Six months after announcing plans to take over its longtime partner Alpina, BMW pulled the covers off the luxury tuner division’s newest product, the 2023 BMW Alpina XB7.
Alpina has a long history of boosting the performance of BMW products. But unlike the Bavarian automaker’s M division, it also takes those vehicles even further upmarket.
The updated SUV delivers a number of pluses, starting with what it bills as an “all-new” V-8 delivering a notable boost in power. The SUV also features a modestly revised design, new driving assistance systems and additional tech features. But it does come with a higher price tag, with the 2023 XB7 starting at $145,000 before factoring in a $995 delivery fee.
Changes bring power
BMW and Alpina hinted at this mid-cycle update earlier in the year, but they’ve made some welcome changes since the first teaser news release landed in our e-mailbox. For one thing, the SUV’s next-generation twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 gets a bump up to 630 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The original plan was to boost output for the updated XB7 to 621 hp.
That’s well the above what the 2022 model delivers, 612 ponies, and the XB7 even bests BMW’s M60i version of the three-row crossover. The updated V-8 is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox with a built-in 48-volt starter-generator. The addition of the mild-hybrid technology helps the 2023 XB7 deliver more torque at lower RPMs.
This is one big bruiser at roughly 6,000 pounds curb weight. But BMW says the 2023 XB7 will launch from 0-60 in a mere 3.9 seconds. Alpina adds a number of welcome touches for those planning to push it to the limits, including an upgraded cooling system.
Meanwhile, to maximize traction, the 2023 model features an intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an electronically variable limited-slip differential at the rear axle.
Ride-and-handling improvements
Like the stock X7, there’s an air suspension, but it’s got modified Alpina tuning that allows the crossover to automatically adjust its height by up to 1.6 inches, depending upon how it’s being driven.
“In Sport mode or above 100 mph the ride height is reduced by 0.8 inches, and by 1.6 inches in Sport+ mode or above 155 mph,” Alpina explains.
Like the M60i, the XB7 also features rear-wheel steering. Depending on the vehicle’s speed, the rear wheels can turn up to 2.3 degrees, either in sequence with the front tires, or in the reverse direction.
To scrub off speed, the XB7 features four-piston fixed Brembo calipers and 15.5-inch discs up front with the rear wheels barely concealing floating calipers with 15.7-inch discs.
In terms of design, the changes to the XB7 are modest and largely are in line with the broader update of the stock BMW X7 for 2023. The most notable difference is the front lighting with horizontally separated twin front lamps. The kidney grille now gets background lighting. And revised front air intakes allow the beefier engine to breathe easily.
Buyers can opt for new performance tires, including 21-inch wheels, at no additional cost.
Tech updates too
The 2023 model updates the XB7’s advanced driving assistance system. It now includes the Active Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Professional as standard. And it adds Maneuver Assistant and Trailer Assistant.
“Maneuver Assistant uses GPS data and the trajectory data from steering inputs to record and store up to ten different maneuvers covering a distance of up to 200 meters each,” the company explained. When approaching “the entrance to a narrow driveway with tight curves, the system will be able to carry out all the tasks required to complete the maneuver, controlling the accelerator, brakes, and steering as well as changing gear to move forward or backward.”
The Trailer Assistant system, meanwhile, allows a driver to view where they’re going through the infotainment screen and then aim as they shift to reverse using the iDrive controller.
The 2023 BMW Alpina XB7 will reach U.S. showrooms by early 2023.
