BMW late September announced the updated Alpina XB7, based on its equally-updated BMW X7 sport-utility with a new-generation mild-hybrid engine. Canada will get the high-performance variant as a 2024 model, with production starting late in 2023.
While the updated X7 makes up to 530 horsepower in its M60i trim, the XB7 will use a 4.4L bi-turbo V8 churning out 631 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Canadian pricing will be announced closer to launch, but already-confirmed pricing south of the border starts at US$145,000.
As with the refresh on the X7, the new XB7 features a new front end with illuminated grille and horizontally-split headlights, and has four oval tailpipes integrated into the rear fascia. Seating is for six or seven.
2024 BMW Alpina XB7 Photo by BMW
2024 BMW Alpina XB7 Photo by BMW
2024 BMW Alpina XB7 Photo by BMW
2024 BMW Alpina XB7 Photo by BMW
2024 BMW Alpina XB7 Photo by BMW
2024 BMW Alpina XB7 Photo by BMW
2024 BMW Alpina XB7 Photo by BMW
2024 BMW Alpina XB7 Photo by BMW
The all-new engine sprints from zero to 96 km/h in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 290 km/h, and its 590 lb-ft of torque peaks at 1,800 rpm. Its two twin-scroll turbochargers are fed by a cross-bank exhaust manifold, and the engine includes external oil and water coolers. The mild hybrid system uses a 48-volt starter-generator integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel “xDrive” is standard, with an electronically-variable limited-slip rear differential calibrated to Alpina specifications, along with air suspension that can be raised or lowered by as much as 40.6 mm, and Alpina-specific dampers and stiffer rear axle bushings to reduce body roll. Active rear steering can pivot the wheels up to 2.3-degrees to the left for low-speed manoeuvring, or to the right for improved higher-speed cornering — yes, even though it’s a tall-and-heavy family-hauler.
Brembo brakes are standard, and wheel choices will be 21-inch with summer or all-season run-flat tires; or 23-inch forged-alloy 20-spoke wheels with Pirelli performance summer tires.
As with the X7, the XB7 will include the latest-generation of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, along with a self-parking feature and trailer reverse assist. The included “Maneuver Assistant” can store up to ten of the places you regularly visit, and when you arrive – say, at the entrance to your driveway – uses GPS data and the memory of your previous steering inputs to turn into it and park, handling the steering, throttle, brakes, and gear shifts.
Unique to the Alpina version, the sport-ute will also include a glass iDrive controller knob, illuminated Alpina door sills and gear shift lever, Alpina sport steering wheel, and leather upholstery with trademark blue and green stitching.
Alpina was founded in 1965 as a family-owned business, working in cooperation with BMW on high-performance versions of its production vehicles. It was registered as an independent automaker in Germany in 1983. Earlier in 2022, BMW announced that when its cooperation agreement with the independent company expires at the end of 2025, both have agreed that Alpina will be sold to the BMW Group.
Keyword: BMW's updated 2024 Alpina XB7 sport-utility churns out 631 hp