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Performance and Luxury
BMW has earned a deserved reputation for building high-end Sports Activity Vehicles (its moniker for SUVs) with strong performance and adroit, Germanic handling. Adding ALPINA to the mix brings the level of both performance and luxury up to a much higher level, and the latest model to receive this impressive treatment is the 2023 BMW ALPINA XB7. With updated styling, the latest in driving assistance and a more powerful new engine, the refreshed ALPINA XB7 takes its rightful spot atop the BMW SAV lineup.
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What’s ALPINA?
ALPINA Automobiles has been in a technical partnership with BMW for decades, providing development and testing services to the German car company. While ALPINA is an independent automobile manufacturer, certain BMW ALPINA models are sold through BMW dealerships in North America with full BMW new-vehicle warranties. The current BMW ALPINA lineup includes the B8 Gran Coupe and the now updated XB7.
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Styling Updates
The XB7 is clearly built upon the BMW X7 flagship SAV, although the ALPINA model stands out from more standard offerings. A new lighting treatment includes horizontally separated twin headlights with signature LED running lights positioned above. The large BMW kidney grille can be illuminated to draw even more attention than it already does. Air intakes have been repositioned for better cooling, and overall the vehicle possesses a more aggressive stance. The front apron is emblazoned with “ALPINA,” further differentiating the XB7 from the X7.
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Rear View
ALPINA made slight updates to the rear looks of the XB7 thanks to more expressive taillights and an cleaner design overall. Quad pipes of the 2023 BMW ALPINA XB7 sport exhaust system are now integrated with the rear apron.
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New V8 Power
Under the hood of the 2023 BMW ALPINA XB7 lurks an all-new 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 engine with mild hybrid technology that delivers 630 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, the latter available from 1800 rpm to offer outstanding performance. The 8-speed sport automatic transmission features an integrated 48-volt starter/generator that enhances the responsiveness of the big V8 and also engages the electric motor as needed. The V8 has further enhancements thanks to an ALPINA-specific engine management system with a performance cooling system.
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xDrive
Helping to control all that power is BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled variable limited-slip rear differential. With this system torque can be directed to the wheel with the most grip, based on a range of inputs that includes wheel speed, friction coefficients and steering angle.
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Impressive Performance
The new ALPINA XB7 will sprint to 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds and attain a top speed of 180 mph. Keep in mind, these figures are associated with a 3-row SUV that weighs almost three tons empty.
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New Suspension
Both driving dynamics and ride comfort have been improved for the 2023 BMW ALPINA XB7, owed primarily to the vehicle’s new two-axle air suspension. The system allows as much as a 1.6-inch change in ride height that will vary depending on the driving situation or chosen drive mode. At lower speeds the suspension can be raised to its maximum height to clear obstacles or tackle steep ramps. In Sport mode or at speeds above 100 mph, the height drops by 0.8 inches, and in Sport + mode or at speeds above 155 mph the vehicle lowers itself a full 1.6 inches, bringing the center of gravity lower while stiffening the suspension for improved driving dynamics at speed.
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Wheels, Tires, Brakes
The wheel and tire combinations for the 292 BMW ALPINA XB7 were specially developed for both style and performance. The standard offering is a 23-inch ALPINA CLASSIC 20-spoke forged alloy wheel in the iconic ALPINA style, finished in Anthracite. The performance summer tires for the ALPINA XB7were developed with Pirelli specifically for this vehicle. A 21-inch ALPINA DYNAMIC wheel is also available, shod with all-season run-flat tires. Brembo supplies 4-piston fixed brake calipers with massive 15.5-inch brake discs on the front wheels. The rears get floating brake calipers with a 15.7-inch disc. Calipers are finished in ALPINA blue with white ALPINA lettering.
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ALPINA Interior
The 2023 BMW ALPINA XB7 comes equipped with the company’s new curved display first introduced in the futuristic BMW iX. Combining a 14.9-inch center display and a 12.3-inch driver display in a single screen adds to the high-tech look of the XB7. The ALPINA gets differentiated from the rest of the BMW X7 lineup with a unique Glass iDrive controller with an ALPINA design, blue-illuminated gear selector and a unique ALPINA sport steering wheel finished in LAVALINA leather with blue/green stitching. ALPINA Myrtle luxury wood trims the interior with the option of swapping to piano black lacquer or natural walnut anthracite.
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