2024 BMW Alpina XB7

The Alpina BMWs can be likened to the classic steel fist in a velvet glove and represent a more luxurious and decadent take on the typical sporty BMW. It's a luxurious M for sophisticated tastes and - in the case of a car such as the X7 SUV which doesn't come with its own proper M derivative - the ultimate model in the lineup. With the BMW Alpina XB7 SUV still new after last year's update that came with a new 630-horsepower engine, it's more of the same this year as the most expensive X7 derivative fights it out for the luxury-SUV spoils in a class where few rivals can offer such a complete package. A quick review of the 2024 BMW Alpina XB7's competitors reveals the main suspects to again be the Bentley Bentayga and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. The XB7 is more expensive than the Merc, but looks like a bargain next to the $200k Bentley. The base X7 is already arguably the most accomplished three-row luxury SUV on the market and the Alpina XB7 flagship will be looking to cement its position at the top of the class.

The price of the BMW Alpina XB7 is $149,400, up from last year's $145,000. There is but a single trim in the lineup in one configuration, with a 630-hp V8 and AWD, so the final price will depend on the packages and extras you add. Keep in mind that the price of the Alpina XB7 is MSRP and doesn't include BMW's $995 destination fee.

A 6,000-pound three-row SUV isn't meant to be thrown around with reckless abandon, so it comes as quite a shock that the XB7 will oblige if you do. It's no sports car, as the lack of steering feel and feedback will remind you, but for something this big and tall, body control and handling precision are excellent. This is partly down to the adaptive Alpina Sport air suspension, xDrive AWD, and that M Sport differential. Even on the enormous 23-inch hoops, ride comfort remains sumptuous on Alpina's dedicated Comfort setting and this sporty SUV can do comfortable and quiet long-distance cruising as effortlessly as it can corner at inappropriate speeds. It can be firmed up for such antics and the suspension will raise at low speeds and hunker down on the highway to reduce drag. Performance, of course, is epic, and its ability to blast to 60 mph in under four seconds is surpassed only by the refined and unflustered way it goes about it.

The Alpina XB7 is a niche product and if you don't get what Alpina is all about, you'll simply suck your teeth at the price and opt for the $40k cheaper M60i instead. But the XB7 represents the state of the X7 art and its luxury finishes, bespoke materials, unique tuning, and distinctive Alpina visual enhancements mark it out as something truly special - and fully worthy of comparison with the best in the business. It's not worth all that money on a rational basis, but what price can you put on exclusivity and the assurance that you'll likely have the only one in your neighborhood? If you look at it as the ultimate luxury three-row SUV with an uncommon turn of speed at a $50k discount over a Bentley, it might be right up your alley.

There is a single trim, so what you end up with depends on how you spec it. There isn't an awful lot you can change, as the XB7 already gets the full-house treatment. It's a bit cheeky for BMW to charge $3,400 extra for the 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system, but we'd opt for it anyway to complete the package. Whether or not you order the second-row captain's chairs that turn it into a six-seater will depend on how you want to use your XB7 and how many people you are going to transport.