Alpina debuted the new B7 sedan at this year’s Chicago auto show and the big news was the car’s availability in either short- or long-wheelbase configuration. The previous B7 was only available as a SWB car in the U.S. and ended up stepping on the M5’s toes as a result. With significant revisions to BMW's standard 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 that include new pistons, larger intercoolers, and increased boost pressure, the B7 was said to be good for a well-rounded 500 horsepower and a full 516 pound-feet of torque. Hook that type of power up to the B7's rear wheels and the improvements were good for 4.5-second 0 to 60 mph launches when the sun is shining and roads are dry. So what about when conditions aren't quite so good?
That's where the 2011 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive comes in. With BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the latest Alpina sticks to the street, even if that street is wet or snowy. As with the standard B7 (if you can call any Alpina 'standard,' that is), both short- and long-wheelbase options will be available. Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but you can expect the standard xDrive premium to be tacked on for the advantage of all-weather capability.