What is it?
It's a stretched version of the Alpina B7 BiTurbo, which for the uninitiated is the BMW specialist's rendition of the
latest 7 Series. Power comes from a 4.4-litre V8 with two turbochargers, generating 507bhp and a whopping 516lb.ft of twist.
Why's it here?
Because some Chief Executives think
S-Classes are boring, Maybachs are too Simon Cowell and Phantoms are so 2008. This is the coolest way to be driven about - and possibly the most likely to induce nausea in the back seats. The B7 will deal with 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds, sits on 21-inch rims with tiny sidewalls and consumes fuel at jumbo jet-like rates. At the same time, it's equipped to the hilt and boasts 140mm more legroom than the standard car.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Without taking into account that there's nothing really new here apart from 14cm of extra space, it's a show stopper. You can order one now if you have the likely six-figure price it will command - Alpina doesn't say how much, what with the bespoke-loving clientele at this end of the market. We like.
Mark Nichol - 22 Oct 2009