BMW Alpina XB7: The Best Of Look, Performance And Feel
The BMW X series has been one of the most acknowledged and celebrated among the brand’s flagship ranges; the German marque has collaborated with Alpina Automobiles to take it to a newer level. The BMW Alpina XB7 is a mammoth with immense power, refined craftsmanship and unparalleled luxury.
Photo Credit: Alpina Automobiles
The state-of-the-art high-performance powertrain spawns the powerful and confident character of the new BMW Alpina XB7 and offers linear power delivery across the entire engine speed range. The 4.4-litre V8 engine with bi-turbo charging delivers an impressive output of 457 kW (621 hp) and a maximum torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) available from just 2000 rpm. The BMW Alpina XB7 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 290 km/h (180 mph)(1), placing it firmly among the highest-performing Sports Activity Vehicles in the world.
Photo Credit: Alpina Automobiles
The latest car also offers “unrivalled agility”, courtesy of its rear-wheel steering system and a bespoke suspension set-up comprising dual-axle air suspension, active roll stabilization functionality and returned damper settings. The XB7 also gains reinforced torsion struts and a new dome-bulkhead strut for enhanced rigidity through corners. In SPORT and SPORT+ modes, shift points are optimized for driving performance, and gear shifts are considerably more dynamic. The COMFORT and COMFORT+ mode allow for relaxed, luxurious cruising at low engine rpm even when travelling at highway speeds, taking advantage of the signature ALPINA torque responsiveness.
Photo Credit: Alpina Automobiles
The BMW Alpina XB7 all-wheel drive is based on the BMW xDrive system, which fully and variably distributes torque as required between the front and rear axles. The Alpina specific adaptation of the torque distribution maximizes traction and neutral driving dynamics in all conditions. The XB7 also has a new front splitter with larger-than-standard air intakes and a reshaped rear bumper that houses four exhaust outlets, and a subtle new diffuser. The XB7 is supported by a set of 21in five-spoke alloy wheels. Still, an optional set of 23in forged alloy wheels, designed in Alpina’s characteristic 20-spoke pattern, are available and can be optionally finished in Anthracite Grey. The high-performance summer tyres for the 23 “wheels have been explicitly developed and specified for the BMW Alpina XB7 by Pirelli.
Photo Credit: Alpina Automobiles
The interior of the BMW Alpina XB7 features a whole set of distinguishing details and features that set it apart from the mainstream, including exclusive’ Crafted Clarity’ glass application, iDrive controller in ALPINA design, and more. The blue illuminated gear selector switch, ALPINA production plaque, illuminated ALPINA door sills produce more than 15,000 light patterns – a great detail to the interior. The unique ALPINA Sport steering wheel is hand-finished in the finest Lavalina leather and featuring trademark Blue/ Green stitching.
