Through Ian's Lens: 2007 BMW Alpina B7

What can you say about the outside of a 750 unit, limited-run, $115,000 imported German sedan with a 500 horsepower, supercharged V8 engine? Aesthetically, not much. To the untrained eye, the outside of the 2007 BMW B7 Alpina looks exactly like any other 750 BMW on the market today. A different rear badge, 21-inch rims, and a few slight fascia modifications (like the Alpina insignia on the front spoiler) are about the only portions of the exterior design that set apart the B7 from its equally expensive kin.

But the design and implementation of the interior is where the rare B7 sets itself apart. The thought and effort put into the overall comfort for the driver and the passengers start with the seats themselves. From there, the opulence sweeps through the cabin, with brushed metal highlights on fine wood grain. The interior roof is covered in Alcantara (designer synthetic suede) and the steering wheel is housed in sewn leather. Since the design of this car hinges more on the texture of pretentious materials and not on a color palette, I have chosen to show these images to you black and white. After all, elegance deserves elegance. More photos below.