Alpina XB7 priced

If you’re in the market for a big, fast seven-seat luxury SUV but the BMW X7 M50i doesn’t quite cut it, the Alpina XB7 could be the answer.

Indeed, in the absence of a full-blown M version of BMW’s biggest SUV, the Alpina XB7 takes the X7 M50i to a new level in terms of both performance and pricing.

On sale now ahead of first deliveries in early 2021, the Alpina XB7 is priced at a cool $264,900 plus on-road costs and its twin-turbo 4.4-litre petrol V8 dishes out a huge 457kW of power and 800Nm of torque.

That’s up 67kW/50Nm on the BMW X7 M50i, making it the most powerful Alpina ever and propelling it to 100km/h in a claimed 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 290km/h.

But it also makes the German BMW tuner’s new SUV flagship $85,000 more expensive than the model on which it’s based (X7 M50i pricing was recently increased to $179,900 plus ORCs).

“The pinnacle of ALPINA motoring has arrived,” said ALPINA Australia National Sales Manager, Phil Jeffery.

“The first ever BMW ALPINA XB7 takes the incredible BMW X7 to new heights, with a focus on ultra-luxury and ultra-performance, that can be truly appreciated every day.”

For further reference, the new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 seven-seater, which is due in local showrooms by October, will pack a 450kW/850Nm 4.0-litre mild-hybrid twin-turbo V8, claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.1sec and an estimated price of around $250K.

As we’ve reported, the first ever Alpina XB7 employs a pair of specific twin-scroll turbochargers with 54mm turbines to develop 800Nm over a broad 2000-5000rpm.

Matched to a heavy-duty ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and Alpina-tuned all-wheel drive, the upgraded engine gets a full stainless steel Alpina sports exhaust system with 10 per cent larger outlets and consumes 12.0L/100km.

Just as active flaps are said to “ensure restrained sophistication in COMFORT mode, while offering pronounced acoustics in SPORT mode”, the XB7’s four-wheel air suspension with specific Alpina hardware is claimed to deliver “optimum comfort and dynamic performance”.

Other unique features include 21-inch Dynamic alloy wheels, specific front and rear bumpers, unique illuminated entry sills, a Lavalina hand-stitched leather steering wheel, glass interior applications and luxury wood trims.

Standard equipment for Australia will include metallic paint, panoramic sunroof, extended Merino leather upholstery, five-zone climate control and Live Cockpit Professional.