The world is still SUV-crazy, although large and hulking isn't enough for everyone anymore. Power and beauty are still lusted after, and to meet those needs, there are tuners-cum-OEMs like Alpina who take a premium sports utility vehicle and make them more - so much more that you get to superfluous, as is the case with the Alpina XB7. And with BMW officially acquiring Alpina earlier this year, the XB7 is one of the last models to come from outside the BMW wheelhouse with an Alpina badge. The recent launch of the latest XB7 comes just a few months after the launch of the updated BMW X7 for 2023, but the wait has been worthwhile. Based on BMW's CLAR architecture, the three-row large luxury SUV has been dialed up by the famed tweaker of all things BMW to create the equivalent of the X7 M BMW itself will never build.

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Orders opened in September 2022, with the release date of the BMW Alpina XB7 scheduled for early 2023, when first deliveries are set to take place in the USA.

You can get behind the wheel of the 2023 BMW Alpina XB7 for a starting price of $145,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. This is around $3,550 more than the MSRP of the 2022 model but slightly less than rivals like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. The latter will cost in excess of $165k, and although it feels even more opulent than the XB7 inside, it isn't as powerful. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is priced lower at $135,400 with 603 horsepower on tap. The XB7 has 630 hp available, while the Maybach GLS makes 558 hp.

Following the divisive exterior updates to the regular X7 earlier this year, the new BMW Alpina XB7 SUV shows off a fresh look, too. The design brief was to make the large sports activity vehicle look sharper and more progressive than before, and to this end, the front view now comes with an updated light design with horizontally-separated twin headlights that seem to peer ahead with determination. The kidney grilles are illuminated, and the front apron is classic Alpina - bold, powerful, and aggressive. At the back, there are dual oval tailpipes on each side, neatly located in the rear apron, and a panoramic glass sunroof comes standard.

The XB7 features model-specific 23-inch wheels with a 20-spoke design, although there are 21-inch items available. In terms of exterior finishes, the XB7 has access to colors from the Alpina palette that includes such hues as Ametrin, Tanzanite Blue II, Brooklyn Grey, and Dravit Grey that we know from the BMW lineup. Alpina-specific colors, Alpina Blue and Green Metallic, are available, too.

As with the X7 on which it's based, the Alpina XB7's core dimensions are par for the full-size SUV segment. In length and width, the XB7 is more impressive, at 203.9 inches long and 78.3 inches wide, including the side mirrors. The wheelbase measurement is 122.2 inches. The XB7 stands 70.7 inches tall, slightly shorter than the regular X7. Ground clearance comes in at 8.4 inches, but it's the curb weight figure that is perhaps most impressive. Tipping the scales at almost 6,000 pounds, the Alpina XB7 weighs 5,986 lbs - around 570 lbs heavier than the standard X7.

Alpina's tweaks have traditionally been more about a balance between opulence and performance without leaning too hard in either direction, but that doesn't detract from the impressive mechanics under the metal. The BMW Alpina XB7's engine is a new generation 4.4-liter V8 bi-turbo unit that makes 630 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque - this is up from the previous model's 612 hp. All this power is good enough to dispatch the 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds (with the 21-inch wheels and tires), despite its ponderous weight, making the Alpina XB7 one of the fastest SUVs around. It's also rated to tow up to 7,500 lbs if that's something you require of this handsome brute.

To get the most of these performance specs and get closer to the 180-mph top speed, however, you'll need to switch out the large standard rims for smaller 21-inch wheels and performance tires. With the 23s, the top speed is limited to 130 mph. Laying all this power down to the four wheels is an eight-speed automatic transmission; an electronically-variable limited slip differential is standard to channel torque to the wheel with the most traction, as and when needed.

Various drive modes allow the transmission and engine to respond accordingly within milliseconds of making shifts on the steering-mounted paddles. There are four drive modes, namely Comfort, Comfort +, Sport, and Sport+ to choose from.

Driving dynamics and comfort are a priority, so the Alpina XB7 comes with the latest tech, including two-axle air suspension with bespoke dampers. Dome-bulkhead struts and reinforced torsion struts prevent unnecessary flex, and the Active Roll Stabilization system and rear axle bushings work to ensure that you can hurtle through corners with confidence and keep your passengers comfortable at the same time.

Official gas mileage figures have not been released yet, but they shouldn't be too far off from that of the 2022 iteration. The older model achieved ratings of 15/21/17 mpg, but it's worth remembering there is an all-new power plant in the 2023 XB7 that extracts more horsepower. With mild-hybrid assistance, courtesy of a 48-volt starter-generator, we may see similar figures for the 2023 model year.

The X7 is already a plush and spacious place to spend time, and with some Alpina TLC, it's an even more tech-rich environment. The large curved display screen provides a merged surface on which the digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment are displayed - it runs the latest generation of BMW's iDrive 8 operating system, which works perfectly with third-party apps. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant makes voice control easy, while a head-up display is standard. Alpina graphics and trademark coloring set this model apart from the regular fare.

Standard features include four-zone climate control, ambient lighting, heated front and rear seats, wireless device charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Driving Assistant Professional system is standard, too, as is the Active Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Professional, which now includes Trailer Assistant and Maneuver Assistant. The latter learns and stores up to ten different maneuvers within an allotted space and location, and, once memorized, will automatically complete the maneuver for you when arriving at the GPS-tagged location.

The BMW Alpina XB7 seats either six or seven passengers, depending on how you configure it. Regardless of how many seats you want to fill, however, the XB7 has extended Merino leather upholstery as standard, with Lavalina as an option. In classic Alpina fashion, the steering wheel is already Lavalina-wrapped with blue/green stitching, while the iDrive controller is made of glass. The Alpina XB7s interior features Myrtle Luxury Wood trim, but there are other options that look just as good, including Natural Walnut Anthracite and Piano Lacquer.

Regardless of the respected Alpina roundel you'll find displayed around the cabin, it's still an SUV at heart, and some degree of practicality is expected. When it comes to cargo space in the Alpina XB7, there are around 13 cubic feet behind the third row, but if you're not likely to use the back seats, fold them flat to open up a more useful 48.6 cubes. Maximum trunk space measure 90.4 cubes. And, with sizable nooks and crannies elsewhere around the cabin, you're not likely to run out of places to store your bits and bobs.

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