With grilles the size of your front door and a kerb weight to rival a small HGV, the BMW X7 is far from subtle. Should the standard car not be enough for you, however, Alpina has created the XB7, with even more power, luxury and performance.
Currently topping the X7 range in the UK is the 335bhp xDrive40i, but Alpina has applied its hand to the twin-turbocharged V8 M50i, a model that sports the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged N63 V8 as the M850i. Despite ample performance in standard form, the Buchloe-based tuner couldn’t help but add even more...
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An additional 60bhp and 37lb ft of torque bring total output to 613bhp and 590lb ft, enough to send the near-2.5-ton SUV from standstill to 62mph in 4.2sec – 0.5sec quicker than factory – and on to a 180mph top speed, a healthy jump over the 155mph standard figure.
All of this performance comes thanks to Alpina’s work on the turbocharging and cooling systems, with two external water coolers, an uprated transmission oil cooler and Alpina-specific intercoolers all contributing towards the power increase. Drive is sent to the ground through a now-reinforced eight-speed ZF gearbox and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
A valved stainless steel exhaust system helps the V8 breathe more freely, with its quad exits integrated into Alpina’s subtle new diffuser. Various trim pieces throughout the exterior enhance aggression and are said to reduce lift, making the XB7 more stable at high speeds. An enlarged intake can also be seen at the front, complete with floating Alpina lettering.
Alpina sport suspension also aims to increase stability, with its two-axle air springs used to lower ride height by up to 40mm depending on the scenario. Four-piston, 395mm brakes can be found at the front (floating calipers at the rear). However, an uprated set-up can be had at a cost. Twenty-one-inch wheels come as standard, but for €3480 (approx. £3100) Alpina will fit 23-inch units in its typical 20-spoke design – these are the largest wheels the tuner has offered to date. A set of 285-section front and 325-section rear Pirelli P Zero ‘ALP’ tyres, developed specifically for their vast dimensions, are fitted.
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Modifications continue in the cabin, with an Alpina-engraved, XC90-esque crystal iDrive controller on the centre console, a retrimmed steering wheel, Alpina door sills, and a handful of Alpina badging to be found throughout. High-quality Lavalina leather can be had at a cost, and as with all Alpina models, customers can choose to have this in almost any colour they desire. You’d better be keen on your bright green leather, though, as it’ll set you back €11,800 (approx. £10,500).
Prices start from around €155,000 (approx. £138,000), and first deliveries are expected in December 2020. Order books are open now.
