[SteelBMW]

Hey guys, I was waiting and waiting, hoping that an Alpina or a V12 version of the X7 would come out. It finally came out, and I can't help but be underwhelmed. My dealer says that it's all the same colors as the standard X7, same interior options, same trim options... You get some logos and lights (and of course the engine/suspension changes) but I would expect there to be something more unique about the interior of the XB7. And no special exterior colors, like the Alpina Blue? That's a disaster. He says the reason is because it's being built in Spartanburg and not Germany - I don't understand why that matters, it's just paint in the sprayers.

My wife was going to get the M50i, and I was going to get the Alpina. But I like the M50i front grill better than Alpina, and beyond that I don't know what is worth like $40k more for Alpina over M.

It makes me think maybe I should be looking into the GLS63.

All this to say, I don't know. I want to like the Alpina more, but I'm super bummed that it has all basic options for seats/trim/exterior colors, etc. - and will still lose to the M50i on the track (not that I care about that, but my point is, why is it worth it except the "Alpina" name?)

[stein_325i]

If your wife is getting the M50i, I would just get the GLS AMG. Nice to have a little variety in the house and you can't beat an AMG V8. GLS is also likely a bit more practical.

Just curious but why the need for two 3-row SUV's?

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by SteelBMW

And no special exterior colors, like the Alpina Blue? That's a disaster. He says the reason is because it's being built in Spartanburg and not Germany - I don't understand why that matters, it's just paint in the sprayers.

I posted this on another thread but Alpina Blue will be available Dec 2020 and Alpina Green will be available April 2021.

I'm considering the XB7 but like you I'm having trouble justifying the $38K up-charge vs. a similarly equipped M50i. I'm in no hurry so I'll be waiting for the video reviews.

[Crimsonboz]

Originally Posted by SteelBMW

Hey guys, I was waiting and waiting, hoping that an Alpina or a V12 version of the X7 would come out. It finally came out, and I can't help but be underwhelmed. My dealer says that it's all the same colors as the standard X7, same interior options, same trim options... You get some logos and lights (and of course the engine/suspension changes) but I would expect there to be something more unique about the interior of the XB7. And no special exterior colors, like the Alpina Blue? That's a disaster. He says the reason is because it's being built in Spartanburg and not Germany - I don't understand why that matters, it's just paint in the sprayers.

My wife was going to get the M50i, and I was going to get the Alpina. But I like the M50i front grill better than Alpina, and beyond that I don't know what is worth like $40k more for Alpina over M.

It makes me think maybe I should be looking into the GLS63.

All this to say, I don't know. I want to like the Alpina more, but I'm super bummed that it has all basic options for seats/trim/exterior colors, etc. - and will still lose to the M50i on the track (not that I care about that, but my point is, why is it worth it except the "Alpina" name?)

I did a lot of research on the Alpina, I’m going to pass. My next one after the lease will be M50i X7 or X5M. One kid off to college so need one less row.

[ComingInHot]

I was waiting on the Alpina as well and like you I was underwhelmed so I decided to go for the M50i. Then the crazy happened where the M50i was losing stuff in the 21 that was presently in the 20 and I didn't want to wait till maybe late 21 or 22 to hopefully, maybe, get these things back so I pulled the trigger and found the allocation.

If you will have an M50i in the family not buying the alpina is a no brainer to me at that point . Variety is the spice of life

[adamjs83]

Originally Posted by SteelBMW

Hey guys, I was waiting and waiting, hoping that an Alpina or a V12 version of the X7 would come out. It finally came out, and I can't help but be underwhelmed. My dealer says that it's all the same colors as the standard X7, same interior options, same trim options... You get some logos and lights (and of course the engine/suspension changes) but I would expect there to be something more unique about the interior of the XB7. And no special exterior colors, like the Alpina Blue? That's a disaster. He says the reason is because it's being built in Spartanburg and not Germany - I don't understand why that matters, it's just paint in the sprayers.

My wife was going to get the M50i, and I was going to get the Alpina. But I like the M50i front grill better than Alpina, and beyond that I don't know what is worth like $40k more for Alpina over M.

It makes me think maybe I should be looking into the GLS63.

All this to say, I don't know. I want to like the Alpina more, but I'm super bummed that it has all basic options for seats/trim/exterior colors, etc. - and will still lose to the M50i on the track (not that I care about that, but my point is, why is it worth it except the "Alpina" name?)

I call Troll.

[SteelBMW]

Originally Posted by adamjs83

I call Troll.

Me a troll? Zero percent a troll. Why do you say that?

[adamjs83]

Originally Posted by SteelBMW

Me a troll? Zero percent a troll. Why do you say that?

Usually when somone comes on a forum and says they're gonna be two identical cars in the top two trims of that car they're trolling. If you're buying $300,000 worth of cars during a global pandemic you aren't gonna ask online about saving $5,000 because you experienced it at a Ford dealership a decade ago.

[SteelBMW]

Originally Posted by LittleJoe

I posted this on another thread but Alpina Blue will be available Dec 2020 and Alpina Green will be available April 2021.

I'm considering the XB7 but like you I'm having trouble justifying the $38K up-charge vs. a similarly equipped M50i. I'm in no hurry so I'll be waiting for the video reviews.

Ohhh Alpina Blue in Dec is great news! That is a cool color. My dealer never has this information, thank you for providing.

[SteelBMW]

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Usually when somone comes on a forum and says they're gonna be two identical cars in the top two trims of that car they're trolling. If you're buying $300,000 worth of cars during a global pandemic you aren't gonna ask online about saving $5,000 because you experienced it at a Ford dealership a decade ago.

Well, sorry to inform you that you're wrong and that's exactly what's happening. Sorry if that upsets you? Because someone is spending a lot on vehicles your presumption is that money is no object and savings don't matter? That might be the reason you're not buying two of these vehicles, just saying. Every dollar matters, all the time.

[SteelBMW]

Originally Posted by jstein55

If your wife is getting the M50i, I would just get the GLS AMG. Nice to have a little variety in the house and you can't beat an AMG V8. GLS is also likely a bit more practical.

Just curious but why the need for two 3-row SUV's?

Trust me, I'm really not thrilled about the concept of us both having basically the same vehicle. We have a new baby, and want to have a couple more kids. So we'll need space for her vehicle for sure. I am a big guy and don't fit in, or like driving, small cars. I occasionally have customers or employees with me, so I would like something comfortable and nice. But I always want something that isn't a slow sloppy boat like a big truck (although my truck was sick). Mine would have captain chairs in the rear, hers would have bench.

My issue with Mercedes is probably really silly. Our experience at the BMW dealer nearby has been incredible. Top notch facility, customer service, loaner cars, they're just great. Mercedes dealer nearby is the complete opposite - completely rude, unhelpful, and sketchy with their recommendations for repairs. We have a Sprinter fleet and they have been the worst. I also love the BMW handling over anyone else, though we test drove the base GLS and it was much more responsive than I remember the older models being (we have a 2008 R class and it's a floppy boat). I also expect the GLS63 will be more expensive than the XB7 once desired options are all added - but I don't see where I can build the GLS63 on the website so I can't verify that yet.

[Wanderer73]

I agree, if you're getting an M50i for the wife, I'd consider some variety. After owning the M50i for a few months, I just can't see the point of the XB7, but to each their own. I prefer the more aggressive M Sport styling and the overall performance of the M50i is outstanding.

Have you considered an X5M for yourself? Do you need the 3rd row?

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by SteelBMW

Trust me, I'm really not thrilled about the concept of us both having basically the same vehicle. We have a new baby, and want to have a couple more kids. So we'll need space for her vehicle for sure. I am a big guy and don't fit in, or like driving, small cars. I occasionally have customers or employees with me, so I would like something comfortable and nice. But I always want something that isn't a slow sloppy boat like a big truck (although my truck was sick). Mine would have captain chairs in the rear, hers would have bench.

My issue with Mercedes is probably really silly. Our experience at the BMW dealer nearby has been incredible. Top notch facility, customer service, loaner cars, they're just great. Mercedes dealer nearby is the complete opposite - completely rude, unhelpful, and sketchy with their recommendations for repairs. We have a Sprinter fleet and they have been the worst. I also love the BMW handling over anyone else, though we test drove the base GLS and it was much more responsive than I remember the older models being (we have a 2008 R class and it's a floppy boat). I also expect the GLS63 will be more expensive than the XB7 once desired options are all added - but I don't see where I can build the GLS63 on the website so I can't verify that yet.

That makes sense, a relationship with a dealership is a very important part of ownership so I don't blame you for not wanting to go with Mercedes because of that.

I believe you can find dealer order guides for the GLS63 AMG on the MBWorld Forums if you do want to check them out.

If you do end up going X7, your probably better off with two M50i's since the Alpina doesn't seem as special for the price outside of color.

Good luck with your decision

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Usually when somone comes on a forum and says they're gonna be two identical cars in the top two trims of that car they're trolling. If you're buying $300,000 worth of cars during a global pandemic you aren't gonna ask online about saving $5,000 because you experienced it at a Ford dealership a decade ago.

That's a bit harsh for a welcome and a new forum member and we haven't had the opportunity to feed them yet.

Bimmerpost forums are fairly troll free and ones that do cause a ruckus usually get ignored quickly.

[8202632]

I second the notion of x5m for yourself. Funny how easy it is to read in to something. When I read your post I assumed y’all were trying to decide bw the two!!! Anyways GLWS.

[SteelBMW]

Originally Posted by 8202632

I second the notion of x5m for yourself. Funny how easy it is to read in to something. When I read your post I assumed y’all were trying to decide bw the two!!! Anyways GLWS.

The issue with the X5 is when I put the front seat to where I need it (all the way back), and then if I sit behind my seat - I don't fit. I realize I won't be in both seats at the same time, but the issue is the interior sizing is smaller in the X5 than the X7. Most of the guys that I work with, that would ride with me - or multiple customers I can think of - are all 6'+ and I don't want something where people are cramped up behind my seat. And I literally DESPISE if anyone asks me to move my seat for them - I would literally rather they walk.

[stein_325i]

Curious what you think of the new Escalade?

[SteelBMW]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Curious what you think of the new Escalade?

I haven't driven the new one, but all the others I drove were big giant wobbling sloppy and slow. Awful driving experience. Like the opposite of a responsive tight-driving BMW. I love how the BMWs drive, that's my problem. The new GLS weren't bad though.

[8202632]

We traded our Escalade for our x7

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by SteelBMW

It makes me think maybe I should be looking into the GLS63.

Go drive a GLS then immediately test an X7 and you'll quickly realize your search is narrowed down to M50 or BX7.

[SteelBMW]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

Go drive a GLS then immediately test an X7 and you'll quickly realize your search is narrowed down to M50 or BX7.

We drove the base model GLS and I liked the X7 much better, but I found myself wondering if the GLS63 would drive much differently to the point where I would like it - or are the base model comparisons going to remain linear to the top model comparison (TBD).

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by SteelBMW

The issue with the X5 is when I put the front seat to where I need it (all the way back), and then if I sit behind my seat - I don't fit. I realize I won't be in both seats at the same time, but the issue is the interior sizing is smaller in the X5 than the X7. Most of the guys that I work with, that would ride with me - or multiple customers I can think of - are all 6'+ and I don't want something where people are cramped up behind my seat. And I literally DESPISE if anyone asks me to move my seat for them - I would literally rather they walk.

I agree with you there. My wife and I don't need a third row but we often have friends and family in the second row and the leg row of the X7 with the seats all the way back offer more leg room than the X5 and seats are more comfortable IMO. I love the look of the X5 but the second row leg room just doesn't work for us.