Image: Alpina
Image: Alpina
Image: Alpina
Image: Alpina
Image: Alpina
Image: Alpina
After the recent launch of the BMW X7, the XB7 by Alpina came right after it. A well-muscled vehicle that doesn’t only come with the facelifted looks but also some updates under the bonnet as well. Alpina is a manufacturer of exclusive automobiles founded in 1965, they are known for producing high-end vehicles based on BMW models.
Image: Alpina
The exterior of the Alpina XB7 does not boast many changes, it still looks similar to the standard BMW X7 model on which it is based. The pair of split headlights surrounding the enlarged kidney grilles remain unchanged, but there are subtle upgrades like the Alpina body kit with a front splitter, side skirts and a new rear bumper making the car even more brawny, but elusively.
Upgrades also include a new free-flowing exhaust and new software in the gearbox. Alpina has also designed its engine management system and performance cooling system consisting of an enlarged and optimized main engine cooler with an integrated transmission cooler, external engine oil and water coolers, and a low-temperature cooling circuit (air/water/air) for the Alpina-specific intercooling system.
Image: Alpina
The XB7 comes with 21-inch wheels as standard but there is an option to siz-up to the massive 23-inch alloy wheels with an Alpina Classic 20-spoke design finished in Anthracite. The XB7 also includes air suspension, that can raise the car by 1,6-inches at up to 30 km/h to clear steeper obstacles. It’ll also lower itself by 0,8-inches when the driver hits the Sport mode button or goes over 160 km/h but when you go into Sport Plus and go approximately 250 km/h, the XB7 will drop by a total of 1,6-inches.
The Alpina XB7 builds off the X7 M60i, meaning it uses BMW’s new twin-turbo 4,4-liter V8 with mild-hybrid technology. The XB7 produces a grand total of 470 kW of power, an improved figure from the previously announced 457 kW. The peak torque remains unchanged at 800 N.m with the help of a 48-volt starter-generator coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XB7 has an all-wheel-drive system with an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Braking power is provided by four-piston fixed Brembo calipers clamping onto 15,5-inch discs up front and floating callipers with 15,7-inch discs at the rear.
Image: Alpina
The stylish Alpina touches continue on the inside. Stepping in this luxurious family car, users are welcomed with illuminated door sills, elegant wood or carbon fibre interior trim, a glass Alpina infotainment control dial, blue accents on the centre console and gauge cluster and a unique steering wheel finished in Lavalina leather with blue and green stitching.
Image: Alpina
The Alpina XB7 definitely adds its own unique flavour to the Alpina lineup.
Keyword: The new 2023 Alpina XB7 is a 470 kW family hauler