Alpina B7 Turbo History

The B7 Turbo, introduced at the 1978 International Motor Show (IAA), was the first complete vehicle Alpina produced as an independent manufacturer. Based on the BMW E12 5 Series (528i), Alpina added twin turbochargers to the 2.8-litre inline-six, lifting output to around 300 PS — making it the world's fastest four-door car at the time.

Production ran from December 1978 to February 1982, with a total of approximately 149 units built. The B7 Turbo's combination of genuine sedan practicality and supercar straight-line performance established Alpina's founding identity: a road car faster than it has any right to be, built in tiny numbers to a hand-crafted standard.

A more powerful B7 S Turbo variant also appeared, pushing output further and cementing the model's legendary status among collectors today.