450kW Alpina XB7 set for debut next week

Alpina will unveil an all-new flagship SUV based on the the big BMW X7 next Tuesday (May 19), and the world debut of the Alpina XB7 will take place on a dedicated website.

Despite being a large, heavy SUV, the respected BMW tuner promises it will deliver a "genuine, high-performance Alpina driving experience".

No official details have been released about the Mercedes-AMG GLS rival, but the safe money is the rapid new Alpina SUV will be based on the range-topping BMW X7 M50i.

That means the German tuner will have the Bavarian car-maker's twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre petrol V8 to extract extra performance from.

In standard form the BMW X7 M50i pumps out 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque, and can launch itself to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds on its way to an artificially-limited 250km/h.

For the XB7, Alpina is likely to go even further than the 447kW/800Nm outputs offered by the same engine in the BMW 5 Series-based B5 Biturbo, thanks to a transmission that's thought to be able to manage more torque.

That means the XB7 could demolish the 0-100km/h dash in less than four seconds and top out at more than 300km/h.

To cope with such high speeds, Alpina is thought to have developed a full package of new aero aids to maintain stability at and around its high speed.

Comprehensive suspension tweaks and larger brakes will also be introduced to ensure the driver can exploit the XB7's added performance over the standard X7.

Inside, the Alpina XB7 will feature an interior tailored to individual buyers' wishes, with leather, wood and a level of detail normally associated with a Rolls-Royce.

That will help to go some way in justifying the substantial price premium expected over the regular BMW X7 M50i.

All will be revealed next week, including whether or not the Alpina XB7 will venture Down Under.