Evaluation: 2024 BMW Alpina XB7 Provides Exclusivity to an All-in-One SUV

It’s robust to make a satisfying luxurious SUV as of late. The section is one large bouillabaisse of disparate automobile attributes thrown collectively, and patrons count on the ensuing autos to ship on all of them with little to no compromise. They’re all-in-one options designed to forestall clients from pondering an excessive amount of about what they need, as a result of it provides them all the pieces. 

Each automaker’s bought their very own recipe, in fact, however after they’re served up, these SUVs can really feel indistinguishable from one another. To the typical luxurious shopper, the spec-sheet trivialities doesn’t actually matter. Cut up hairs all you need about cubic-feet and horsepower, however on the finish of the day, if it’s large, highly effective and from the model they like, it’s a executed deal. 

That’s to not say that everybody can be glad with no matter SUV is put in entrance of them, even when full of all of the bells and whistles. These with the necessity for a bit additional one thing normally must look off-menu for what they crave. On the subject of BMW, these choices come from Alpina, the automaker’s efficiency home that is aware of tips on how to deliver out the most effective of the model’s signature flavors. With the 2024 BMW Alpina XB7, the result’s precisely that: refinement, efficiency and just a bit additional flourish to make the largest Bimmer on the block hit the spot. 

Alpine Recent

The XB7 is Alpina’s tackle the most important SUV in BMW’s lineup, the X7. Like the opposite X7s in the midst of their cycles, the XB7 receives a couple of tweaks this 12 months, most notably a brand new fascia in keeping with the remainder of the lineup, and a leap in energy from its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The output has surged from 612 horsepower to 630, protecting the torque to an already substantial 590 lb-ft.

Other than the numbers themselves, the Alpina-tuned engine differs from the one discovered within the X7 M60i by hitting peak torque sooner and holding it longer. Energy is distributed by an Alpina-specific 8-speed automated transmission married to a 48-volt starter generator and despatched to all 4 wheels. All advised, BMW states the XB7 can go from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds, topping out at 180 mph if outfitted with 21-inch wheels and efficiency tires. It’s greater than you’d ever count on to make use of right here within the States, however understanding that it’s sooner than the X7, which is electronically restricted to 155 mph, is a enjoyable little factoid for XB7 drivers to maintain of their pocket. 

In command of dealing with is an air suspension supported by Alpina dampers that may increase or decrease the XB7’s top on the fly, both by a swap on the middle console or robotically when the BMW is hauling tail at excessive speeds and so hunkers down for higher stability. It’s rounded out by extra struts for superior rigidity along with the rear-wheel steering accessible on the X7. 

Consideration to Element

Many of those tweaks sound just like the aforementioned hair-splitting that many high-end patrons can simply overlook, however Alpina’s experience is refinement, not reinvention. I could run the danger of overusing the work “refined” right here, however that’s in the end how Alpina handles the entire unique X7’s traits. The sleek drive is smoother, the facility stronger and the dealing with sharper. 

When merely driving round city, the XB7 retains its potential obnoxiousness at bay, an even-keeled character holding sway due to its air suspension and further buttressing. The 48-volt motor makes for silky transitions throughout stop-start moments, and energy is delivered evenly by the throttle, avoiding the delayed pedal response usually carried out by automakers as a cruising mode. 

Alternatively, sport settings enhance the BMW’s efficiency facets in a really palpable method, however does with out the jarring shift right into a extra aggressive stance. The SUV as an alternative turns into extra poised and conscious of inputs like throttle and steering. The transition in perspective is augmented by the V8 soundtrack being fed into the cabin to intensify the entire senses, and whereas transferring at a clip, the XB7 nearly blurs the road between sport sedan dealing with and that of simply excellent SUV management. Velocity limits could also be simply damaged, however the Alpina remains to be sure by the legal guidelines of physics, in spite of everything. 

Bavarian Hospitality

The within is as comfy and well-appointed as you’d count on, although it doesn’t differ wildly from the usual X7, aside from the Alpina badging. Premium supplies are nonetheless featured all through, and the dashboard is anchored by the present BMW normal curved show, housing the driving force’s 12.3-inch info gauges together with the 14.9-inch infotainment display. This in flip incorporates the (in)well-known BMW iDrive 8 working system with its myriad customization choices, for higher or worse. We’re far previous the purpose the place there are menus homeowners would by no means suppose to go to throughout their possession of the automobile, solely to come upon them whereas trying to find one thing that ought to’ve been simply accessible within the first place. 

Although the driving force’s seat is the most effective one in the home, the others are truthful runners-up. The XB7’s second row is spacious, with a great deal of leg and headroom, enhanced by the generously proportioned panoramic sunroof above. Fortunately, the third row from the X7 was designed as greater than an afterthought. It’s nonetheless a tighter squeeze for the typical passenger, however BMW has executed its greatest to mitigate the standard claustrophobia-inducing seats with their very own view ports and separate sunroof, together with a set of local weather controls. 

Prime Shelf

With all this stated, is all the additional Alpina taste definitely worth the asking worth? Beginning round $150,000, it’s a hefty leap from the $100,000 or so entry worth of the X7 M60i, an SUV that’s nonetheless fairly proficient in its duties, to not point out the $82,000 X7 xDrive40i.

In a method, it’s like asking what expertise you’re on the lookout for when choosing a single-malt Scotch. A youthful, extra inexpensive bottle would possibly hit the notes you’re after, however the pricier classic brings extra vibrance for these with an appreciation of such issues. Even when drivers have a pattern of the Alpina and verify the variations for themselves, they nonetheless would possibly conclude that, whereas good, the already potent and expensive X7 will just do advantageous, thanks. 

Others nonetheless could be onerous pressed to move up the XB7 after having a style for themselves. The Alpina upgrades are simply felt for many who know what they’re on the lookout for, and the information {that a} higher-yield model of your SUV of selection exists is irresistible sufficient by itself.