greater degree, as illustrated by the vehicle mock-up that matches the actual model and body color. The intuitive multimodal interaction between driver and vehicle benefits from further improvement. The Control Display graphics adapt depending on the operating method and the voice control system based on natural language understanding is better than ever. Depending on the situation, the driver can choose from the familiar iDrive Controller, the steering wheel controls, touch screen control, voice control or gesture control, depending on the preferences of the driver.
Extensive Standard Equipment
The new ALPINA B7 comes standard with an extensive list of equipment, from comfort to safety. Standard features include Dynamic Damper Control and two-axle air suspension, Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview, soft-close automatic doors and comfort access keyless entry, panoramic sunroof, power rear sunshades, front ventilated and heated multi-contour seats with massage feature, heated front seat armrests, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Harman –Kardon surround sound system, Adaptive Full LED lights with Automatic High beams, Wireless Charging, Gesture Control, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Apple CarPlay Compatibility with 1-year trial, Multi-contour seats, split-fold-down rear seats and Ambient lighting.
Standard assist systems include the Active Driving Assistant Professional which includes Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways, Active Blindspot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Information, and Rear-Cross-traffic Alert and Collision preparation. The standard Parking Assistant Plus, includes Active Park Distance Control, Surround View 3D Camera system and the Back-up Assistant.
Options and Packages
Nappa Leather with Quilting – A new Nappa leather with extended quilting is now available in Mocha and Cognac color choices. The extensive, three-dimensional surface quilting is found on the front and rear seat cushions and backrests, the armrests integrated in the door trim and the center console and gives the interior a further touch of luxury.
Full Merino Leather – The interior leather can be upgraded from Nappa to a full Merino leather in six color combinations, including Amarone Brown/Black, Fiona Red/Black, Smoke White/Black, Cashmere Beige/Black, Black and Tartufo.
Interior Design Package – includes wood grab handles, Rear Seat Belt Cover in wood trim, Rear Center armrest with wood trim, Luxury Rear Floor Mats and Alcantara Headliner in Coordinated Upholstery Color.
Luxury Rear Seating Package – includes rear ventilated seats, rear comfort seats, heated steering wheel with front & rear Heated seats and armrests, rear massaging seats and 7 inch Touch Command Tablet.
Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package – includes Electric Reclining Seat and Footrest, Executive Lounge Rear Console and Rear-seat entertainment Professional.
Individually available notable options include: Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, BMW Laserlight, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, Rear-seat Entertainment Professional, Night Vison with Pedestrian Detection and 21 inch ALPINA CLASSIC wheels
The article WORLD PREMIERE: 2020 ALPINA B7 xDrive Sedan appeared first on BMW BLOG
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