New Alpina XB7 takes the BMW X7 to 613bhp and £127k

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Alpina has launched an even faster version of the BMW X7 M50i, called the XB7. The SUV features a suite of engine, chassis and drivetrain upgrades which make the model a direct competitor for the 600bhp Bentley Bentayga W12. It’s available to order now, priced from around £127,000, with first deliveries due to arrive in December.

It’s powered by the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine as the X7 M50i, albeit with a pair of tweaked turbochargers, a revised cooling system, a new stainless steel exhaust and a reflashed ECU. As a result of the upgrades, the SUV’s power and torque figures rise to 613bhp and 800Nm respectively – up from 523bhp and 760Nm.

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The X7’s standard eight-speed automatic gearbox remains, although Alpina has reconfigured its shift pattern and fitted a new aluminium sump and a larger transmission cooler to prevent the fluid from boiling. There’s also a new electronically controlled limited slip differential for the rear axle.

Alpina’s upgrades mean the 2.6-tonne XB7 can sprint from 0–62mph in just 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 180mph – making it one of the fastest SUVs on sale today. To put that into context, the Bentley Bentayga W12 manages the same sprint in 4.1 seconds.

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To nail all that performance down, Alpina has fitted a fresh set of adjustable dampers, a new strut for the front bulkhead, stronger bracing throughout the SUV’s chassis and a set of enormous disc brakes with four-piston Brembo calipers. Like the standard X7, the XB7 also comes with a sophisticated traction control system and four-wheel steering.

Alpina has also added some cosmetic upgrades, such as a more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a pair of twin-exit exhaust tips, a larger front splitter and deep rear diffuser. Buyers also get a unique set of 21-inch alloys as standard, although the company’s trademark of 20-spoke forged alloys are available as an option extra, in a 23-inch diameter.

Inside, there’s a pair of heated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, an Alcantara headliner and Alpina-branded replacements for the SUV’s sports steering wheel, iDrive controller, treadplates, and dashboard trim. The standard X7’s 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle and infotainment system have also been reconfigured with Alpina-specific graphics.

What do you make of the new Alpina XB7? Let us know in the comments section below…

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