[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by Luminor513

All subjective, but I much prefer the looks of the M50i. I know Alpina begins life as the standard body style of whatever BMW vehicle they are upgrading, but I prefer the M-sport and M-perf aero/wheels, from BMW. Thanks for sharing these side by side photos.

The M50i is a great looking SAV for sure and I may end up with one if the numbers don't work for the XB7. That said, the BMW engineers could learn a few things from the Alpina design team. The changes to the front and rear of the luxury model are subtle but very good looking. The rear especially is the best.

A loaded GLS580 approaches $130,000 which means the AMG 63 version will be at least $150,000. While I understand the looks of the Alpina XB7 isn't for everyone, the pricing is just about what I was expecting, even a bit less.

[SabineBimmer]

Goodness, BMW's brand of hyperbole is nauseating.

[SabineBimmer]

"Expressive presence: each detail of the new BMW ALPINA XB7's design conveys dynamic luxury. The powerful appearance is accentuated by a modern design language, elegant details and precise contours that draw attention to its generous dimensions."

The last part of this, along with 'Generous dimensions' make this sound like a Lane Bryant ad.

It's an obese SUV that also happens to be luxurious.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by SabineBimmer

"Expressive presence: each detail of the new BMW ALPINA XB7's design conveys dynamic luxury. The powerful appearance is accentuated by a modern design language, elegant details and precise contours that draw attention to its generous dimensions."

The last part of this, along with 'Generous dimensions' make this sound like a Lane Bryant ad.

It's an obese SUV that also happens to be luxurious.

Interesting that you point that out because Alpina, historically speaking, has always been that other "under the radar" BMWs performance arm purveyor of elegant, sophisticated and smooth luxury sedan built with the most refined performance edge when demanded from it.

Typically, I'd like to think of Alpina as the anti-thesis of ///M cars where loud, ultra fast, ultra high HP and look at me personality are the order of the day.

For me personally, I would pick a B5 sedan over a M5 all things considered. Unfortunately and sadly the B5 sedan and touring are not sold in North America.

Here is a Jeremy Clarkson's "Grand Tour" video comparing both the F90 M5 and G30 based Alpina B5:

[LittleJoe]

What's not to like...

[SabineBimmer]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

Interesting that you point that out because Alpina, historically speaking, has always been that other "under the radar" BMWs performance arm purveyor of elegant, sophisticated and smooth luxury sedan built with the most refined performance edge when demanded from it.

Typically, I'd like to think of Alpina as the anti-thesis of ///M cars where loud, ultra fast, ultra high HP and look at me personality are the order of the day.

For me personally, I would pick a B5 sedan over a M5 all things considered. Unfortunately and sadly the B5 sedan and touring are not sold in North America.

Here is a Jeremy Clarkson's "Grand Tour" video comparing both the F90 M5 and G30 based Alpina B5:

You bring up a great point about Alpina. You are 100% right but I was wondering about how this was approached behind the scenes. Did Alpina really want this? Sure they're a business but...

I think Alpina works better with less exposure and when sticking to sedans. I think it loses some of that exclusivity by going to SUVs. We will see.

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by SabineBimmer

Did Alpina really want this? Sure they're a business but...

I think Alpina works better with less exposure and when sticking to sedans. I think it loses some of that exclusivity by going to SUVs. We will see.

Alpina knows exactly what they're doing and will easily sell every XB7 they build. Why leave the entire market to the MB AMG GLS 63.

[LittleJoe]

Here is a perfect example, this AMG GLS 63 is $153,035 as tested. This is the market Alpina wants to challenge with the XB7.

[LittleJoe]

Everything Alpina added to the XB7:

• iDrive Controller in crystal glass with laser-etched ALPINA logo

• 4.4-liter V8 engine with 612 hp @ 5,500

• Two twin-scroll turbochargers with 2.1" turbines

• The cooling system has two additional external water coolers, an enlarged transmission oil cooler and a low-temperature cooling system (air/water/air) with ALPINA’s specific intercoolers.

• All-new stainless-steel ALPINA sport exhaust system is responsible for the BMW ALPINA XB7’s signature V8 sound. Designed to reduce back-pressure, the system is similar in construction and operation to that fitted to the 3rd-generation BMW ALPINA B7 Sedan also sold in North America.

• Active exhaust system flaps allow the driver to influence the sound: restrained in COMFORT mode for best possible travel comfort or clearly pronounced in SPORT mode.

• The latest generation 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with the industry-original ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC wheel-mounted shift buttons, designed to cope with the engine’s high torque.

• The high-performance transmission unit features an aluminum transmission oil sump located in the underbody where it is cooled effectively.

• A complete redesign of the electronics and mechatronics in this new-generation transmission ensures precise operation and responsiveness. In SPORT and SPORT+ modes, shift points are optimized for driving performance and gear shifts are considerably more dynamic. The COMFORT and COMFORT+ mode allow for relaxed, luxurious cruising at low engine rpms even when travelling at highway speeds, taking advantage of the signature ALPINA torque responsiveness.

• The BMW ALPINA XB7 drivetrain features an electronically-variable active limited slip differential on the rear axle, with a locking torque of up to 1475 lb-ft. The behavior of the active limited slip differential unit is specifically calibrated to suit the dynamic character of the BMW ALPINA XB7 and it operates in conjunction with the other driving dynamic systems.

• The BMW ALPINA XB7 is fitted with cutting-edge suspension technology, opening a new dimension in driving dynamics for the performance-luxury Sport Activity Vehicle segment. When selecting SPORT mode or at speeds above 100 mph, the ride height is lowered by 0.8 inch. The ride height is lowered another 0.8 inches for a total of 1.6 inches beyond speeds of 155 mph or when selecting SPORT+ mode.

• An ALPINA specific dome-bulkhead strut and reinforced torsion struts increase body rigidity. In addition, the electromechanical anti-roll bars of the Active Roll Stabilization system and stiffer rear axle bushings reduce body roll substantially.

• The BMW ALPINA XB7 all-wheel drive is based on the BMW intelligent xDrive system, which fully and variably distributes torque as required between the front and rear axles. The ALPINA specific adaptation of the torque distribution maximizes traction and neutral driving dynamics in all conditions.

• Optionally, all-new 23" forged-alloy wheels.

• Four-piston fixed brake calipers from Brembo finished in ALPINA Blue and feature a white ALPINA logo.

• The front bumper with large air intakes and free-floating ALPINA lettering is aerodynamically optimized to reduce uplift for maximum high-speed stability.

• At the rear the ALPINA sport exhaust system with two twin tailpipes is beautifully integrated into the design of the ALPINA rear bumper.

• Blue illuminated gear selector switch, ALPINA production plaque.

• Illuminated ALPINA door sills.

• Unique ALPINA sport steering wheel hand-finished in finest LAVALINA leather and featuring trademark Blue/Green stitching.

• The full-color 12.3 inch digital instrument display with ALPINA design features advanced configuration options, sport displays, and customizable views.

[530iDriver]

Interesting. Since I am not a SUV type of person, perhaps I can't fully appreciate what Alpina has done here to enhance the X7?

[LittleJoe]

Alpina XB7 mechanical enhancements:

[LittleJoe]

My BMW salesman texted me he's getting training on the XB7 tomorrow morning. He hasn't yet heard when the order guides will be released. Anyone else hear anything about the order guide or when the order banks will officially be open?

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by LittleJoe

Here is a perfect example, this AMG GLS 63 is $153,035 as tested. This is the market Alpina wants to challenge with the XB7.

At least the AMG GLS63 is dressed appropriately for a $153Kish performance land yacht.

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by Auricom

At least the AMG GLS63 is dressed appropriately for a $153Kish performance land yacht.

The MB AMG GLS63 isn't a bad option but in the 'dressed appropriately' category, IMO the Alpina XB7 is the better looking vehicle. But that's all subjective and to each his own, after all it's your money.

[LittleJoe]

Phytonic Blue XB7 and 50i:

[LittleJoe]

The order system for the XB7 is taking shape. I got these screen shots today. Only two wheel options, the standard 21" wheels (yuk) and the new 23" wheels. Several options shown on the German configurator are still missing like Alpina Blue and Green paint options. Order banks are still not open.

[LittleJoe]

This launch video is from Canada and the XB7 is Alpina Blue paint:

[ND40oz]

Originally Posted by LittleJoe

This launch video is from Canada and the XB7 is Alpina Blue paint:

That looks darker than Alpina Blue, almost looks like Tanzanite?

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by ND40oz

That looks darker than Alpina Blue, almost looks like Tanzanite?

That crossed my mind as well but I'm doubtful they would make such a mistake. It could be the lighting was inadequate.

I think this is Alpina Blue:

[LittleJoe]

This B7 is Alpina Blue, you can see a hint of purple:

[ComingInHot]

Originally Posted by LittleJoe

Front and rear differences between a M50i and a XB7:

I still like that M-Sport front better but that's just my personal preference. Both backs are equal to me so I'm good with either. I checked the pricing guide and there is an option for shadowline so less chrome...but there isn't an M-sport option unfortunately (for me). I built it nevertheless and it's about 30k more than the M50i that I want. I did notice there are options in the M50i that I built that I can't get in the XB7 e.g. Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, Ambient Air etc.

I'm now waiting for the 2021 order guide for the M50i to see what's different and then I'll finally make up my freaking mind and put an order in

[LittleJoe]

Speaking of the rear, here is a side-by-side. Subtle but the XB7 is an improvement IMO. To bad M50i buyers cannot option this design.