2023 Alpina XB7 Refresh Unveiled: The Alpina variant of the giant BMW X7 three-row, the XB7, has received the same refresh as the standard model for 2023. This includes the split headlight design and the upgraded dashboard design. The biggest change is the updated powertrain. Under the hood is the updated 4.4L V8 with BMW mild-hybrid technology that produces 630 horsepower (an improvement of 18) and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the closest thing we will ever get to an X7 M, with a 3.9 second 0-60 mph run and a 12.4 second quarter-mile dash. The 2023 XB7 will also hit a top speed of 180 mph. Torque distribution from the 8-speed automatic to the xDrive all-wheel drive system is managed by an electronically-variable limited-slip differential at the rear axle. What makes an Alpina more approachable than a full-on M model, however, is the serenity and luxury you get with all of that power. The updated two-axle air suspension allows for a ride-height adjustment range of 1.6-inches while also providing a more plush and megabus-like ride quality.
Inside, some physical controls have been moved to the new curved glass panel that houses iDrive 8 in the center of the dash and a much-improved digital instrument panel in front of the driver. A head-up display is now standard, as is the ability to project third-party apps such as Apple CarPlay onto multiple screens. The iDrive controller is made of glass, while the Parking Assistant Professional adds a new Maneuver Assistant and Trailer Assistant. Maneuver Assistant memorizes as many as ten different maneuvers commonly visited and can guide the vehicle along these paths automatically. If you want to go fast while also being coddled in the latest iteration of Bavarian luxury and technology, the Alpina XB7 is yours. This will likely be one of the last new Alpina models to come out before it gets fully absorbed by BMW in a few years.
More on the Alpina XB7 refresh here.