2023 Alpina XB7 Review: The Ultimate X7

Alpina has a similar story to that of its rival in Affalterbach. Once known for upgrading BMW products, and even an independent automaker, the company was rolled into BMW in 2022. While Alpina is probably still best known for upgrading BMWs, its role under BMW ownership is basically unchanged. Case and point: the BMW X7 Alpina XB7. Technically still a BMW, and not a remanufactured product released by Alpin, this X7 has all the accouterment you’d expect from the brand. The XB7 squeezes more power out of the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8, bringing it up from 523 hp to 630 hp. The Alpina also sports a posh interior and the classic Alpina spoked wheels -- even though the company has moved away from the hollow-spoke wheel-center inflation. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s Patrick Carone hops behind the wheel of the Alpina XB7 and puts it through its paces. Carone takes you around the high-riding Alpina and highlights some of his favorite features. Carone also takes you along for a live drive review. Alongside this live commentary, Carone chats about the Alpina XB7 with host Wesley Wren. The pair talk about the competitive set, the finer details about the XB7, and more. Closing the show, the pair break down what makes the Alpina XB7 special.