Until BMW->ke178 musters up the courage to introduce the M7, enthusiasts will have to keep looking to Alpina->ke1232 if they want a sporty version of the 7 Series.->ke323 In the case of the new 2016 BMW 7 Series, it doesn’t look like they’ll have to wait very long. New spy shots->ke166 seem to show BMW testing the 2016 Alpina B7, and while details are non-existent, it’s a welcome sign that this sport-tuned version is being tested so soon after the sixth-gen 7 Series was released just last month.

Like the U.S.-bound 2016 7 Series, this B7->ke536 was spotted in the long-wheelbase configuration, and it would seem that this powerful offering could be ready soon after this fall’s launch of the standard 7 Series lineup. From the rumors that are starting to swirl about this latest Alpina-tuned BMW, this is going to be one impressive way to mark 50 years of Alpina performance cars.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Alpina B7.

Spy Shots

July 9, 2015 - First testing session

Exterior

Cloaked in BMW’s signature funky camouflage, the only clues that this is the Alpina B7 are the front lip spoiler and an equally subtle decklid spoiler. Aside from these differences, it doesn’t appear that any other visual changes have been made to this prototype, but when it comes time for production, expect the B7 to also wear some sportier wheels, a flashier paint job and more aggressive exhaust outlets.

Interior

Note: 2016 BMW 7 Series interior shown,

The spy shots provided no interior images of the 2016 Alpina B7, but as is the case with current Alpina models, differences will be subtle enough to complement the 7 Series’ already-stunning interior while still adding a little extra distinction to warrant the added price. Today’s B7 gets exclusive accent trims (including piano black) as well as the Alpina logo on the steering wheel, instrument gauges and embroidered on the seat backs.

Drivetrain

Note: 2016 BMW 750i engine bay shown.

As always, the powertrain will be the most interesting part of the 2016 Alpina B7. In its current form, the B7 is the most powerful 7 Series offered cranking out 540 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque from the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8. This is a gain of 95 horsepower over the 750i, which uses the same engine. The 2016 7 Series continues to offer this engine in the 750i, but power output for the B7 is expected to increase even higher, possibly closer to (or above) the 600-horsepower threshold.

Regardless of what power output will be, the B7 will likely be able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds as the standard 445-horsepower 2016 750i can hit that speed in 4.3 seconds – the exact same time, by the way, as the 2015 B7. This is due to a curb weight that has shed 190 pounds, and the B7 should continue to be offered in both rear- and all-wheel drive layouts.

Prices

Looking at the 2015 BMW 7 Series lineup, expect the price of the 2016 Alpina B7 to start considerably higher than the standard 7 Series models and about $3,000 more than the current model (which seems to be the market for the 2016 7 Series). With the new 7 only being sold in the U.S. as a long-wheelbase, that would mean that the new B7 should be priced at around $135,000 for rear-wheel drive and at least $138,000 for xDrive-equipped models.

Competition

2014 Mercedes-AMG S63

With 577 horsepower churned from its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8, the 2015 Mercedes-AMG S63 is the current leader in the segment of insanely powerful, sporty and luxurious sedans,->ke142 and this monster of an engine allows the big AMG->ke8 sedan to sprint from 0-60 in just 3.9 seconds. Not only that, but Mercedes->ke187 also manages to make the S-Class->ke359 (in all forms) more aggressive looking than the 2016 7 Series, and the $141,450 starting price is about spot on for where the 2016 Alpina B7 will be priced.

Read our full review of the Mercedes-AMG S63 here.

2015 Audi A8

Forget the sport-tuned Audi S8,->ke1900 if you’re looking for the most horsepower out of Audi’s->ke14 flagship sedan, then the Audi A8 L W12 is the way to go. This 6.3-liter, 12-cylinder engine lays down an impressive 500 horsepower with all of the luxury and performance the B7 provides. Its $137,900 price tag makes it the most expensive model of the A8->ke1089 lineup, but if performance is more important than luxury, the 520-horsepower 2015 Audi S8 can blast from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds – about 0.5 seconds faster than the A8 L W12.

Read our full review of the 2015 Audi A8 here. and of the 2015 Audi S8 here.

Conclusion

BMW has not released any information or the expected launch date of the 2016 Alpina B7, but with the 7 Series breaking cover last month, the performance version shouldn’t be too far behind. Assuming that the 2017 BMW M7 never makes it into production (based on the various on-again/off-again rumors), the Alpina B7 is about the sportiest way to experience the luxurious land yacht that is the 7 Series.