What's all this about?

We've got a new Alpina and it's based on the X7 luxury SUV. The XB7 is powered by a 620hp/800Nm development of the BMW 4.4-litre biturbo V8 petrol engine, which drives all four wheels through a ZF 8HP76 eight-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with Alpina's proprietary shift-buttons-on-the-steering-wheel Switchtronic system. All of this grunt allows the XB7, no featherweight at a stonking 2,658kg, to hit 62mph from rest in around four seconds dead, go on to tick off a quarter-mile run in 12.6 seconds and top out at a limited 180mph, on the standard-fit 21-inch wheels and tyres. No mention is made of whether that maximum limiter is increased if you go for Alpina's forged 23-inch wheel option.

That's a big wheel. Is the XB7 all about pace and no precision, though?

Absolutely not. There's an electronically variable, active limited-slip differential on the rear axle, twin-axle Alpina-tuned air suspension with Active Roll Stabilisation active anti-roll bars, Integral Active Steering (four-wheel steering, to you and us), and a sizeable set of Brembo brakes, the fixed four-piston front and floating rear callipers painted in Alpina Blue with white 'Alpina' roundels on them gripping 394mm front discs and 399mm items at the back. Furthermore, the 4.4 V8 breathes through a stainless-steel Alpina sports exhaust system, which means it should sound good as it is charging about its business.

And what about the looks and cabin?

On the outside, the XB7 is subtly enhanced with a discreet lower body kit, a set of ovoid quad-tipped exhaust finishers, a revised front airdam/bumper with embossed Alpina logo and the gorgeous alloys. Inside, it's all plush leather, quality wood trim and blue-lit dials, with any number of options and personalisation touches ensuring the Alpina XB7 feels a cut above a 'mere' X7 M50d. And you can have a seven-seat configuration within, or six larger, luxury chairs if you prefer.

Matt Robinson - 19 May 2020