The Alpina-badged BMW crossover features model-specific exterior cues such as large intakes on the bumper and a modest lip spoiler. At the rear, the XB7 sports small diffuser fins in the middle of its bumper. The crossover also rolls on standard 21-inch wheels wrapped in summer or all-season rubber. Optional 23-inch wheels are available and pair with a set of Pirelli performance summer tires. Brembo four-piston calipers shod with blue and white Alpina logos clamp down on properly massive 15.5-inch front rotors.
Under the hood sits a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 that delivers 612 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That’s nine more horses than the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 packs in its stable. A ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission with wheel-mounted buttons sends the Alpina’s ponies to all four wheels.
BMW claims the XB7 accelerates to 60 miles per hour in just 4.0 seconds and cruises past the quarter-mile mark after 12.6 seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, clocks in at 180 mph. A stainless-steel active exhaust system adjusts the tailpipes’ noise from restrained in Comfort mode to loud and proud in Sport. Other modes include Comfort Plus and Sport Plus.
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The Alpina XB7’s standard air suspension offers the ability to raise the crossover by 1.6 inches at speeds less than 19 mph. Meanwhile, topping 100 mph in Sport mode automatically lowers the crossover 0.8 inch. Cross the 155 mph threshold, and the ride height drops another 0.8 inch.
The XB7 features standard items such as plush leather seats, soft-close doors, a leather instrument panel, a faux-suede headliner, and a massive panoramic sunroof. If that’s not good enough, then the optional LED roof with lights that mimic a starlit sky—yes, please—ought to seal the deal when it comes to frivolous luxuries. Additional fancy interior touches include a Lavalina leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, a crystal glass iDrive controller with a laser-etched Alpina logo, illuminated Alpina door sills, and plenty of Alpina badging throughout.
The tall, three-row hauler holds six or seven passengers depending on the choice of a second row (a three-across rear bench or a pair of bucket seats). Storage capacity maxes out at 90.4 cubic feet, while standard safety goodies include blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, front and rear collision warning, and more.
Big, brash, and powerful, the 2021 Alpina XB7 is the ultimate large crossover SUV from BMW. Like its shadow, the XB7’s $142,295 starting price is properly large. That said, if you can swing that kind of cash, then you better give BMW a ring, as the company’s currently accepting orders for the mighty XB7.
