Technically the 2007 BMW Alpina is part of the flagship 7 series -- the B7 to be exact. Designed to go head-to-head with the Audi S8 and the Mercedes S63 AMG, the Alpina carries a suggested price tag of $115,000. For the money you get 500 horsepower pumping out of a 4.4-liter V8 configured with an automatic transmission with six speeds.

The Alpina first showed up at dealerships back in January but to get one you'll need to place a special order. Expect to wait approximately 4 months, but according to the German entity that has spiffed up other BMW models, they'll build as many as buyers want. (The only other Alpina to make it over the waves to the U.S. was the Roadster V8 modification of the Z8.)

If you put the B7 up beside the standard 7 Series you'll see differences in the bumpers and trim, a spoiler on the back, and wheels of 21 inches with twenty spokes. Inside, the front seats are both ventilated and heated (the rear seats also warm up). The sunshades for folks in the back and the headliner are made of Alcantara leather and if you don't happen to get the doors quite shut, they'll finish the job for you.

This 2007 BMW Alpina version of the well-loved 7 series is tricked out from stem to stern and takes the already distinctive BMW look and feel up several notches. They say good things come to those who wait and four months isn't too long to wait for a luxury vehicle of this premium quality finish and engineering.