Buchloe, Germany: ALPINA has announced its first Sports Activity Vehicle for the Canadian market, the new BMW ALPINA XB7. Based on BMW’s X7 model line, the XB7 joins the B7 Sedan in ALPINA’s Canadian lineup this Fall. The power and torque produced by the performance ALPINA 4.4-liter V8 and the agility and handling capabilities of the ALPINA sport suspension place the XB7 firmly among the highest-performing Sports Activity Vehicles in the world.
Each detail of the new BMW ALPINA XB7 has been finely crafted to provide comfort and sensory delight. Three rows of seats generously accommodate six or seven occupants. Elegant ALPINA detail refinements, such as the iDrive Controller in crystal glass with laser-etched ALPINA logo, contribute to an exquisite interior ambiance. The exterior design emphasizes power and presence, while improving both appearance and aerodynamic properties such as reduced aerodynamic lift for maximum high-speed stability.
A state of the art performance powertrain spawns the powerful and confident character of the new BMW ALPINA XB7, with linear and responsive power delivery across the entire engine speed range.
Calibrated Engine
The engine has been carefully calibrated to reflect the superior driving experience that has been signature to the most-powerful ALPINA models throughout the company’s 55-year history. The engines character is best described as early, torque-filled urgency followed by a surge of mid-range power and a hard charge to redline.
The 4.4-liter V8 engine with bi-turbo charging, gasoline direct injection, and BMW’s Valvetronic delivers an output of 612 hp @ 5,500 – 6,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft which is available from an extraordinary 2000 rpm all the way to 5000 rpm. The BMW ALPINA XB7 needs just 4.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, and completes the ¼ mile sprint in just 12.6 seconds. Maximum speed is limited to 290 km/h when equipped with the optional 21 inch wheel and performance tire setup.
The engine’s power characteristics and superb throttle response are the result of detailed optimizations of the turbocharging and cooling systems. Two twin-scroll turbochargers with 53 mm turbines facilitate the near-instantaneous conversion of exhaust gas energy into boost pressure, even at low engine speeds for early maximum torque. The cooling system with two additional external water coolers, an enlarged transmission oil cooler and a low-temperature cooling system (air/water/air) with ALPINA’s specific intercoolers, ensure thermodynamic stability even under highest loads.
The all-new, stainless-steel ALPINA sport exhaust system is responsible for the BMW ALPINA XB7’s signature V8 sound.
The new BMW ALPINA XB7 features the latest generation 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with the industry-original ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC wheel-mounted shift buttons. In cooperation with the experts at ZF, the 8HP76 transmission has been specially designed to cope with the engine’s high torque. Offering unparalleled shift comfort and the capability to execute shifts in tenths of a second means power is delivered effortlessly and instantaneously at all times.
The high-performance transmission unit features an aluminum transmission oil sump located in the underbody where it is cooled effectively.
Transmission
The complete redesign of the electronics and mechatronics in this new-generation transmission ensures precise operation and 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. This improves traction when driving dynamically by ensuring that slip-induced losses are minimized, and torque is distributed effectively to the wheel with the most grip at any given time.
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.
The standard two-axle air suspension with ALPINA-specific damper and kinematic set-up are primarily responsible for the balance of driving dynamics and ride comfort. It allows for a remarkable and noticeable 20 mm change in ride height, depending on driving situation and Mode selection.
At speeds below 30 km/h, the ride height can be raised by 20 mm for challenging ramp angles or other clearance requirements. More importantly, the BMW ALPINA XB7’s ride height can be lowered by 30 km/h, either dependent on speed or at the driver’s request, resulting in a substantially lower center of gravity. When selecting SPORT mode or at speeds above 160 km/h, the ride height is lowered by 20 mm. The ride height is lowered another 20 mm for a total of 40 mm beyond speeds of 250 km/h 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.
Specially-developed wheel and tire combinations underscore the powerful appearance of the BMW ALPINA XB7 and are instrumental in offering impressive levels of grip, especially for a vehicle of this size category.