2021 BMW Alpina XB7 SUV Review

This week I’ve got a beauty for you! Presenting the 2021 BMW Alpina XB7, a 3-row luxury SUV that is packing 612-horses under the hood.

Alpina is a company that crafts performance vehicles for BMW that are very exclusive. Alpina has been doing this since 1965, but this is the company’s first entry in the SUV segment. There will only be 700 XB7s produced for 2021.

Performance

Alpina starts with the BMW X7 with a 4.4-liter V8 with twin-turbos and modifies it to get 612-horses and 590-pound feet of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed transmission that takes this 6000-pound SUV from 0-to-60 in just 4-seconds and it tops out at 180-miles per hour.

There are shift buttons on the steering wheel, but the transmission shifts so fast and smooth they are not needed. This SUV is all-wheel drive and has 4-wheel steering for more control. The rear wheels will turn 2.3-degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels.

Interior

As you enter the cabin, the interior is stunning with comfortable Ivory White seating throughout and it features second row captain chairs for a six-seat configuration. You can get a center row bench seat to make this a 7-seater.

The highly configurable dash gauges are colorful and easy to read. The center console has a beautiful crystal gear shifter and a round controller to operate everything on the 12.3” main screen or you can use it by touch. You can also adjust the ride height and activate the auto hold feature. This is also where you activate the wonderful Sport Plus mode.

Also from the center console, you operate everything: the navigation system, the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, wireless Apple Carplay, Android Auto, voice activation, and the amazing camera systems. Everything inside this SUV features soft touch materials and beautiful Walnut wood that is pleasing to the eye and the touch. A color head-up display features traffic sign recognition.

Second row passengers will enjoy the comfortable power, captain chairs with armrests, they have their own climate control system, USB ports, power outlet, and even side power sunshades. The front panoramic moon roof extends over the second-row passengers for a great view skyward. Entry to the third row is easy, with power sliding seats that open up easy access.

Third row occupants will ride in luxury also, with yet again, their own climate controls and lots of leg and head room. They also get their own glass roof above them that can be opened or closed.

Second and third row occupants can use the rear seat entertainment system with screens on the back of the front seats.

As you head to the back of the SUV, there is a dual power tailgate system, and you can lower the vehicle from there for easier loading of cargo. There are power buttons there to fold the back seats down flat.

Exterior

There is much to love about this large SUV. The exterior is beautiful with 23” wheels, and while the Ametrin color would not be my first choice, it is sure to get attention.

Ride and Drive

BMW handling is always superb, but the craftsmen at Alpina take it to another level. You have incredible control, especially in Sport Plus mode, and the exhaust sound from the stainless-steel exhaust system is amazing and invigorating.

Features

LED lights in the moon roof at night look fantastic, and every single detail inside exudes luxury, right down to the floor mats.

As you would expect, this SUV comes completely loaded with every available feature and a host of safety features. It will also tow 7,500 pounds.

Verdict

Of course, the price tag is steep at $156,385. Not that you care, but fuel economy is 15 in town and 21 on the highway.

All in all, this is an amazing SUV and with only 700 being made, you can be assured you won’t see another one at a red light. This Sports Activity Vehicle, as BMW calls it, truly is the ultimate driving machine.