Photo: Alpina
Something just doesn’t feel right about the most recent statement a BMW official gave about creating an M7 model. Speaking to MotorTrend at the 2014 LA Auto Show, BMW’s Director of Product Planning, Paul Ferraiolo said that they don’t see the need to enter a new niche like the one represented by extremely powerful limousines. Is that so?
Well, for starters, let’s take a look at BMW’s current line-up, shall we? Not too long ago, the Bavarian brand used to make 5 models in total. Today, the range grew to more than 20 models and it keeps on getting bigger with new ones confirmed every day apparently. They are basically trying to enter every possible niche but not one that has been around for more than 10 years? Something’s fishy.
Mercedes-Benz’s S63 and S65 AMG models are quite popular and so are the ones made by Audi under the S8 moniker. Yet, BMW has no offering in this segment and, according to Ferraiolo, they don’t mean to make one in the near future either.
"We feel really good with what we've got with Alpina," he said, "The 'M' adds sort of a track-element to that, and I don't know if there's a lot of demand for the 7 Series on the track."
Now, as far as Alpina’s B7 Biturbo model goes, we’re all for it. It’s a brilliant package that was developed based on the 750i model, with the 4.4-liter V8 twin turbo engine taken up to 540 HP and 730 Nm of torque and a sprint of just 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph) despite the car’s weight.
However, no matter what Ferraiolo says, that’s not nearly enough to compete in this segment and, seeing as BMW is now tapping into every possible niche out there, the customers are feeling kind-of left out by their favorite manufacturer that is bringing out FWD cars in the meantime.
Mercedes-Benz’s S63 and S65 AMG models are quite popular and so are the ones made by Audi under the S8 moniker. Yet, BMW has no offering in this segment and, according to Ferraiolo, they don’t mean to make one in the near future either.
"We feel really good with what we've got with Alpina," he said, "The 'M' adds sort of a track-element to that, and I don't know if there's a lot of demand for the 7 Series on the track."
Now, as far as Alpina’s B7 Biturbo model goes, we’re all for it. It’s a brilliant package that was developed based on the 750i model, with the 4.4-liter V8 twin turbo engine taken up to 540 HP and 730 Nm of torque and a sprint of just 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph) despite the car’s weight.
However, no matter what Ferraiolo says, that’s not nearly enough to compete in this segment and, seeing as BMW is now tapping into every possible niche out there, the customers are feeling kind-of left out by their favorite manufacturer that is bringing out FWD cars in the meantime.
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