Alpina is now an integral part of BMW, bringing more luxury, unique styling cues, and performance upgrades to the models of the bavarian automaker. The latest example is the facelifted Alpina XB7 which has been detailed for the US market following a preview of the EU-spec model last spring. The flagship trim of the flagship SUV comes with an increased power output of 630 hp while benefiting from a series of styling and tech updates.
As expected, the Alpina XB7 adopts the split-headlight design from the recently facelifted BMW X7, but is distinguished by the front lip spoiler and the sporty trim on the lower intake. A similar theme is applied at the back, with a body-colored bumper insert housing quad exhaust pipes with a round shape.
See Also: ALPINA Seasons The 2023 BMW 3-Series Facelift With A Lot Of Lust
The SUV comes fitted with signature multi-spoke forged wheels measuring 23-inch in diameter. Those come standard, shod in mixed Pirelli tires (285/35ZR23 front and 325/30ZR23 rear). Interestingly Alpina is offering smaller wheels as an option, with 21-inch rims and a pair of more sensible 285/45R21 summer or all-season run-flat tires.
Inside, the premium feeling is amplified thanks to new trim options including the Alpina Myrtle Luxury Wood, the Piano lacquer, and the Natural Walnut Anthracite. The Alpina-branded sport steering wheel is hand-finished in Lavalina leather with blue/green stitching. Other changes compared to the regular X7 include a jewel-like Alpina-branded iDrive controller, a similarly styled gearshift selector with blue illumination, a special plaque on the center console, and illuminated door sills.
Tech-wise, the head-up display, and the Curved Display come standard. The latter combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen incorporating the BMW iDrive 8 infotainment, capable of over-the-air software updates. The XB7 gets unique Alpina Blue graphics for the gauges, and Alpina Green drag indicators when in Sport and Sport+ models. Furthermore, the ADAS kit has been enhanced with the Active Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Professional packages included in the standard equipment.
More Power From The Bi-Turbo V8
The new generation of the bi-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with mild-hybrid technology produces 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque in the US-spec XB7. This figure, made possible by a new exhaust manifold, improved cooling, and an Alpina ECU upgrade, represents an increase of 18 hp (13 kW / 18 PS) compared to its predecessor. The maximum torque figure might be identical to the outgoing XB7, but it is now available through a wider spectrum between 1,800 – 5,600 rpm. Those specs also broaden the gap with the regular BMW X7 M60i which produces 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque from a different version of the same engine.
Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission with the help of the xDrive system and a recalibrated electronically-variable limited-slip differential on the rear axle. The power bump has a noticeable effect on performance, with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 3.9 seconds, or 0.3 seconds faster than before. The company announced an impressive quarter-mile time of 12.4 seconds, and the same top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph) when fitted with the smaller 21-inch wheels.
Predictably, the chassis has been tweaked with the goal of combining comfort and driving dynamics in typical Alpina fashion. The standard two-axle air suspension features Alpina-specific dampers, allowing the ride height to be adjusted by 16 inches (41 mm) depending on the driving mode and the speed. There is an increased negative camber, reinforced torsion struts, and stiffer rear axle bushings. Deceleration is taken care of by blue-painted Alpina-branded four-piston brake calipers by Brembo, and large brake discs measuring 15.5 inches (394 mm) at the front and 15.7 inches (399 mm) at the rear.
The facelifted Alpina BMW XB7 is already available to order in the US, with the first examples set to be delivered in early 2023. As for the starting price, the XB7 has an MSRP of $145,000 plus $995 destination and handling fees which is a substantial premium over the $103,100 of the BMW X7 M60i.
