Alpina
B7
Bentley
Continental
Alpina B7 vs Bentley Continental: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Bentley Continental comes out ahead of the Alpina B7 on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
B7
Overall
Owner sentiment is deeply polarized, split between immense satisfaction with the vehicle's unique character and significant apprehension regarding long-term reliability and cost of ownership. The Alpina B7 is universally praised for its exceptional blend of luxury and performance, described as offering "unparalleled comfort" and a "nuclear explosion" of power from its bespoke V8 engines. The driving experience is characterized as a "cocooned" and refined event, with a focus on high-speed stability and smooth, restrained dynamics rather than raw sportiness.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" model year or generation. Feedback is spread across the E65 (2007-2008), F01 (2013-2015), and G11 (2020+) generations, with each noted for its specific engine (supercharged N62, twin-turbo N63, refined N63TU) and associated reliability concerns.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophic engine failures (turbocharger failure leading to oil contamination, head gasket leaks) requiring repairs in the $20,000-$49,000 USD range. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Chronic oil leaks from multiple engine seals (valve cover gaskets, timing chain covers, alternator brackets, valve stem seals). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠High-pressure fuel pump failure. Frequency: recurrent.
Continental
Overall
Owner sentiment is highly contextual, split between profound satisfaction with the vehicle's core attributes and significant apprehension regarding long-term ownership costs. The Continental GT is consistently praised as a supremely comfortable, powerful, and luxurious grand tourer that delivers a unique, commanding presence and a "feeling of supreme luxury." It is described as a "tank" with interiors that hold up very well over time, even in high-mileage examples. However, a very strong and recurrent theme is the extreme cost of maintenance, repairs, and parts, which is characterized as a major financial liability that can quickly eclipse the car's purchase price.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim (e.g., Speed, Supersports) as a consensus "best version." Owner discussions reference various generations (e.g., 2003-2009, Series II 2012-2018) without clear preference. The convertible (Continental GTC) and four-door (Flying Spur) variants are mentioned as alternatives for different use cases.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high maintenance and repair costs: parts and labor are described as "insanity," with examples including $16,000 for an infotainment unit, $24,000 per fender, $8,000 for a bumper cover, $6,000+ for air suspension refurbishment, an…
- ⚠Aging component failures: plastic hoses perishing and dumping fluids, failing headliners, and various electronic module failures in older models. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Potential powertrain concerns (early W12): isolated note that early W12 engines had issues largely addressed in the Series II (2012+) models. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Bentley Continental is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Alpina B7, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Alpina B7 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Alpina B7 or the Bentley Continental?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Alpina B7 and the Bentley Continental. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Alpina B7 or the Bentley Continental?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Alpina B7 is classed as a Sedan, the Bentley Continental as a Cabriolet, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Alpina B7 or the Bentley Continental?
The Bentley Continental is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.6 L/100km combined versus 11.1 L/100km for the Alpina B7, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Alpina B7 or the Bentley Continental?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Alpina B7 than the Bentley Continental. See the known issues comparison above.