Up Close With The Final BMW ALPINA XB7

The BMW ALPINA XB7 holds a unique place in automotive history as the first ALPINA model ever built outside of Buchloe, Germany. Now, after six years of production, BMW is calling time on its most luxurious SUV short of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan — and it's going out with a bang.

The send-off comes in the form of the XB7 Manufaktur special edition, a fully loaded farewell package that includes two exclusive matte paint options: Frozen ALPINA Green and Frozen ALPINA Blue. We caught the striking green version in person at the 2026 Amelia Concours, where it cut an unmistakably bold figure on the lawn. What you see is essentially the finished product — the 120 customer vehicles will look identical to the near-production prototype on display.

BMW ALPINA is keeping this one exclusive, limiting sales to just the United States and Canada. There's no need to agonize over the configurator, either, because every option comes standard. The price of entry? $181,550.

What Comes Next

This isn't the end of the XB7 story — just a chapter break. The nameplate is expected to return later this decade, possibly under a different name, as part of a broader push by the newly established BMW ALPINA sub-brand. The lineup is reportedly set to expand with a six-cylinder model and even a fully electric variant. The next-generation model will also be assembled in Spartanburg, though it may carry a different internal codename than its BMW donor vehicle.

Speaking of codenames, while the current XB7 shares the "G07" designation with its BMW X7 counterpart, the successors will apparently diverge. BMW's next X7 has reportedly been assigned the codename "G67," while the ALPINA version goes by "G69" — a separation that hints at a more distinct identity and potentially a steeper price premium.

Don't hold your breath for a V12, though. While BMW is updating its N74 engine to comply with Euro 7 regulations, that powerplant will remain exclusive to Rolls-Royce. That also makes the return of an ALPINA-tuned 7 Series with twelve cylinders increasingly unlikely.

Want One Before It's Gone?

If the current XB7 Manufaktur appeals to you, there's still time. Production begins in September, with deliveries expected in Q4 2026.

Prefer to wait for the next generation? Here's what to expect: a V8 engine in the 60 xDrive variant, standard soft-close doors, optional automatic doors similar to those on the 7 Series, rear-seat entertainment, and ventilated and massaging seats. One notable change may be the loss of the third row — a trade-off that would allow for more generous legroom and a cabin feel closer to BMW's flagship sedan.

Patience will be required either way. The second-generation BMW X7 isn't expected to enter production until September 2027, meaning the ALPINA version likely won't reach customers before 2028.