The Germans are known for combining style, grace, and wickedly fast powertrains — in one elegant package. Some might say it would be spitting in the face of the Bavarian Motor Works to “improve” upon such a legacy. But the folks at Alpina have done just that. Minus the sprayed saliva, of course.
Known officially as the 2021 BMW Alpina XB7, this souped up X7 might sport the badges of both BMW and Alpina. However, it’s all refined muscle. Luxury and refinement await within the cabin. But who wants to pause to enjoy all the plush surroundings when the world flashes before your eyes as you speed down the Autobahn?
Below, we’ve put together the fine details on the Alpina XB7. It’s a model you’ll want to check out, even if it’s just window shopping. Check back with BMW to find out more about this top-tier SUV as they release more information in the coming months.
Performance Specifications
Built exclusively in all-wheel drive, the 2021 Alpina XB7 derives its power from a potent 4.4-liter V8 engine. With 612 horses beneath the hood and 590 lb-ft of torque to get your adventure started, the XB7 makes use of an eight-speed automatic transmission controlled via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Oh, and did we mention the twin turbos responsible for all that boost? Top speed lies somewhere around 180 mph.
Available Colors
Choose from the following colors on your new 2021 BMW Alpina XB7.
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Mineral White Metallic
- Arctic Grey Metallic
- Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
- Ametrin Metallic
Trimlines and Pricing
Now, when it comes to traditional trim levels, the Alpina XB7 doesn’t quite fit the mold. It could technically be considered the top trimline of the regular BMW X7. However, the base X7 SUV is almost half the price of the Apline XB7. So you can see why we are treating it like a whole separate vehicle. Like many luxury vehicles priced north of $100,000, it’s about picking and choosing how you want your XB7 to look. Trust us, there are plenty of ways you can customize this super-fast SUV.
BMW sells the 2021 Alpina XB7 at a starting price of $142,295. Leather seating comes standard, along with soft-close doors, faux-suede headliner material, a panoramic sunroof, and yes, leather along the dash as well. If you don’t want a large slab of glass above you, opt for the LED roof lined with pinpricks of light to mimic the stars. Rear seats are configured in either a three-seat bench or bucket seats, followed by the standard three-passenger third row.
Interior
There are plenty of Alpina logos scattered throughout the interior, from the sport steering wheel to the illuminated door sills. You’ll find still more on the 12.3-inch instrument cluster displaying all the information about what’s going in with your luxury SUV. Accent shades and materials include piano black trim and myrtle luxury wood. A Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround System pushes the price up $3,400. For some, that’s just part of the customization process.
Exterior
When it comes to the exterior, Alpina ups the ante further. A stainless-steel exhaust lets all the neighbors know you’re headed out for a drive. Those four-piston Brembo brakes — and a limited-slip differential in the rear — will keep you from pushing the car too far. You can choose between 21- or 23-inch wheels — pro tip: there’s no wrong answer here.
Ride comfort isn’t mutually exclusive when it comes to handling in the XB7. The folks at Alpina modified “the dampers, anti-roll bars, and rear bushings, as well as strut reinforcements for increased body rigidity.” They also tweaked the front and rear bumpers and a few bits in-between to really give the XB7 a track-ready look.
Safety Features
The 2021 Alpina XB7 has not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
However, BMW couldn’t offer the Alpina XB7 to the public without including cutting edge safety features. Rest assured you’ll be as protected inside as you are couched in luxury. Driver assist features include “blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, rear collision warning, frontal collision warning,” and adaptive cruise control. The Alpina XB7 can also park itself via the Parking Assistant Professional — standard equipment for that above-average price tag.
Fuel Efficiency
Though official ratings haven’t circulated the web yet, FuelEconomy.gov reports the 2021 BMW Alpina XB7 ratings as 15 city and 21 highway MPG. That’s much lower than most crossover SUVs these days. It’s even some lightweight duty trucks, too. However, we’ll let the experts at Jalopnik put it into perspective: “At least you have a 21-gallon fuel tank for those days when you’re running 180 mph between gas stations.” After all, if you can afford the Alpina XB7, chances are you’re not budgeting gas for daily commutes. Why buy an SUV with 612 horsepower if you’re trying to conserve fuel?
Competitors
Believe it or not, the Alpina XB7 actually has quite a few competitors. It just goes to show you that the SUV segment is hot, whether you’re spending $50,000 or $150,000.
The list of popular luxury SUVs includes such heavy-hitters as the Aston Martin DBX, Bentley’s Bentayga Speed, the Lamborghini Urus, and Land Rover’s Range Rover. For anywhere between $100,000 and $200,000, you can purchase a Mercedes-Benz GLS 580, a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, or Audi’s RS Q8. Those are just the SUV models. There are plenty of super cars to go around in this pricey territory too.
Reports state the 2021 Alpina XB7 will arrive on American soil in September. So what do the experts think of this high-priced all-wheel-drive machine?
“Big, brash, and powerful” say the folks over at Automobilemag.com, who note the Alpina XB7 is actually the first model from Alpina to grace North America. Experts at CarBuzz knew “it was only a matter of time before BMW brought an Alpina-branded version stateside.”
Passengers will benefit from ample legroom — at least in the first and second rows — and plenty of luxury upgrade to boot. Carbuzz says the subtle design touch on the exterior will “appeal to the most astute car enthusiasts in need of a family hauler.” Sure, it’s out of the price range of the average American family. But those who can afford the XB7 will love it.
Let’s put it this way. When you need an SUV for a quiet Sunday drive, but only after you’ve shredded the track (and probably some tires), choose the 2021 BMW Alpina XB7. It’s proof you can own an SUV and race it too.
The Last Word
Don’t let the Germans have all the fun. Check out the 2021 Alpina XB7 when it finally arrives stateside. You may be lucky enough to sit in this luxury SUV and gaze at the wonders that nearly $150,000 will buy. Close the doors and stare up at that sparkly headliner. Take a moment to soak it all in. The real world can wait.
Source: BMWUSA.com
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