Leave it to Alpina to rectify BMW’s design faux pas.
This week, BMW revealed the comprehensively refreshed X7 with its, er, groundbreaking new looks. While some may not like the new split headlight theme that all high-end luxury Bimmers will adopt going forward, there’s no denying that the visual signature is distinctive. Furthermore, with the top-tier M60i version providing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque while providing outstanding levels of luxury, you don’t need to love its looks to live with it. But what if you want more power and more luxury? Well, that’s where Alpina comes in, and following the brand’s acquisition by BMW, things seem to be off to a great start already.
BMW Alpina
BMW
The new creation is, of course, the 2023 Alpina XB7, and BMW has already told us what to expect in terms of performance. First, however, let’s focus on the styling. Sadly, we can only discuss the front end as Alpina has only revealed one image thus far, with more sure to follow in the coming days. As usual, the Alpina trademark of pencil-thin accent stripes down the shoulder line has been implemented while the front has received a new fascia that slightly restyles the lower grille and adds a spoiler with the ALPINA script and complementary lower intakes. In addition, the area alongside the lower headlight clusters has been enhanced with more black detailing near these air curtains. New side skirts and a new rear fascia finish off the design, and we’re sure that Alpina’s traditional multi-spoke wheels are what we’re looking at.
BMW
BMW
Like the top-tier X7, the “Iconic Glow” illuminated kidney grilles feature while the cabin will boast Alpina-specific graphics with a blue/green color scheme as well as numerous Lavalina leather interior options. Under the hood, the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 features the same mild-hybrid technology as the regular BMW X7 models, except here it generates 613 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. This results in a 0-62 mph time of just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph.
Most other markets can place orders now, with deliveries to follow in December, when US-spec models enter production. A couple of months ahead of that, orders for the US will open in September. Detailed standard specifications, option pricing, and the configurator will all become accessible in the first half of May 2022.
