In April of this year, BMW presented the updated X7, and hours later, Alpina unveiled its version of the huge SUV. Following a sneak peek of the EU-spec vehicle last spring, the facelifted Alpina XB7 has been detailed for the US market.
The Alpina XB7 borrows the split-headlight look from the recently updated BMW X7 but stands out thanks to its aggressive lower intake trim and front lip spoiler. At the back, a body-colored bumper insert housing quad exhaust pipes with a circular shape continue the trend.
The SUV is mounted on typical 21-inch wheels with 285/45R21 tires on the front and back. A pair of optional 23-inch alloy wheels with anthracite-finished 20-spoke Alpina Classic wheels is available. The German manufacturer worked with Pirelli to develop a set of high-performance summer tires with dimensions of 285/35R23 up front and 325/35R23 back. Brembo four-piston brake calipers are concealed beneath the front wheels and are responsible for stopping the vehicle.
New trim options including the Alpina Myrtle Luxury Wood, Piano lacquer, and Natural Walnut Anthracite enhance the sensation of luxury within.
Other differences from the standard X7 include an illuminated gear selector, an Alpina-branded iDrive controller, a commemorative plaque on the center console, and illuminated door sills.
The head-up display and the Curved Display are included as standard technology. The latter has a 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. When equipped with Sport and Sport+ variants, the XB7's instruments have distinctive Alpina Blue graphics and Alpina Green drag indications.
The BMW 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with mild hybrid technology is the engine choice for the XB7. The Alpina engineers significantly altered the mill, increasing its previously announced 621 hp to 630 hp. Peak torque, which is available from as low as 1,800 rpm all the way up to 5,600 rpm, stays the same at 800 Nm. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters placed on the steering wheel distributes power to all four wheels.
Performance is noticeably improved as seen by a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than previously. When equipped with the smaller 21-inch wheels, the firm claimed an amazing quarter-mile pace of 12.4 seconds and a high speed of 290 km/h.
Hardware used with the XB7 guarantees that the car maintains stability when turning. It has an electronically variable limited-slip differential and a sophisticated xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Numerous variables, including steering angle, friction coefficients, and wheel speed, are used to continuously modify the degree of lock.
The Active Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Professional packages that come as standard equipment has improved the ADAS kit.
The updated XB7 is now available for purchase from Alpina in the US, with prices starting at $145,000 before a $995 destination fee. The initial deliveries are planned for the first few months of 2019.