BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR: the end of an era for ALPINA
There are special editions… and there are farewell editions.
With the BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR, ALPINA definitively closes the chapter on the XB7. The exclusive SUV is being built in just 120 units for North America, of which 12 are destined for Canada.
But this car is more than a limited edition. It symbolises the end of an era. It is, in fact, one of the last models still developed according to the classic ALPINA philosophy, just before the brand evolves further entirely under the wing of BMW.
The first ALPINA built outside Buchloe
When the first XB7 rolled off the line in 2020, ALPINA made history. For the first time, an ALPINA model was not built in the iconic workshop in Buchloe, but in BMW's factory in Spartanburg (South Carolina). That is the same factory where most large BMW SUVs are produced.
For the MANUFAKTUR edition, that remains the case. Production starts in September 2026, with deliveries planned for the fourth quarter of that same year.
Two exclusive colours for the finale
The XB7 MANUFAKTUR immediately distinguishes itself with two unique paint finishes never before available on the model:
Frozen ALPINA Green
Frozen ALPINA Blue
Both matte colours are strongly connected to the brand's heritage. They are combined with a full gloss black exterior package: the grille, window surrounds, air vents and exhaust tips are all finished in black.
As befits an ALPINA, the iconic 23-inch ALPINA Classic wheels with 20 spokes are of course present. Along the flank also runs the traditional ALPINA Deco-Set striping, a subtle nod to the brand's motorsport history.
An interior that radiates pure craftsmanship
Inside, ALPINA opts for a luxurious and classic combination. All 120 units receive the same configuration:
Tartufo Full Merino leather
ALPINA Natural Walnut Anthracite wood
embroidered ALPINA logos on the headrests
a “1 of 120” plaque on the centre console
In addition, customers receive standard second-row captain's chairs and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound audio system. As a finishing touch, ALPINA even supplies two handmade weekender bags in Lavalina leather that perfectly match the interior.
631 hp from a bi-turbo V8
Under the bonnet lies a familiar power source: the 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 based on BMW's S68 engine. The figures remain impressive for an SUV of this size:
631 hp
800 Nm of torque
0-100 km/h in approximately 4.2 seconds
The engine is paired with an 8-speed ALPINA Switch-Tronic automatic and a mild-hybrid 48-volt system. The XB7 also gets air suspension specifically tuned by ALPINA, active roll stabilisation and four-wheel steering. The result is an SUV that can be both extremely comfortable and surprisingly dynamic.
AutoNext Take: this is probably the last “classic” ALPINA
The XB7 MANUFAKTUR is more than a luxury SUV. It marks a transitional period for ALPINA. Since BMW officially took over the brand, ALPINA is expected to evolve towards an ultra-luxury subbrand, possibly comparable to what Mercedes-Maybach is today. That probably means:
fewer niche models
more focus on luxury
fewer of the classic ALPINA sedans and touring models that purists love so much
As a result, the XB7 MANUFAKTUR feels almost like a farewell. A final reminder of a time when ALPINA built small, unique series with a character all of their own. And honestly: that probably makes this SUV more interesting to collectors than most future ALPINA models.
