(May 20, 2020) BUCHLOE, Germany — ALPINA has introduced its first Sports Activity Vehicle for the U.S. market, the new BMW ALPINA XB7. Based on BMW’s X7 model line, the XB7 joins the B7 Sedan in ALPINA’s U.S. lineup this fall. The power and torque produced by the performance ALPINA 4.4-liter V8 and the agility and handling capabilities of the ALPINA sport suspension place the XB7 firmly among the highest-performing Sports Activity Vehicles in the world.

Each detail of the new BMW ALPINA XB7 has been finely crafted to provide comfort and sensory delight. Three rows of seats generously accommodate six or seven occupants. Elegant ALPINA detail refinements, such as the iDrive Controller in crystal glass with laser-etched ALPINA logo, contribute to an exquisite interior ambiance. The exterior design emphasizes power and presence, while improving both appearance and aerodynamic properties such as reduced aerodynamic lift for maximum high-speed stability.
 
A state of the art performance powertrain comes in the BMW ALPINA XB7, with linear and responsive power delivery across the entire engine speed range. The engine has been calibrated to reflect the driving experience that has been signature to the most-powerful ALPINA models throughout the company’s 55-year history. The engines character is best described as early, torque-filled urgency followed by a surge of mid-range power and a hard charge to redline.
 
The 4.4-liter V8 engine with bi-turbo charging, gasoline direct injection, and BMW’s Valvetronic delivers an output of 612 hp @ 5,500 – 6,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft which is available from an extraordinary 2,000 rpm all the way to 5,000 rpm. The BMW ALPINA XB7 needs just 4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, and completes the ¼ mile sprint in just 12.6 seconds when equipped with the standard 21 inch wheels and performance tires. Maximum speed is limited to 180 mph when equipped with the standard 21 inch wheel and performance tire setup.
 
The engine’s power characteristics and throttle response are the result of detailed optimizations of the turbocharging and cooling systems. Two twin-scroll turbochargers with 2.1-inch turbines facilitate the near-instantaneous conversion of exhaust gas energy into boost pressure, even at low engine speeds for early maximum torque. The cooling system with two additional external water coolers, an enlarged transmission oil cooler and a low-temperature cooling system (air/water/air) with ALPINA’s specific intercoolers, ensure thermodynamic stability even under highest loads.
 
The all-new, stainless-steel ALPINA sport exhaust system is responsible for the BMW ALPINA XB7’s signature V8 sound. Designed to reduce back-pressure, the system is similar in construction and operation to that fitted to the third-generation BMW ALPINA B7 Sedan also sold in North America. Active exhaust system flaps allow the driver to influence the sound: restrained in COMFORT mode for best possible travel comfort or clearly pronounced in SPORT mode.
 
The new BMW ALPINA XB7 features the latest generation 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with the industry-original ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC wheel-mounted shift buttons. In cooperation with the experts at ZF, the 8HP76 transmission has been specially designed to cope with the engine’s high torque. Offering unparalleled shift comfort and the capability to execute shifts in tenths of a second means power is delivered effortlessly and instantaneously at all times.
 
The high-performance transmission unit features an aluminum transmission oil sump located in the underbody where it is cooled effectively.
 
The complete redesign of the electronics and mechatronics in this new-generation transmission ensures precise operation and responsiveness. In SPORT and SPORT+ modes, shift points are optimized for driving performance and gear shifts are considerably more dynamic. The COMFORT and COMFORT+ mode allow for relaxed, luxurious cruising at low engine rpms even when traveling at highway speeds, taking advantage of the signature ALPINA torque responsiveness.
 
The BMW ALPINA XB7 drivetrain features an electronically-variable active limited slip differential on the rear axle, with a locking torque of up to 1475 lb-ft. This improves traction when driving dynamically by ensuring that slip-induced losses are minimized, and torque is distributed effectively to the wheel with the most grip at any given time. The degree of lock is continuously and actively adjusted depending on wheel speed, friction coefficients and steering angle among other things. The behavior of the active limited slip differential unit is specifically calibrated to suit the dynamic character of the BMW ALPINA XB7 and it operates in conjunction with the other driving dynamic systems.
 
The BMW ALPINA XB7 is fitted with cutting-edge suspension technology, opening a new dimension in driving dynamics for the performance-luxury Sport Activity Vehicle segment.
 
The standard two-axle air suspension with ALPINA-specific damper and kinematic set-up are primarily responsible for the balance of driving dynamics and ride comfort. It allows for a remarkable and noticeable 1.6-inch change in ride height, depending on driving situation and Mode selection. At speeds below 19 mph, the ride height can be raised by 1.6 inches for challenging ramp angles or other clearance requirements. More importantly, the BMW ALPINA XB7’s ride height can be lowered by 1.6 inches, either dependent on speed or at the driver’s request, resulting in a substantially lower center of gravity.

When selecting SPORT mode or at speeds above 100 mph, the ride height is lowered by 0.8 inch. The ride height is lowered another 0.8 inches for a total of 1.6 inches beyond speeds of 155 mph or when selecting SPORT+ mode. The resulting lower center of gravity and changes in suspension geometry, with associated increases in negative camber, have a significant positive effect on dynamic handling and road holding.
 
An ALPINA specific dome-bulkhead strut and reinforced torsion struts increase body rigidity. In addition, the electromechanical anti-roll bars of the Active Roll Stabilization system and stiffer rear axle bushings reduce body roll substantially.

Orders for the BMW ALPINA XB7 open this month with a starting price of $142,295. The first vehicles are expected to arrive in September.