► BMW X7 gets the Alpina treatment
► 4.4-litre V8, 612bhp, 590lb ft
► A 2.6-tonne SUV capable of 180mph
Alpina, the notorious power and luxury lappers of BMW models, has turned its attention to the gargantuan X7 SUV. What has resulted is the new XB7.
It’s a pretty serious job, with Alpina tweaking everything from the exterior design, adding another veneer of luxury to the cockpit and fettling the X7’s powertrain.
This is the closest we’ll get to an X7 M (for now, our sources suggest one is incoming alongside an X8 M coupe), as the punchiest model BMW makes is the 523bhp M50i.
The Alpina XB7 has a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, just like the M50i does, but power is rated at 612bhp and heavy 590lb ft, set to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto. Despite weighing in at 2655kg, the XB7 can sprint to 62mph in 4.2 seconds, ripping the tarmac underneath in the process no doubt. Top speed is 180mph.
Along with that mammoth powerplant, the XB7 has a limited-slip diff, Alpina’s own sport suspension setup that actively lowers by up to 40mm depending on your speed (it lowers by 20mm at 100mph, then another 20mm at 155mph) and active roll stabilisation. There’s also a bespoke sports exhaust system. On top of that, the XB7 rolls on enormous 23-inch wheels – the largest fitted to an Alpina – and bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres.
Alpina overhauled the front and rear aprons to allow for better cooling and air flow and, naturally, offers plenty of interior customisation. The XB7 is available in four- or five-seat configurations, and special Alpina details in the digital instruments, centre console and leather upholstery options.
The XB7 is available to order now, with first deliveries arriving in December. A UK price is yet to be confirmed but, in Germany, a €155,200 sum before options has been. Expect the UK price to chime in at around £120,000 – around £20k more than an X7 M50i.
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