Alpina XB7 takes BMW X7 to new extreme

The Alpina XB7 has made its world debut, emerging as the German car-maker’s new flagship SUV and the performance marque’s most powerful model ever.

Based on the extra-large BMW X7, the Alpina XB7 packs an uprated version of the chassis and powertrain seen in the $175,900 BMW X7 M50i, effectively beating its Bavarian partner to an ‘X7 M’ to rival the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63.

That means the big seven-seat luxury SUV scores BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8, eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive system.

However, outputs have been upped to an eye-watering 457kW of power and 800Nm of torque – 67kW and 50Nm more than the X7 M50i.

Alpina says the XB7 will be able to launch from zero to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and top out at 290km/h.

That makes it a full half-second quicker than the X7 M50i, but four-tenths slower than the smaller BMW X5 M and X6 M (3.8sec) and a tenth slower than the BMW X3 and X4 Ms (4.1).

For context, the Lamborghini Urus remains the world’s quickest production SUV (0-100km/h in 3.6sec), followed by the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (3.7), the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q, Audi RSQ8, BMW X5 and X6 Ms and the Mercedes-AMG GLE and GLS 63s (all 3.8sec), and the Bentley Bentayga Speed and Maserati Levante Trofeo (3.9sec).

Even so, given its size, Alpina says the XB7 will offer exceptional driving performance and we’re not surprised, given it rides on a reworked chassis with “cutting-edge suspension technology” and an electronically-variable limited-slip differential.

As well, it benefits from increased body rigidity thanks to an Alpina-specific dome-bulkhead strut, reinforced torsion struts and electromechanical anti-roll bars.

Integral Active Steering is said to give the driver direct steering response with “exceptional feedback” and improved overall agility.

Connecting the Alpina XB7 to the road are Pirelli P Zero ‘ALP’ tyres wrapped around 23-inch forged alloy wheels, behind which are large four-pot brake callipers up front.

The seven-seat super-SUV is also fitted with a stainless steel sports exhaust system, which can be adjusted inside the cabin by switching between comfort and sport modes.

It also gets some aerodynamic updates to help it stay planted on the road, including a new front apron with large air intakes and small diffuser fins in the middle of the rear apron.

Inside, the Alpina XB7 scores Merino leather seats with heating, soft-close doors, Alcantara headlining and a three-part panoramic sunroof.

Also included is an Alpina plaque, illuminated Alpina door sills and a Sport steering wheel wrapped in Lavalina leather with blue and green stitching, while a number of interior finishes can be optioned.

Local pricing and specification will be announced closer to the model’s arrival in early 2021.