Expected to be revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor
Show, the X7 that currently aims for the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover
SVAutobiography, is an imposing, powerful and luxurious SUV. However, it’s
about to up the ante with the arrival of the Alpina XB7, which we saw testing
just a couple of weeks ago.
That prototype was partially hidden under (foil)
wraps, which Kolesa digitally removed to provide us with looks like a pretty
accurate picture of the forthcoming production car. In typical Alpina fashion,
the exterior modifications will be subtle and include unique trimmings, bumper
aprons, side skirts and their signature multispoke wheels, along with bespoke
color offerings such as the ‘Alpina Green’ used on this render. Similar changes will be performed
inside with Alpina-specific upholstery, badging, trim accents and instrument
panel readings.
While Alpina hasn’t shared any details about its
take on the X7, it’s believed that they are developing two models, the
diesel-powered XD7 that will be limited to the European market, and the
gasoline-fueled XB7. Both should make use of the respective powertrains of the
X7 M50i and M50d where they deliver 530PS and 400 PS, massaged,
of course, to deliver a lot more power.
In the case of the XB7, that means a 4.4-liter,
twin-turbo V8, which we know from the 2020 B7, where it churns out 608 PS and 800 Nm of torque, rocketing the large sedan to 100
km/h in 3.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 330 km/h.
A bespoke suspension tune aimed at
bettering the ride and handling, along with an upgraded eight-speed automatic
transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive and possibly a variable exhaust system,
will be part of the package for the three-row SUV.
