Unleashing the Power of the Alpina XB7
Does Alpina belong in the SUV realm? With the surge of premium brands offering SUVs, it's no surprise to see Alpina joining the party with its recently facelifted XB7. This move is no less than a bold statement.
Which luxury SUV brands instantly come to mind? Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW, of course, but don't forget about the label from the Allgäu. The Allgäu-based Alpina has been fine-tuning not only the powerful saloons and estates from the BMW range but also the opulent SUVs, albeit selectively. Skipping the upper mid-size class (X5), you're left with two choices: the X3/X4 or the mighty XB7.
The XB7's grandeur aligns excellent with Alpina's pristine brand, and the engine options are no less luxurious. Speaking of which, prepare for no ambiguity—there's only one option: a 621 horsepower eight-cylinder twin-turbo. No diesel, no less potent petrol—just pure pleasure. The price tag for this delightful engine starts at a crisp 180,500 euros, but don't get your hopes up for that much roaring thunder from the engine—Alpina leaves a little more refinement for the sound.
A Touch More V8 Violence
The engine inside the Alpina XB7 is more of a soft whisper, and sometimes it's as if it's trying to forget about its V8 heritage. It hums down low, and when it reaches higher revs, you'll hear some subtle yawing. But you won't find yourself needing to access these higher revs often; the all-wheel-drive system is more than capable of managing everyday driving smoothly.
Whenever the urge to test the XB7's limits comes knocking, be prepared for consequences. Moving at full speed can quickly result in an unintended encounter with a speed camera despite the vehicle's 0-to-100 km/h acceleration in a mere 4.2 seconds and a max speed of 290 km/h.
Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort
Glide upon the XB7's roads seamlessly. This massive SUV, engineered for smooth rides, maintains Alpina's reputation for balance. However, picking a fight with narrow, winding roads is unnecessary in this class of SUV. The XB7 boasts a controlled rear axle differential to ensure a gentle ride over rough asphalt.
Taking comfort to new heights, the XB7's armchair-like seats feel like a cloud, complete with adjustable air-conditioning and back massagers. Switching between driving modes makes the XB7's character even more surreal, but Comfort+ mode takes it to the extreme.
Explore Incredible Spaciousness
The XB7's huge 3.11-meter wheelbase ensures an ample amount of space for cutting-edge features, like fold-down electric seats controlled by a single button. When all seats are folded up, the XB7 becomes a practical transport truck with an astonishing storage capacity of 2,120 liters.
Wrapping it Up
Alpina's trademarked V8 engine finds its rightful home in the XB7, providing impeccable performance while maintaining its prestigious image. The Alpina XB7, much like its predecessors, is tailor-made for luxury and exclusivity, ensuring Alpina retains its status as a special automotive brand.
Enrichment Insight: Various luxury brands also offer V8-powered SUVs, including Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, and Genesis. To learn more, visit [GHOST_URL/the-china-replacement/].
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