BMW unveiled the facelifted X7 in April this year and just hours later, Alpina introduced its big SUV version. The XB7 was given the same split headlight appearance as the donor vehicle and now the performance family carrier gets even more power. There is a new announcement coming from Buchloe and there are some points in it that are worth talking about.
First and foremost – the design of the front fascia remains virtually unchanged which means there is a separate pair of headlights surrounding the large kidney grille. The grille is on and there is a waterfall light function available, which can also be activated during driving. The unique Alpina apron gives the SUV a very aggressive look and at the rear, there is a pair of redesigned exhaust pipes integrated neatly into the bumper.
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The large utility sits on standard 21-inch wheels wrapped in 285/45R21 tires front and rear. There is an optional set of 23-inch alloy wheels with an Alpina Classic 20-spoke design in Anthracite finish. The German automaker has teamed up with Pirelli for a special set of performance summer tires measuring 285/35R23 at the front and 325/35R23 at the rear. The four-piston brake calipers from Brembo hide behind the wheels at the front.
Under the hood, the XB7 gets BMW’s new 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 (S68) engine with mild hybrid technology. After extensive modifications by engineers from Alpina, the plant has now developed 630 horsepower (470 kilowatts), up from the previously announced 621 hp (457 kW). Peak torque remains unchanged at 590-pound-feet (800 Newton-meters), available from 1,800 rpm to 5,600 rpm. Power reaches all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
This robust setup ensures this massive SUV can accelerate from rest to 60 miles per hour (0-96 kilometers per hour) in just 3.9 seconds, while its top speed is 180 mph (290 kph). The classic quarter-mile sprint takes 12.4 seconds.
The XB7 comes with hardware that ensures the vehicle remains stable in corners. It includes an intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an electronically variable limited-slip differential. The degree of locking is continuously adjusted depending on many factors, such as wheel speed, coefficient of friction and steering angle.
A highlight in the cabin is the latest generation of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, which is equipped with enhanced voice control functions and a higher level of personalization. In the safety department, there is a new system that uses GPS data and track data registered from previous steering inputs to record and store up to ten different parking maneuvers.
Alpina is now taking orders for the updated XB7 in the United States with prices starting at $145,000 with no destination fee of $995. The first deliveries are scheduled for the first months of next year.
