BMW’s M division has made a reputation for itself by taking a regular, run of the mill BMW car and transforming it into a beast. Responsible for legendary cars like the M3 and M5, the M division has also given us SUVs like the X3 M and the X5 M. Unfortunately, the folks in the M division have not yet bestowed their magic on the latest BMW SUV, the X7. However, German performance brand Alpina has worked on the X7 to give us the new XB7 or should we just call it the new X7 M?
Alpina starts with the X7 M50i, which uses a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 power plant tuning it in its own way. As a result, the XB7 is rated to generate 621 hp of power and 800 Nm of twist. Just to put things into perspective, the X7 M50i is rated to leash out 523 ponies and 750 Nm of twist. All this power translates to a 0 to 100 kmph time of 4.2 seconds, with the top speed limited to 290 kmph. If these numbers do not seem exciting enough, let us remind you that the XB7 is a full-size SUV, capable of carrying 7 people and tipping the scales at 2,655 kg!
Apart from the engine, Alpina also changes the suspension set up to make this rather large SUV handle better. The new setup consists of a dual axle air suspension, allowing for multiple adjustments of the ride height and camber to suit the driving conditions. The suspension also drops by 20 mm after reaching speeds of beyond 160 kmph, for additional stability. Moreover, active roll stabilisation functionality and re-tuned damper settings offer supreme handling characteristics.
Apart from the mechanical differences, a few more elements on the interior and exterior of the car differentiate this SUV from the car it is based on. On the exterior, a new front splitter, larger ait intakes, redesigned rear bumper with a diffuser and Alpina badges along with the Brembo brake callipers make the car stand apart from your regular X7. On the inside, apart from the Alpina logos and a more sporty steering wheel, BMW offers many more customisation options and a choice of a 7 or 6 seater format. While chances of the Alpina XB7 to make its way to India are bleak, the BMW may soon offer us the M50d variant, which uses a quad-turbo engine to generate 400hp and 760 Nm of torque.
