BMW just launched the updated X7 with a new design, updated iDrive 8 infotainment system, and a new hybrid assist system that increases efficiency across the board and supplies a boost of power to the entry-level xDrive 40i. These updates will also carry over to the Alpina XB7 as well, the highlight of which will be an impressive increase in horsepower that will be enough to put the XB7 at the top of the hierarchy.
While the Alpina XB7 will receive its own individual look with plenty of Alpina badges all around, the most important part will be the inclusion of the revised powertrain. The 4.4-liter, twin-turbo, V-8 also has the new mild-hybrid assist system, only in the XB7, it’s tuned to deliver 621 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That’s an improvement of 98 horsepower over the X7 M60i. Naturally, the XB7 will have the updated eight-speed automatic gearbox, but in typical Alpina fashion, it will be programmed to deliver softer shifts to emphasize luxury and comfort over performance.
The extra power in the XB7 is achieved via an updated engine management system which is, more than likely, a new software set for controlling the engine. There’s also an upgraded cooling system to help keep the temperature in check. In the end, the Alpina XB7 can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds, so it’s about three-tenths faster than the M60i. It can sprint to 123 mph in 14.9 seconds and tops out at 180 mph when it hits the electronic limiter, not the limit of the engine, transmission, or driveline. It’s quite impressive, but the XB7 will be about luxury and comfort just as much as it is performance.
The biggest highlight outside of powertrain and performance is the new iDrive8 infotainment system. The X8 lineup is the first fuel-powered vehicle to receive this system, and it follows the iX and i4. Other standard features include BMW’s Parking Assistant Professional, hand-finished leather steering wheel, Alpina blue-green stitching, and an illuminated gear selector. The iDrive 8 system and the digital instrument cluster will likely have Alpina dedicated graphics, and you can expect to see the typical Alpina badging throughout the cabin.
On the outside, the Alpina XB7 will be a lot like the X7 M60i, so it will receive all of the styling tweaks that come along with the 2023 model year, though Alpina will add its own touches to the front and rear fascias. Alpina will keep BMW’s illuminated grille in place, though, but it will add in its unique, 21-inch wheels or the optional 23-inch, 20-spoke wheels. XB7-specific dampers are part of the air suspension system and will offer up to 1.6-inches of movement depending on the driving mode.
Models heading to the U.S. market will enter production in December 2022, though Alpina says that it will start taking orders in September of 2022, even for RHD markets. Apparently, some left-hand markets will even receive deliveries before the end of the year. As for the full list of standard equipment and options, we’ll have to wait until the first half of May when Alpina will spill the rest of the beans. At that time, the brand also expects to launch a car configurator, so even if you can’t buy your own XB7, at least you can customize the one of your dreams, right?