It’s solely been a few years since we first acquired behind the wheel of the Alpina XB7, however the ultra-luxurious and performance-conscious SUV is already refreshed alongside the remainder of the X7 lineup. There are a bunch of latest styling components, extra energy (duh) and a few stable tech enhancements. Now, I’m not saying that it is best to exit and toss the previous XB7 within the rubbish, however the modifications are sufficient to provide it a re-evaluation and see how the Alpina variant matches into the three-row efficiency SUV section nowadays.
So, listed here are 9 ideas on the Alpina XB7.
1. It makes certain you recognize it’s an Alpina
There’s no mistaking the XB7 for an everyday X7 when it’s charging nose-first at you. The large “ALPINA” spelled out within the decrease bumper space makes certain of it. This space, and all of the bumper bits round it, is without doubt one of the zones that Alpina fussed with for the refresh. Admittedly, there’s lots occurring down there with the splitter, numerous consumption openings and large sensor/radar array. Finally, it makes the XB7 look way more aggressive and outwardly sporty than it did earlier than. That’s in all probability high-quality for those who’re a fan of BMW’s current styling ventures, as a result of it’s all proper up the same alley.
Exterior of that pointy nostril, the signature-style cast Alpina wheels (23 inches in diameter for this utility) look the enterprise, and I simply love the round-tipped quad exhaust in again – it’s a giant enchancment over the extra squared-off recommendations on the X7 M60i.
2. That experience top in Sport Plus is hilariously low
Stick the XB7 into Sport Plus mode; look forward to the air suspension to completely settle (1.6 inches decrease than the usual experience top), then go have a look at what you’ve created. It seems to be just like the hulking mass that’s this three-row SUV is virtually dragging on the bottom. The wheel hole is extra akin to a Porsche 911 at this experience top setting than an SUV, and it’s comical in a good way. Mixed with the XB7’s monumental 325-section-width rears and 285-section-width fronts, this SUV has the looks of a family-hauler turned observe rat. You’ll have onlookers at vehicles and low asking for those who actually slammed an X7, and hilariously, you’ll want to lift the suspension again up for difficult driveways.
3. … and the corresponding experience and dealing with is one other low level
Sadly, that ultra-low experience top solely appears to be a boon for aesthetics, as a result of suspension journey feels prefer it disappears when absolutely lowered, leading to a flinty experience for such a giant car. That Sport Plus mode additionally places the Alpina-specific dampers of their stiffest setting, and the change in suspension geometry ends in larger damaging camber than the usual experience top.
You’d anticipate this and all the opposite Alpina enhancements – stiffer bushings, strengthened torsion struts and distinctive dome-bulkhead struts – would all have a optimistic affect on dealing with efficiency. Nonetheless, the XB7 is not any match for the X7 M60i. It genuinely seems like an aftermarket tuner has gone to work on the suspension versus the M60i, however the finish result’s a stiffer and fewer predictable chassis that by no means fairly feels certain of itself. An intrusive stability management system hops in once you really feel prefer it shouldn’t, and general, the XB7 simply isn’t as put collectively because the all-BMW efforts of the X7. I had considerably extra enjoyable driving the M60i variant in anger final spring, so consider the XB7 as extra luxurious, much less sport.
4. However the acceleration certain is implausible
That mentioned, the 630 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque don’t disappoint. Doled out to all 4 wheels by way of an eight-speed computerized transmission and Alpina-tuned limited-slip differential (within the rear), the XB7 is an alarmingly fast SUV. Whereas it’s powerful to inform if the additional 18 horses from final yr are actually doing a lot, we are able to respect the additional energy’s presence nonetheless. The 0-60 declare of three.9 seconds feels a lot correct, and the 180-mph prime velocity outruns another X7 model.
Listening to the XB7 is gorgeous, too, because it breathes by a sport exhaust system made for the mannequin. The sound is elegant, which implies you’ll comprehend it’s coming, nevertheless it’s not going to set off any automotive alarms within the car parking zone. When you desire a sillier-sounding household hauler, each Cadillac and Dodge have you ever lined.
5. Alpina ought to surrender on the steering wheel button shifters
Man, these button shifters are simply no good. I don’t actually care that there’s a historical past and heritage to the shifter buttons, as a result of since Alpina got here up with the thought a couple of many years in the past, the thought’s been perfected with shift paddles. I misplaced rely in a short time what number of occasions I’d miss the button attempting to up- and downshift all through my week with the Alpina. And never solely are they powerful to make use of, however the really feel of the buttons themselves is nothing particular, only a rubbery click on that makes you yearn for a shift paddle from the primary push.
6. I like all of the Alpina-specific inside upgrades
The X7’s inside is already one of many fanciest of the BMW lineup, however Alpina managed to make it really feel much more particular. For one, you’ll by no means tire of how good that Lavalina leather-based steering wheel feels. It’s the right stage of supple and smooth – significantly, I need this leather-based on each automotive I drive now. However along with the leather-based, the XB7 will get a powerful “Myrtle Luxurious Wooden” trim that’s finished in an ombré type, leaving you with sure sections of darker wooden and different sections which can be lighter. It’s merely pleasant to look at, and anybody who appreciates consideration to element will adore it.
In fact, all of the digital experiences are made distinctive to Alpina, too. You get a blue digital instrument cluster with inexperienced accents to coincide with Alpina’s signature shade scheme. Plus, at evening, the crystal glass gear selector is illuminated in blue as a substitute of the standard BMW orange. As soon as once more, a beautiful attention-to-detail contact that can mean you can respect the automotive’s Alpina character even when it’s darkish out.
7. However why does it nonetheless say “X7” on the sprint?
Actually, guys? Alpina and BMW went to a lot hassle giving this mannequin a novel really feel and vibe to the inside, however the backlit sprint nonetheless says “X7.” It’s an XB7, not an X7! Now your passenger will simply have to take a look at the candy Alpina plaque on the cupholder cowl to know that they’re in one thing particular.
8. It’s actually fairly good at being a luxurious hauler
Trip and dealing with complaints apart in Sport Plus mode, I’m tremendous impressed with this SUV’s consolation and composure in Consolation and Consolation Plus drive modes. With such little sidewall to work with, it’s surprisingly supple. Popping round city and dreary stoplight-to-stoplight driving is made higher with the mild-hybrid functionality added for 2023, and the cabin is whisper-quiet on the freeway save for the tiniest little bit of exhaust noise that by no means appears to completely go away. Nonetheless, the epic 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system could make that disappear very quickly.
9. However I’d moderately park an X7 M60i within the storage
Regardless of all the Alpina’s goodness, the M60i (above, left) is extra my type. It’s rather less shouty when it comes to exterior styling, and its experience and dealing with steadiness is far more holistic, catering to any kind of driving you may wish to do. The XB7 will swimsuit somebody who needs to look the half, whereas the M60i will truly exceed your expectations as a efficiency SUV. Its steering, chassis composure and skill to put down the ability (and even transmission shifting methodology) are all far more my velocity. For turning heads, straight-line craziness and all-out luxurious, although, the Alpina is the king of BMW’s SUV mountain.
Associated video: