2021 BMW ALPINA XB7

The BMW Alpina XB7 although costs a lot more than its X7 counterpart, it comes loaded with plenty of additional features like a more premium Harman/Kardon surround sound system, premium Merino leather upholstery all over the cabin, massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a host of safety equipment and most importantly, the Alpina tuned twin-turbo V8. There is only a single powertrain offered and the XB7 comes in as a standalone trim. 

Which trim should you buy?

As there is no trim to opt for, our job here is done. But one thing to keep in mind is that the options cost considerably more and will hike the overall cost considerably. 

The Alpina XB7 is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that has been returned by Alpina and now generates even more power than before and is now rated at 612 horsepower and 590 pound-feet. The engine is paired up with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels as standard. The engine is very happy to rev and with peak torque arriving at as low as 2,000 rpm which stays all the way till 5,000 rpm.

While the X7 M50i takes this huge SUV to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, the Alpina takes just 3.7 seconds for the 0-60 mph run as you feel the sudden surge of power as you step your foot down. The quarter-mile is covered in just over 12 seconds with the top speed being rated at 180 mph. It’s not just all about outright acceleration as the XB7 is also rated to tow as much as almost 6,000 lbs, not bad for a massive premium luxury SUV. 

The Bentley Bentayga’s V8 has a very similar power delivery as that of the XB7 and in spite of the higher engine output, it is one-tenth of a second slower off the mark but has a much higher towing capacity. The Aston Martin is even slower than that and can tow as much as the BMW. The Maybach is the slowest of the lot as it is only intended to be the luxury SUV, but it too can tow much more than the XB7. 

How does the 2021 BMW Alpina XB7 SUV handle?

Alpina has made considerable changes to the X7’s suspension setup and the XB7 features a full air suspension, a new adaptive damping system, and a dome-bulkhead strut to increase rigidity. Add to that the electronically-variable active limited-slip differential and the Integral Active Steering which is sharper and also offers more feedback, the XB7 gains its sporty credentials. The air suspension can be dropped by as much as 1.6-inch in its lowest setting which further lowers the center of gravity which is a must in any performance-oriented vehicle.

Although the AWD and active limited-slip differential might be useful in some tricky situations, don’t expect the XB7 to tackle hardcore off-roading. It also isn’t meant to slide around as well and taking corners at high speeds will, although be safe, will create some nervous moments. What the Alpina does well over the M-division is that it maintains comfort in spite of adding the brute power and performance of the vehicle, which basically is the selling point for all Alpina cars. 

2021 BMW Alpina XB7 Braking Performance

The Alpina has done a great job with the braking system of the X7 as the XB7 now not only goes very fast, it can stop pretty quickly as well. The XB7 also features larger Brembo brakes measuring in at 15.5-inch at the front and 15.7-inch rear which does a fantastic job at stopping this almost 6,000 lbs SUV in a braking distance of just 100 feet, in a panic braking 60-0 mph situation. 

In comparison, the Aston Martin DBX features larger brakes at the front and also weighs considerably less than the XB7, and yet travels 6 feet more in the braking tests. The Mercedes travels the farthest in this panic braking test but is also the heaviest of the lot. The Bentayga on the other hand is lighter and has similarly sized brakes but yet has a pretty long stopping distance when compared to the Alpina and the Aston Martin.

The higher performance extracted from the same motor like the one in the M50i means it can never be considered as frugal by any means. That being said, Alpina somehow has managed to get identical MPG ratings as the X7 M50i. The EPA rates the 2021 Alpina XB7 for 17 mpg combined and a maximum of 21 mpg on the freeways. The large 21.9-gallon fuel tank ensures a decent driving range of around 350 miles before having to visit the gas station.

The Alpina XB7 is the most frugal SUV in this comparison despite the massive performance advantage it has over the others. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 gets a marginally lower fuel efficiency rating but offers a larger gas tank that compensates for the loss of range. The Bentley has the highest fuel consumption of all the SUVs with the DBX being slightly better than that. Both offer a larger gas tank capacity and yet require frequent refueling stops as compared to the XB7.

Alpina might be known for its great tuning proficiency but they also have a knack for building bespoke interiors which in many cases stand better than the already premium BMW-levels of luxury. It not only adds several features over the fully loaded X7 but also provides an option for numerous options which include the Rolls-Royce-like panoramic sky lounge LED roof for just $750, which can illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and 5-zone climate control for another $800.

Add to that the updated iDrive selector, gear shifter, unique steering wheel, and various interior inlays like the Alpina stamped wood trims, all add to the novelty of the Alpina. The interior seating layout is identical to the X7 and can be had with either a six-seat configuration with captain chairs for the second row or in a seven-seat configuration with a bench seat. Either way, space, and comfort are not at all compromised in any way to offer superior levels of luxury.

The XB7 has more than enough headroom to accommodate even the taller passengers very comfortably inside its cabin. While the legroom is pretty solid as well as even the third row can accommodate shorter adults in decent comfort. That being said, it is best to fold down the third-row seats to extend the 12.8 cu-ft of luggage space at the rear to a very useful 48.6 cu-ft. This can further be extended to around 90 cu-ft with the second row folded, but the Merino leather-upholstered cabin is hardly a place to haul cargo. 

The XB7 compromises legroom in the front two rows to make space for the third row of seats and hence all the other rivals offer a bit more knee room due to their five-seat configuration. The Bentley Bentayga offers great cabin space for the messengers but the luggage space is pretty tight. And while the Mercedes GLS has a pretty spacious back seat, it also compromises on the trunk. The DBX has the most spacious front seats and trunk, and yet offers more space for the second row as compared to the XB7. Some of the interior features in the 2021 BMW Alpina XB7 are:

• Power Heated/Ventilated Massaging Multi-Contour Bucket Front Seats
• 40-20-40 Folding Heated Bench Power Reclining Fold Forward Rear Seat with Power Fore/Aft
• Fixed 50-50 Split-Bench 3rd Row Seat with Power Recline & Power Fold Into Floor
• Extended Merino Leather Upholstery
• Full Alcantara Simulated Suede Headliner and Leatherette Door Trim Insert
• Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column with Auto Tilt-Away Sport Heated LAVALINA Leather Steering Wheel
• Heated/Cooled Front Cupholder
• Four-zone Automatic Air Conditioning
• Memory Settings for Driver And Passenger Seats, Door Mirrors, Steering Wheel, and Head Restraints
• Head-Up Display

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 12.3-inch is mostly carried over from the X7 and the equally sized driver information cluster of the Live Cockpit that BMW likes it to be called, both subtle changes with the Alpina graphics being incorporated. The system works flawlessly with touchscreen, touchpad, and voice commands and comes loaded with plenty of technology as standards like mobile hotspot, navigation with traffic updates, smartphone integration, HD, and satellite radio.

One can also opt for the optional rear-seat entertainment package at $2,200 which adds a couple more screens at the back of the front seats. The standard 600W Harman/Kardon surround sound system is pretty potent and sounds incredible, but purists and audiophiles can opt for the $3,400 optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound unit for the best experience money can buy. Some of the infotainment features include:

• 12.3-inch iDrive Infotainment system
• 16-speaker 600W Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System
• Live Cockpit Pro with Navigation
• Real-Time Traffic Display
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Compatibility
• SiriusXM with 360L 1 year All Access subscription
• ConnectedDrive Services with BMW TeleServices and BMW Assist eCall
• WiFi Hotspot with complimentary 3-month or 3GB trial
• Enhanced USB & Bluetooth

In terms of design, Alpina has kept the X7 essentially the same and only made a few aesthetic and aerodynamic changes. The XB7 gets a redesigned front spoiler, rear apron, and diffuser for better aerodynamics while the three-part panoramic sunroof, unique quad exhaust tips, Alpina lettering lower down on the front bumper which itself is redesigned, are all the aesthetic changes made for a more aggressive appeal to the car.

The adaptive and auto-leveling LED headlights and fog lights with cornering lights are all standards as the X7 with the usage of chrome embellishments being minimized to provide a more sporty look to the SUV. The 2021 XB7 also gets unique 21-inch Alpina-designed wheels as standard while the iconic Alpina classic 23-inch wheels will set you back by another $2,600 over its base price. 

There is no doubt that the XB7 is a large SUV and it is just marginally smaller than the Maybach GLS 600, which justifies the spacious cabin that Mercedes has to offer. Both also offer similar ride heights but the Alpina gets air suspension which can lower it down for a sportier stance when needed. The Bentayga has the lowest ground clearance to offer while the DBX is the most compact of them all. That being said, none of these SUVs are meant to be taken off the road for serious off-road adventures. Some of the exterior features in the 2021 BMW Alpina XB7 are:

• Automatic Projector Beam LED Lowith High Beam, Laser Supplement Auto-Leveling, Directionally Adaptive, Auto High-Beam, Daytime Running Lights, Preference Setting Headlamps
• Cornering Lights and LED Brakelights
• Power Liftgate and Lip Spoiler
• Speed Sensitive Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers with Heated Jets
• Power Heated Side Mirrors with Driver Auto Dimming, Power Folding, and Turn Signal Indicator
• Chrome Grille and Bodyside Insert
• Express Open/Close Sliding & Tilting Glass 1st & 2nd Row Sunroof with Power Sunshade
• Fixed Glass 3rd Row Sunroof with Power Sunshade
• 21-inch ALPINA DYNAMIC Alloy Wheels with Runflat Tires

There is no point in investing in crash testing high value and low sales volume vehicles and hence neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has tested either the X7 or the XB7 to assess their safety standards. That being said, the fact that the X7 comes loaded with numerous safety features and driver aids and Alpina has gone on to add even more of those as standard, safety should never be a concern for a car of this league. A highlight of the most prominent features available as standard with the 2021 Alpina XB7 is listed below:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert 
• Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning with side collision avoidance
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Evasion Assist
• Parking Assistant Plus Automated Parking Sensors
• 3D 360-degree Surround View and Aerial View Camera System

2021 BMW Alpina XB7 SUV vs Aston Martin DBX

Both the Aston Martin DBX and the Alpina XB7 are SUVs that are more focused on performance than they are on comfort. That being said, the Alpina is much more comfortable and also has superior acceleration and braking performance to offer. Both offer similar towing capabilities but the XB7 is frugal and also costs less in spite of featuring a pretty plush and feature-loaded cabin. 

2021 BMW Alpina XB7 SUV vs Bentley Bentayga V8

The Bentley Bentayga with its V8 powertrain is the closest rival to the Alpina XB7 as they both offer extraordinary acceleration and yet manages to maintain the comfort of a luxury SUV. Though the cabin of the Bentayga is a class apart, the Alpina offers an additional row of seats, superior efficiency, and also comes at a lower price. The Bentayga on the other hand appreciates exponentially the array of options available, while the Alpina’s options are somewhat limited and sensible in terms of pricing.

2021 BMW Alpina XB7 SUV vs Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC

Similar to Alpina, the Maybach is the ultra-premium version of the regular Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and unlike the Bimmer, it does not focus much on the performance front. Hence, it is much slower off the line, but also offers a higher towing capacity. The cabin is much more spacious and premium inside the Mercedes and both offer a plethora of features and technology with the Mercedes even more options. 

The 2021 Alpina XB7 is a class-apart in the full-size SUV segment and no other SUV comes even remotely close to the all-around package that XB7 has to offer. It is extremely quick on a drag strip and yet manages to be supple over broken tarmac. It is the most frugal one in this range and also offers a plush and tech-laden opulent cabin. Add to that the various optional features and the novelty of the Alpina badge, one could never go wrong with the 2021 BMW Alpina XB7, provided you get a hold of one.