Vincent Nguyen
September 21, 2022
There’s no substitution for a pure sounding and raw power of a V8 engine. The mid-cycle refreshed 2023 BMW Alpina XB7’s good for a combined output of 630 hp(up 18 hp from the previous generation) and 590 lb-ft of torque. Albeit the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is a mild-hybrid motor that includes a 48-volt hybrid system, it’s still a V8, no less. Combining that with Alpina’s goodness inside and out makes it a compelling option for the right buyer in the uber-luxuriously sporty SUV looking for something more than what the X7 M60i has to offer.
The BMW X7 M60i is what the Alpina XB7 is built off of. It uses the same engine but is tuned to Alpina’s specs, which is good enough to propel this 7,319 lb (total weight) beast from 0-60 in just 3.9 seconds and merely 12.4 seconds for the quarter mile. That’s extremely impressive for a luxury 7-seater. Customers getting the Alpina XB7 with a 21-inch wheel and performance tire package free of charge can drive up to a top speed of 180 mph. Otherwise, you can choose the 20-spoke, 23-inch Pirelli summer tires on Classic wheels.
The motor’s mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive with an electric limited-slip differential on the rear axle. The X7’s ride handling is already fantastic, so it should be nothing less than exceptional, thanks to the two-axle air suspension with Alpina’s specific dampers. For better stability, the XB7 drops by 0.8 inches with speeds over 100 mph and raises the ride height by 1.6 inches at speeds below 19 mph. On the flip side, while in Sport+ mode or speeds over 155 mph, the ride height drops by 1.6 inches. The rear wheel steering adds to the maneuverability and stability, which can articulate up to 2.3 degrees left or right, depending on speeds.
With a fast and heavy SUV, you’d expect some heavy-duty braking components, so the four-piston fixed Brembo calipers clamp on the 15.5-inch discs up front and floating calipers with 15.7-inch discs in the rear.
Exteriorly, it’s business as usual with the unusual horizontally-split headlights; the illuminated kidney grille features a waterfall lighting appearance. Swinging to the back, there are four oval tailpipes – which I’m sure should produce some lovely sounding exhaust notes.
The glass iDrive controller is one of my interior design elements, and in the case of Alpina, the Alipna’s log etching is simply exquisite. Wrapping everything up in Lavalina leather, many options of wood trim and other material choices come at a price starting at $145,995, including a $995 destination charge. Customers putting in orders this month can expect deliveries in early 2023.
