When a test vehicle earns a nickname after just 15 minutes of driving, you’ve either got a lemon or a gem. In the case of the 2025 Alpina XB7 it’s the latter, and the moniker is a jewel. “Emerald” got its name from its stunning and exclusive Alpina Green II Metallic exterior.
The brawny six-seater (as we tested it with second row captain’s chairs; its base model is a seven-seater) is based on the BMW X7, and modified by Alpina, BMW’s partner in taking luxury vehicles to a whole new level of refinement, performance and comfort. The two companies have been working together for half a century, and BMW bought Alpina in 2022. After 2025, Alpina production will be brought completely under BMW’s wing.
This Alpina was built in BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina factory, using parts sourced from Alpina’s plant in Buchloe, Germany. Vehicles for the Canadian and American markets are completed in Spartanburg, while those destined for other regions are returned to Alpina in Germany for finishing.
The XB7 is a rare creature. Only 2,880 have been produced since 2020, and BMW Canada sells a couple dozen a year, according to spokesperson Jean-Francois Taylor. As the only Alpina available in Canada, it garners stares and close inspection by passersby who know it’s unusual. But it’s likely to remain an object of desire for all but a fortunate few who can get their hands on one and afford the $175,000 price tag, before luxury taxes and delivery.
Powertrain: It’s a beast, this Emerald. A tap on the go-pedal and you’ll feel a remarkably quick shot of power as the hybrid-assisted twin turbo 4.4-litre V8 spools up, generating 631 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This 6,000-pound behemoth can get from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, and tops out at 290 km/h, if you dare.
All this power comes thanks to BMW’s extra-responsive turbos and the mild-hybrid system that increases the efficiency of the engine as well as speeding up the responsiveness of the eight-speed automatic transmission. Alpina provided the engine management and cooling systems, along with its own shift buttons on the steering wheel.
Drive: Our test drive took us on a 1,000-km return trip for a weekend of skiing. While the drive was mostly on the highway, it tested the XB7s handling characteristics over snowy roads, twisty, hilly and severely potholed pavements, and wide-open highway. Overall, the SUV is a true delight to drive, handling all conditions with the serenity befitting such a luxurious and sophisticated vehicle. We also managed 11.3 l/100km, better than the stated highway fuel economy rating.
The only oddity in its behaviour was that at speeds up to just over 100 km/h, the XB7 felt as though the body was floating around on the suspension. Passengers commented on the sensation without prompting, so it’s not subtle. At higher speeds the SUV settles down into a smooth ride, eliminating bumps in the road and delivering handling that would be respectable from a sports car.
Underpinning it is the XB7’s sport suspension, which brings together a two-axle air suspension and Alpina’s own dampers, struts and sensing technology. The suspension has a 40-mm ride height adjustment that can be manually controlled. Left to its own devices the height lowers by 20.3 mm for sport mode or faster than 160 km/h, and by the full 40.6 mm in sport plus or above 250 km/h. Ontario speed limits prevented a test of these automations, but a manual attempt at lowering the ride resulted in a visible drop, accompanied by a ghostly groaning from the suspension.
Interior: From the first moment you settle into the buttery Merino leather seats and wrap your hands around the Alpina sport steering wheel, the interior of the XB7 is a delight. It’s got a dash of bling that’s toned down with elegant elements. The crystal shifter and customizable interior lighting themes are a bit over the top, but the natural walnut dash and piano black finishes calm everything down.
The dash is pure BMW. The one large display screen provides cockpit data and infotainment in a seamless design. Overhead, the panorama roof is outlined with led lights, and the cover panel slides all the way back to reveal the sky for even the passengers in the third row.
Speaking of passengers, in our tester the second-row seats were multi adjustable captain’s chairs that provided acres of space, and a comfortable recline. The third row, not so much. But from the horizontally split tailgate that provides a small tray when both parts are open, multi-function controls can adjust all of the rear seating to provide maximum cargo or maximum passenger space. There’s also a massive under seat storage area accessible from the tailgate.
Exterior: The XB7 is easily distinguishable from its BMW brothers by the giant Alpina spoiler up front and the apron under the rear bumper that surrounds the four sport exhausts. The Alpina specific metallic green is stunning, and the 23-inch wheels complement the overall appearance.
That said, it’s a stout, boxy machine, with what one friend called “squinty eyes” – the skinny LED headlights. Not for everyone apparently, but a head-turner, nonetheless.
Infotainment: The 2025 Alpina is equipped with BMW’s iDrive 8.5 operating system, which offers voice controls, standard head-up display and a variety of driver assistance programs. While the voice commands program works sometimes, it is not ready for prime time, with about a 50 percent success rate, and the computer is apparently not aware of all the options equipped on the vehicle. For instance, on asking the assistant to raise or lower the powered rear side sunshades, she replied: “This vehicle isn’t equipped with that feature”.
The Maneuver Assistant, on the other hand, proved entertaining and useful, as parking at the ski chalet required a multi-point backing turn around a large tree and between snowbanks. The assistant uses GPS data and the trajectory data from steering inputs to record and store up to ten different maneuvers covering a distance of up to 200 metres each. After one careful run-through by the human driver, the XB7 flawlessly executed the maneuver on subsequent returns to the start point, without needing a prompt.
Sound in our tester was delivered through an optional Bowers & Wilkins surround system, (part of the $8,200 Premium Package) that was truly exceptional. Listening to radio or music in the driver’s seat felt immersive, like being in a sound studio.
Gadgets aside, the Alpina is truly an excellent vehicle. But is it good enough to warrant the premium over a regular BMW X7? The mid-range X7 M60i starts at about $132,000. If you are already spending that kind of money on a vehicle and wanted something unique, more powerful and more luxurious, the Alpina surely gives its competitors a run for the money.
On the other hand, should a luxury SUV that’s going to set you back well over $200k be perfect? Because the Alpina is not. It may be a giant, shiny emerald, but the gem has a few minor flaws. Whether they matter in the eye of the beholder – that’s up to you.
2025 Alpina XB7
Price as tested: $195,500.00
Freight: Per dealership
Configuration: Front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: V8, 4.4 litre twin turbo, 8-speed automatic
Fuel capacity: 80 litres
Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 5.2 city; 11.6 highway; 13.6 combined
Warranties: 4 years/80,000 km
Competitors: Mercedes-Maybach GLS, Cadillac Escalade V, Land Rover Range Rover
Website: Alpina