The refreshed Alpina model takes BMW’s X7 to the extreme with more power, flashy 20-spoke wheels, and a more luxurious interior.
A mid-cycle update for BMW’s largest SUV, the X7, earlier this year brought more powerful and efficient engines and a revised front end with squintier headlights sandwiching the vast front grille. Now BMW has revealed the most expensive and high-performance version of the X7, giving the 2023 Alpina XB7 the same visual upgrades and the most powerful engine in the X7 lineup.
The XB7 continues to use a tuned version of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 found in the X7 M60i, but while the pre-facelift XB7 made 612 horsepower, the new version boosts that to 630 ponies. Torque stays the same at 590 pound-feet—a 37 pound-foot advantage over the M60i—and BMW says the torque peak arrives 200 rpm earlier, at 1800 rpm, and lasts until 5600 rpm. The latest X7’s V-8 also includes 48-volt hybrid assistance that improves engine responsiveness and efficiency, and Alpina’s version of the 4.4-liter also gains a unique cooling system.
The motor is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission which includes the 48-volt starter-generator, and the XB7 has all-wheel-drive with an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle. BMW claims the XB7 can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and run the quarter mile in 12.4 seconds, impressive figures for a vehicle with a curb weight around 6000 pounds. Top speed is said to be 180 mph if the XB7 is outfitted with the performance tire package and 21-inch wheels, which can be added at no extra cost.
The XB7 rides on an air suspension with unique Alpina dampers, and the SUV can raise its ride height by 1.6 inches below 19 mph. Putting the vehicle in Sport mode or driving over 100 mph lowers the XB7 by 0.8 inches, while Sport+ mode or breaking the 155 mph barrier lowers it by 1.6 inches, although we’re not sure where American Alpina owners would reach these speeds in their colossal SUV.
BMW also says the Alpina gains reinforced torsion struts for increased rigidity, while stiffer rear-axle bushings and the M60i’s electromechanical anti-roll bars are said to reduce body roll. Rear-wheel steering, also found on the M60i, can move the rear wheels by up to 2.3 degrees in either direction. Braking power is provided by four-piston fixed Brembo calipers clamping onto 15.5-inch discs up front and floating calipers with 15.7-inch discs at the rear. The calipers are painted in blue with “Alpina” written in white.
The XB7 is available with two wheel choices. 21-inch Dynamic wheels can be had with 285-width summer or all-season rubber at all four corners. The 20-spoke, 23-inch Classic wheels are standard and are wrapped in Pirelli summer tires, with a staggered setup of 285-width tires up front and 325-width at the rear. Other design changes for the XB7 include a new front bumper with chiseled air intakes and a body-colored rear bumper.
Inside, the XB7 is decked out with a glass Alpina infotainment control dial, a blue illuminated gear selector, illuminated door sills, and a unique steering wheel finished in Lavalina leather with blue and green stitching. The gauge clusters are accented by Alpina blue, changing to Alpina green when in Sport or Sport+ modes, and there are three trim options—Myrtle Luxury wood, Piano lacquer, or Natural Walnut Anthracite.
Pricing for the Alpina XB7 will start at $145,995, with deliveries set to begin in early 2023.
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