2023 BMW ALPINA XB7 Review

The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 benefits from a new mild hybrid system and puts out 630 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Peak torque, though the same as last year, is available at a mere 1,800 rpm. Some Alpina-specific engine software and new cooling hardware for the engine help the V8 reach that ballooned horsepower figure.

That burly V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that routes power to all four wheels. Those wheels are lighter than the ones BMW will sell you on the standard X7 and can be either 21 inches with all-season tires or 23 inches with summer tires that were made in collaboration with Pirelli. Hiding behind those wheels are massive Brembo brakes that are presumably good enough to haul this big SUV down quickly from even autobahn speeds.

An air suspension at all four corners supports the XB7. At speeds below 19 mph, the Alpina can be jacked up 1.6 inches for clearing ramps and other obstacles, while at speeds over 100 mph (or just cruising around in Sport mode), the car hunkers down 0.8 inch for less drag. Should you find yourself above 155 mph (near the XB7's 180 mph top speed) the suspension lowers another 0.8 inch, but selecting Sport+ mode will also lower the SUV to its lowest setting regardless of speed. There is also Alpina's signature Comfort setting that turns this super SUV into a long-legged cruiser.

Speaking of comfort, all Alpinas get some interior touches to differentiate them from regular BMWs, and the story is much the same here. The gauges get Alpina's signature blue hue, and there are Alpina badges on the steering wheel and center console to remind you you're in something extra special. Lavalina leather adorns the steering wheel, the iDrive controller (which controls the same iDrive 8 system found in the standard X7) is now glass, and there are special wood trims reserved for only the XB7.

It's still an X7 at heart, though, and that means it comes with the benefits of being a massive SUV. Buyers will have access to 48.6 cubic feet of space with the third row down and can get a whopping 90.4 cubes of free air to work with should they opt to put the second row of seats down too. BMW's Active Driving Assistant Plus, which allows for hands-free driving under speeds of 40 mph, and the Parking Assistant Professional package are standard on the XB7 too. There's also a trailer package available for those who plan on towing with their XB7, and it allows for a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.