By Kevin Vaughn, Jr.
On New Year’s Day 2026 BMW announced its acquisition of ALPINA, a once-independent Munich-based tuning manufacturer that enhanced several generations of BMW models for 65 consecutive years. With the two companies now merged, ALPINA closes a historic chapter on its legacy by unveiling the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR. Limited to just 120 specialized units for the United States and Canada, it’s the last model to represent ALPINA as a solo brand.
If you are unfamiliar with ALPINA, think of it as BMW’s version of the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand. The ideology is transforming a flagship sedan or SUV into a luxurious work of art, empowered by supplementary improvements in performance. While BMW’s M division emphasizes aggression and agility, ALPINA takes a different approach, focusing on opulence and delivering a smoother, more compliant driving experience. The XB7 is the most recent product stemming from this practice. Other ALPINA models, such as the current 3 Series-based B3, are sadly not available in North America.
Beginning automotive life as a standard BMW X7 M60i, ALPINA worked its magic on the luxury three-row performance SUV by optimizing the heralded 4.4-liter Bi-Turbo V8 with 631-horsepower, about 100 more than the M model, and 590 lb-ft of torque. ALPINA has also altered the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission to satiate the increased torque and tweaked the adjustable air suspension for better control at higher speeds and through corners. With these improvements, the XB7 launches from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 180 mph when equipped with the right tires.
The 2026 XB7 MANUFAKTUR is offered in two exclusive new paint options: Frozen ALPINA Green and Frozen ALPINA Blue. Both pay tribute to the brand’s heritage, since most classic models are finished in these deep blue and green hues. Almost unnoticeable, a black “Deco Set” decal runs along the length of the XB7, another nod to the uniquely crafted ALPINAs of the past. A typical chrome trim is swapped for a Glossy Black finish thanks to the Shadowline package, along with the 20-spoke, 23-inch wheels.
The cockpit inherits Tartufo Full Merino leather upholstery, accompanied by Walnut Nature Black wood trim. Front headrests also receive special ALPINA-cladded embroidery, and a silver plaque on the console lid signifies the rarity of this gorgeous SUV, with “1 of 120” etched on its surface. Every owner of the XB7 MANUFAKTUR will receive two handmade Lavalina Bown leather weekender bags, evoking the touring spirit the brand is best known for.
While we still don’t know what the future holds for ALPINA, BMW fans like myself are excited to see the legendary tuner’s latest project. The prospect of new models finally coming to our shores shows that a new beginning is just on the horizon. ALPINA fanatics can’t wait to see what’s next!
