About to tug the set off on a brand new Vary Rover or Maybach GLS? Maintain your horses as a result of Alpina desires a phrase. No, not Alpine the stereo system. No, not Alpine the Components 1 crew. That is Alpina, an automotive producer based mostly out of Buchloe, Germany that takes inventory BMWs and modifies them with varied hand-finished tweaks and upgrades. Consider it like what Brabus is to Mercedes, or RUF to Porsche, besides these include a full manufacturing facility BMW guarantee. And in contrast to BMW’s M fashions, Alpinas have a heavier emphasis on torque, computerized transmissions, and upscale interiors. Much less of a observe fiend and extra of a gentleman’s categorical.
Alpina has been tinkering with BMWs for the reason that early Nineteen Sixties beginning with carburetors and crankshafts, therefore the Alpina brand. These days Alpina has their arms in virtually each mannequin within the BMW vary however their choices are extra restricted in Canada. On our aspect of the pond, we will solely entry their variants of the 7 Collection (B7), 8 Collection (B8) and X7 (XB7 that you just see right here).
The Alpina XB7 is a high quality type of transport, a first-class practice for the household designed with freeway networks and cross-country tempo in thoughts. It flies beneath the radar as simply as a Tesla in California, or a Volvo wagon in Sweden however there are some distinguishable options to identify an Alpina.
First, the wheels. Each considered one of these Bavarian ships comes with two distinct wheel designs. Alpina Traditional wheels are the extra well-known iteration with their 20-spoke design wrapped beneath 23-inch rubber. Our take a look at automobile was as an alternative adorned with the Alpina Dynamic wheels, which have been 21 inches in dimension and star-like in form. Whereas an absolute menace to wash, they elevate the XB7’s curb attraction to the elevens.
The Alpina physique package and entrance lip spoiler with Alpina lettering neatly spotlight its visible power. The entrance grill lights up for a novel signature at nighttime and the chrome steel quad exhausts and Alpina Inexperienced and Alpina Blue paints are prompt giveaways. One can even choose from the BMW Particular person Manufaktur color palette however why would you? Alpina Inexperienced over Tartufo is a masterpiece. Daytona Violet over Ivory White is a detailed second.
BMW is without doubt one of the solely producers that precisely matches your automobile’s paint color to the stay in-car shows. Our Alpina’s residence menu correctly introduced an Alpina Inexperienced XB7 however with a blacked-out entrance grill and the summer time 23-inch tires as an alternative. What’s neat is that this 360-degree show permits you to rotate and even zoom into the automobile very like the web configurator. It’s basically the automotive equal of checking your self out when strolling previous a storefront’s window. The stay show may even mirror the automobile’s actions from journey peak adjustment, signalling (a BMW rarity, let’s be trustworthy), opened doorways, or rolling and rotating wheels. Intelligent.
The small print proceed into the cabin. There are Alpina logos on the glass rotary dial and door sills, an Alpina manufacturing plaque on the cupholder cowl, and Alpina-specific graphics on the instrument cluster with a purple background and inexperienced and blue accents. The steering wheel is an Alpina unique, wrapped in Lavalina leather-based which is softer and extra buttery than BMW’s Merino leather-based however it’s barely grainier to the contact like there’s a skinny layer of peach fuzz overlaying the floor, however Lavalina presents extra grip and feels extra breathable in consequence. Sadly, you may’t spec out the complete cabin in hand-stitched Lavalina like you may in European markets.
Alpina additionally does away with standard paddle shifters and makes use of button selectors behind the wheel as an alternative (we cheekily name these the nipple shifters). We’re not the largest fan as they’re too small and will be tough to find on a whim. Be that as it could, Alpina has been utilizing these Swap-Tronic buttons earlier than paddle shifters even grew to become mainstream, and the wheel’s distinction stitching is agreeable with blue on the highest and inexperienced on the underside.
Alpina’s largest chariot is a regal expertise with heated armrests, selectable fragrances piping by way of the air vents, an Alcantara headliner, and a big panoramic roof divided into three sections for every row of seats. However we observed some missed alternatives to take the individuality even additional. The important thing fob is identical because the common X7 and would been have good in the event that they added some Alpina badges or colors to the merchandise. We all know how a lot BMW house owners get pleasure from seeing blue roundel badges plastered throughout their automobile however on this Alpina, we don’t suppose there are sufficient of them, particularly on the seats and headrests (although it’s a special story in European markets). There aren’t any Alpina stripes and decals obtainable to be optioned for the Canadian market both and it’s a disgrace there are nonetheless X7 badges on the trunk cargo cowl and the second-row floor-mounted cupholders, mildly chipping away at that visible sense of Alpina exclusivity, and likewise reminding you of its BMW foundations.
The Alpina powertrain is critical. With the assistance of an Alpina-specific engine tune and an up to date cooling system, the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged S68 V8 engine now develops 631 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, which is nineteen hp greater than the 2023 mannequin. Mated to a retuned 8-speed ZF computerized gearbox with a 48-volt starter-generator, this gentle hybrid system positioned inside the transmission ensures smoother begins, torque fill, and an total polish and effectivity that’s now anticipated from this higher echelon of sport SUVs. And with most torque obtainable from as little as 1,800 rpm, the XB7 is fast off the road and reveals nearly no turbo lag. Ought to the necessity for velocity come up, it’ll dash from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, fast sufficient to maintain up with a BMW M2.
However it’s not an pressing or nervous takeoff like with BMW M engines, somewhat it makes use of its swell of torque for a progressive and calm wave that you just journey gently. It’s a torque-forward engine centered on drivability and is what actually units these Alpina engines aside. Despite the fact that there’s related plumbing at work, the XB7 emits a extra mature and complex exhaust be aware than the X7 M60i, one which’s richer and with extra depth to its baritone roar.
Alpina has additionally tinkered with the damper and two-axle air suspension setup, and a journey peak that may change as much as 40.6mm relying on the driving state of affairs. There’s additionally an Alpina-specific driving mode referred to as Consolation Plus which is the place you at all times wish to be. Vertical motions are quelled into barely something noticeable and solely the bumpiest roads will make it quiver. The XB7 wafts and glides about unfazed by what its 21-inch footwear are bulldozing over, it wastes no time settling right into a circulation with the highway, and there’s a degree of chassis fluency right here that you just received’t discover within the X7 M60i. And it’s not just like the engine is sleeping on this mode both. Ground the throttle and the Alpina will immediately get up, kick down a number of gears, and thrust you into one other timezone. Different automobiles really feel lazier of their most comfy modes however the XB7 at all times retains reserves on faucet and we will’t advocate this SUV sufficient in order for you the velocity and luxury of a shinkansen in your loved ones carriage.
Whereas Alpina would historically take a BMW automobile straight off the manufacturing facility flooring and ship it to Buchloe for tuning, the XB7 will as an alternative be constructed alongside the X7 within the Spartanburg manufacturing facility in South Carolina. All of the Alpina-specific components and {hardware} are nonetheless manufactured in Buchloe however are despatched to Spartanburg for ultimate meeting and the ending touches by Alpina-trained engineers. The anticipated high quality reveals.
If you already know, you already know. That’s the gist of the BMW Alpina XB7. It takes the bones of an X7 and creates a wholly new persona that’s remarkably unique and expectedly costly, costing $50,000 greater than the X7 M60i. There’s a refined imperiousness to it, one that may’t be in comparison with a Vary Rover or Maybach, and a rarer one at that. Alpina solely makes a number of thousand automobiles per yr and whereas Canadians aren’t aware of arguably their extra profitable and attainable fashions just like the B3 and B5, the XB7 reveals the world that there’s a marketplace for such a svelte and stylish SUV and that this world wants extra blue and inexperienced.
Specs:
Mannequin: 2025 BMW Alpina XB7
Paint Kind: Alpina Inexperienced Metallic II
Base Worth: $175,000
Worth as Examined: $195,500
Powertrain: 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, 48V gentle hybrid system
Horsepower: 631 hp @ 5,600 – 6,500 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 1,800 – 5,600 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed computerized
Engine & Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, AWD
Noticed Gasoline Economic system (L/100km): 15.4
Tires: 285/45R21; Pirelli Scorpion Winter
