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The BMW M760i xDrive isn't as cool as the Alpina B7

Earlier this week, BMW released what we assumed was the new pinnacle of the 7 Series range: the Alpina B7 xDrive. But then we received information about the car you see here, which still isn't a full M7, but uses the name M760i xDrive. What we're trying to figure out is, why would you get the M760i over the brand-new Alpina? Mechanically, and as far as we can tell, the only real difference between the two cars is under the hood. The M760i uses a twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 capable of an estimated 600 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 590 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm. Thing is, the Alpina B7 also makes 600 hp and 590 lb-ft, albeit at higher points in the rev range, from a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. Both cars use all-wheel drive. Both cars have eight-speed automatic transmissions. But while the M760i does the 0-62 run in 3.9 seconds and tops out at an electronically limited 155 miles per hour, the Alpina does 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and runs to an unrestricted 193 mph. For all intents and purposes, the little details about interior refinement and technology are basically the same. It's a top-of-the-line 7 Series, so no matter if you're doing Alpina or M760i, you're getting the best of the best. To us, though, the Alpina represents a package that's more unique. It's certainly a bit flashier, what with its Alpina-correct 21-inch wheels, blue paint, and body kit. But put the two cars next to each other on the street and ask an unknowing pedestrian which one is top dog, and we're willing to bet they'll say Alpina every time. There's no word on pricing for either version of the 7 Series, but we expect they'll be close. The M760's engine will be more expensive, but all those Alpina upgrades certainly won't come cheap. We'll know more closer to the launch of both later this year and in early 2017. For now, read more about the M760i in the press blast below. Related Video: The All-New 2017 BMW M760i xDrive. - Superb performance and exceptional luxury combined. - The allure of the most powerful BMW V12 production engine. - First BMW 7 Series M Performance Automobile. Today, BMW announced the all-new BMW M760i xDrive, the latest addition to the BMW M Performance line-up. With the introduction of the 2017 BMW M760i xDrive, the sixth generation BMW 7 Series adds the first M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder to its offerings.

Watch the next BMW M5 slide its way around the Nurburgring

By now, you've probably seen the spy photos of the next BMW M5 – we posted three sets of camouflaged cars last year. Now comes recently captured video showing three camouflaged examples – including the car shown in our June 2015 photos – lapping Germany's famed Nurburgring. The (obvious) advantage of video when looking at prototypes like this is that we can actually see the vehicle in motion. That allows us to make a couple of educated guesses, particularly when it comes to the rumors about the next M5 moving to an all-wheel-drive setup. In the video, we can clearly see the next super-sedan throw its tail out around a bend. Judging by the way the driver takes the turn and the change in engine note, it looks and sounds like the driver was actively trying to throw the tail out. That could point to a rear-drive layout, or at the very least an AWD setup with a heavy rear-wheel bias. Beyond seeing the M5 sliding about, we also get to hear its thumping, twin-turbo heart at work. It's widely expected BMW's popular 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 will carry on under the hood, and this video gives us absolutely zero reason to think otherwise. It sounds a lot like the current car, down to the abrupt upshifts of the seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. According to the video's caption, that upgraded V8 should get around a 60-horsepower bump, which would put it around 620 hp. That's 20 ponies more than the 30th Anniversary car and would contradict a June 2015 report claiming that M was capping its cars at 600 hp. Related Video:

Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and EV Buyer's Guide: Which one do you want?

If you're shopping for a new vehicle these days, there's a litany of acronyms, buzzwords, and technobabble to further complicate an already difficult decision. But if you're looking at a green powertrain, you have three basic choices to compare: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and "EV" or, electric vehicle. So what are they and which one — if any — is right for you? Research your next new vehicle using Autoblog's Car Finder. Gasoline-Electric Hybrids By now, most people are familiar with the concept of a hybrid car. Thank Toyota's Prius for that. At its most basic, a hybrid vehicle has two powertrains, one gasoline and one electric, which work together for maximum efficiency. At low speeds, the engine can shut off entirely, relying solely on the battery for propulsion. The battery is either charged as you drive by converting kinetic energy into potential energy via a complex regenerative braking system, or directly off of the gas motor. This is a very hands-off, behind-the-scenes system as all the driver has to is put in gas and drive as normal. Hybrids come in all shapes and sizes and, according to the EPA, range in fuel economy from 58 mpg for the Hyundai Ioniq Blue all the way down to 13 mpg for the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta. Best For: Anyone who want to see their fuel consumption go down without many sacrifices. You can easily find a hybrid sedan, hatchback, crossover, SUV or even a pickup truck (i f you can find one). Best of all, a hybrid requires no special equipment to be installed at home, or added work for the driver. Hybrids do cost more than traditionally-powered competitors, so make sure to compare projected fuel savings with how much extra a hybrid will cost – it may take a surprisingly long time to break even. The EPA provides a handy calculator for this very purpose. Our Favorite Hybrids: 2017 Toyota Prius 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid Plug-In Hybrids Sometimes referred to as a PHEV, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, this is a baby-step towards full electrification. Armed with a much larger battery pack than a hybrid, PHEVs can go between 12 ( Mercedes-Benz GLE550e) and 97 ( BMW i3 w/Range Extender) miles on electricity alone depending on the model and your driving style. Like a normal hybrid, the driver is largely unaware of which power source is currently in use, even as they switch over — either because the battery is drained, or the driving circumstances require more power.