2023 BMW Alpina XB7 First Look: The Cure for the Common X7?

When we last checked in with the BMW Alpina XB7, we loved the fact that it delivered M-level performance out of the nearly three-ton, three-row BMW X7 SUV. While the 2023 X7 gets a face lift only a mother could love, the Alpina version—from BMW's now-captured former tuner—seems to round off some of that update's edges while adding more power (and mild hybridization) to the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8. Its scorching performance, however, comes in with an equally hot price.

It Started as an X7, but It's Strikingly Different

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The 2023 BMW X7 has a love-it-or-hate-it look with its redesigned "squinty" running lights and separate headlights. The Alpina XB7, though, somehow looks better. Alpina modified BMWs horizontally-separated headlights, brightening up the lower-mounted headlights so they don't recede into the bumper the way they do on regular '23 X7s. As on the high-performance 2023 BMW X7 M60 model, the Alpina gains backlighting for its kidney grilles. The waterfall lighting effect takes a page out of the EV playbook, though in this case, the grille isn't closed off. It also helps that Alpina redesigned the air intakes and apron to really improve the character of the X7 in transforming it into the XB7.

New XB7, New-Generation Engine

The major overhaul from the 2022 Alpina model comes from the newest version of BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8. The S68 engine now features BMW's latest mild hybrid tech, but with added punch from Alpina's engineering team. Where the X7 M60 delivers 523 hp and 553 lb ft of torque, the Alpina spins the rollers to the tune of 630 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which you get from just 1,800 rpm through to 5,600 rpm. With a set of 21-inch wheels and matching tires, the XB7 reaches 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the quarter mile markt at 12.4 seconds, and hits a top speed of 180 mph, per Alpina. Remember, this SUV can carry up to seven people and has a curb weight of 5,986 lbs.

The extra power comes thanks to some engine management tuning by Alpina, and is supported by an enlarged and "optimized" radiator with integrated transmission cooler. The XB7 also gets external oil cooler and features a low-temperature cooling circuit for the Alpina-specific air-water-air intercooling system for its twin-scroll turbochargers. The exhaust gases of the S68 exit out of a set of four oval exhaust tips, which are part of the Alpina sport exhaust system and integrated into the XB7's rear bumper apron.

Mildly Hybridized

Just like in the regular 2023 X7s, there is a 12-hp, 148-lb-ft of torque mild hybrid motor intertwined with the BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission, albeit with Alpina-specific touches. Those include Alpina's signature Switch-Tronic steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons (which subtly lurk beneath the rim's leather wrapping). The electronically-variable limited-slip rear differential is further calibrated to enhance the original X7 xDrive system to the characteristics that Alpina sought in the XB7.

Heavy SUV, M-Style Handling

To keep the XB7's nearly three tons of SUV in check, Alpina changes out the dampers of the X7s air suspension system and re-tunes the electromechanical anti-roll bars to change the balance of the XB7 over the standard X7. Additionally, the suspension system is capable of adjusting the ride height by 1.6 inches in either direction. At speeds at or below 19 mph, the ride height can be raised 1.6 inches for extra clearance. In Sport mode or at 100 mph, the ride height drops 0.8 inch from standard height; call up Sport Plus mode or hit 155 mph, and the ride height will drop a full 1.6 inches for the lowest center of gravity. The suspension geometry is also designed to work at its best at this height by adding in some negative camber for better driving dynamics. This puts the 285/45ZR21 tires on Alpina's 21-inch Dynamic wheels at the perfect angle for its best contact patch in those high-speed cornering situations.

Getting the nearly 6,000-pound vehicle to stop is a set of Brembo fixed four-piston calipers in Alpina Blue with "Alpina" lettering grabbing 15.5-inch rotors up front and 15.7-inch rotors in the rear. Of course, you could opt to stylize your XB7 with a set of 23-inch rims in Alpina's classic 20-spoke design in Anthracite. Not only that, but these larger wheels are actually 7 pounds lighter and are fitted with Pirelli tires sized 285/35ZR23 front and 325/30ZR23.

BMW Technology, Alpina Craftsmanship

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Inside, the 2023 XB7 utilizes BMW's iDrive 8 Operating System from the X7, which includes voice operated BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, heads-up display, Active Driving Assistant Plus, and Parking Assistant Professional with Maneuver Assistant and Trailer Assistant. Maneuver Assistant helps the driver with parking tasks like driving into a narrow driveway with tight curves while Trailer Assistant allows the driver to use the XB7's glass Alpina iDrive controller to place it perfectly to hitch up a trailer. The curved display inside the Alpina XB7 spans from the traditional dash display for the driver and into the area where a separate infotainment screen would have resided. This allows seamless transitions between the instrument display, maps, and drive features and menus. An additional touch done by Alpina is the use of its iconic blue accent coloring in normal modes, while Sport and Sport Plus use green coloring on screen. The XB7 also gets a blue illuminated gear selector, production badge, illuminated "Alpina" door sills, and unique Alpina Sport steering wheel that is hand-finished with Lavalina leather with blue and green stitching. The XB7 uses Myrtle wood for its interior trim pieces, but you can also option for Piano Lacquer and Natural Walnut Anthracite but only the wood trims come with "Alpina" roundel logos in them.

Orders Open Now

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Ordering your own 2023 Alpina XB7 should be open by the time you read this, but the first deliveries won't happen until "early 2023." Pricing starts at $145,995 and will go up depending on options.