2026 BMW ALPINA XB7

2026 BMW Alpina XB7 Review
Pros
- Thunderous acceleration
- Impressive array of advanced driver aids
- Exclusivity of the Alpina badge
Cons
- Not so different from standard X7 to justify a very different price
- Ride quality suffers on less-than-perfect roads
What's new
- The XB7 carries over virtually unchanged for 2026
- Based on the first X7 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
When a 523-horsepower three-row BMW X7 just isn't enough, it's Alpina to the rescue. Alpina is a distant cousin to BMW's in-house M brand, but it extends its talents to both performance and luxury. And what it does with the X7 is pretty amazing. The 631-horsepower Alpina XB7 crushed the 60-mph milestone in only 4.1 seconds in our testing. That's quicker than the Cadillac Escalade-V by a significant margin. You also get bigger wheels, unique styling and virtually every option available on the X7 M60i.
Edmunds spotlight: Checking every box
In addition to more power, bigger wheels and Alpina-specific styling tweaks, the XB7 turns most of the optional equipment on the X7 M60i into standard equipment. That includes serious tech like the Driving Assistant Professional package, which includes things like hands-free driving below 85 mph, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. Ventilated, massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and heated and cooled cupholders are included. And rear-axle steering is there to enable sharper and more stable handling, talents that are traditionally at odds. In short, there are almost no boxes left to check on this luxury ute.
Competitors to consider
The large performance SUV segment is rarefied air indeed. There's only a handful of utes that are this big, this luxurious and this rapid. The Cadillac Escalade-V is the domestic leader. And it takes a traditional American path to speed and luxury. Its supercharged pushrod V8 makes amazing sounds that may diminish its luxe factor for some. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS matches the Caddy's acceleration but piles on in luxury and cost. And if electric SUVs are on the table for you, think about the Cadillac Escalade IQ and IQL, which offer similar straight-line performance to the V.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.Performance
The XB7 is reasonably nimble on a winding road, but it feels much more at home in the city or out on the highway. The transmission shifts smoothly, and the quick, light steering makes turning or parking relatively easy. Occasionally the brakes can be too sensitive, making it tricky to stop smoothly, but overall braking performance is on par for the class.
Comfort
The XB7's ride quality is also underwhelming. On anything less than perfect pavement, the XB7 doesn't feel as quiet and isolating as its rivals. The ride quality isn't harsh, but it doesn't glide over pavement either.
The climate control system is a mixed bag too. The settings aren't intuitive and require constant manual fiddling to get what you want. We like the standard heated and ventilated seats, but overall the Alpina lacks polish.
Interior
Getting your preferred driving position is easy thanks to lots of seat adjustment and an upright but comfortable view ahead. On the downside, many of the XB7's controls are frustrating to use. There are plenty of buttons, but it's not always clear which ones control which settings.
Technology
Storage
Storage for small items is mixed. The door pockets are massive, but the center console is shallow. Putting things in the front cupholders blocks access to the wireless charging pad. Got kids? The XB7 is a capable family hauler. The second-row seating area is roomy enough for rear-facing child safety seats, and the seat anchor points are easy to access. You can also lower the XB7's ride height to make it easier for small kids to climb in.
Fuel Economy
Value
BMW includes a four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty. It also includes four years of roadside assistance and three years/36,000 miles of maintenance.
Wildcard
Which ALPINA XB7 does Edmunds recommend?
There's only one Alpina XB7 trim and it comes almost fully loaded. The only significant option is the outstanding Bowers & Wilkins audio system, which we'd probably add if we were buying an XB7. Otherwise, there's the option to knock the wheel size down to 21-inchers for no cost, but that'd be like buying a black Ferrari. We say if you're getting an Alpina, get an Alpina.




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