The 2023 XB7 does what every car from Alpina is famous for, taking a standard BMW and transforming it into an ultra-luxurious yet ridiculously fast machine. Unfortunately, when the updated X7 came out earlier this year, the design was not to everyone's liking. The XB7, with clever touches from Alpina, changes that. It also adds to the already luxurious features of the X7 through exclusive elements, making it an even more opulent offering from the luxury SUV segment. Alpina has also given the XB7 more power, taking the engine's performance figures considerably higher than the standard X7. Not only this, but it also comes with improved driving dynamics thanks to a completely overhauled suspension.
The New XB7 Pampers With Exclusive Luxury Features
The design of the new BMX X7 might not be to everyone's taste. However, Alpina adds some exciting changes to the XB7's exterior, which gives it a unique appearance. These changes continue inside the cabin as well. Though the cabin layout remains the same as the standard X7, here, too, we see Alpina's exclusive elements. For instance, the XB7 gets the same curved display that houses the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment screen. However, the gauges in the instrument cluster feature the classic Alpina blue color scheme. Similarly, Alpina green accents upon selecting the Sport and Sport+ mode in the XB7.
In addition to these digital changes, the interior of the XB7 also gets other elements that separate it from the standard X7. For example, the controller for the iDrive now features an Alpina glass design while the gear selector illuminates, as do the door sills. In addition, the XB7 gets a hand-finished Alpina sport steering wheel with Lavalina leather and blue/green stitching. The interior wood trim is also exclusive to the XB7 and is available in three choices: Myrtle, Piano lacquer, and Natural Walnut Anthracite.
The Alpina XB7 will be available with a choice of two wheel styles. As standard, it comes with 21-inch rims wrapped in all-season run flats. One can also opt for 23-inch forged alloy wheels with a 20-spoke design finished in Anthracite, which allows for a 7 lbs weight saving due to their forged construction.
The new BMW Alpina XB7 also gets various driver assistance technologies as standard, which further increases its luxury factor. For example, it has an Active Driving Assistance Plus, Parking Assistant Professional, and Trailer Assistant.
The 2023 XB7 Gets More Power Thanks To Alpina Wizardry
The new Alpina XB7 gets the same 4.4-liter V8 engine that powers the current generation of the X7. However, the engine produces considerably more power here than this luxury SUV's regular version. It gets BMW's mild-hybrid technology, churning out 630 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the X7 M60i produces 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. BMW says the XB7 can make the 0-60 MPH sprint in just 3.9 seconds, with a quarter mile time of 12.4 seconds. This luxury seven-seater can reach a top speed of 180 MPH.
The XB7 uses the X7's 8-speed automatic transmission paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. However, unlike the X7, it comes with Alpina Switch-Tronic steering wheel mounted shift buttons and some tinkering from Alpina engineers, allowing for faster shifts. Power from the 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 goes to all four wheels with the help of BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
The Alpina Is Tuned For Better Ride And Handling Than The BMW X7
Alpina has also completely revised the suspension components of the X7 to improve the ride and handling of the XB7. The air suspension of this luxury SUV now features Alpina-specific dampers and kinematics, which allow for up to 1.6-inches of adjustment. For instance, when driving at speeds lower than 19 MPH, the XB7 can raise its suspension height by 1.6 inches, allowing for better ground clearance. Similarly, at speeds above 150 MPH or in Sport mode, the ride height is reduced by 0.8 inches. In Sport+ mode or at speeds above 155 MPH, the ride height is reduced by 1.6 inches, lowering the center of gravity and increasing the high-speed stability.
The XB7 gets electromechanical anti-roll bars and stiffer rear axle bushings to reduce body roll even further. There are also Alpina-specific dome-bulkhead struts and reinforced torsion struts that help in increasing the body rigidity of this massive luxury SUV. The XB7 also has better braking performance thanks to bigger brakes from Brembo, with 15.5-inch discs at the front and 15.7-inch discs at the rear. The brake calipers feature Alpina Blue color with Alpina lettering in white.
To offer better driving dynamics at low speed, the Alpina XB7 comes with rear-wheel steering. This allows the rear wheels of this SUV to pivot up to 2.3-degrees, allowing for more control when navigating this 203.9-inch long SUV around tight spaces. The XB7 has three steering modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. As the name suggests, they alter the steering feedback, allowing for better control in different driving situations.
Source: BMW Alpina