You know how they say that good things come to those who wait? There’s a limit to how long society, or the auto industry, is willing do dawdle while some of us wait for our ship to tie up at the wharf. Here’s an example of what we mean. Alpina, the famed German tuning house that’s enjoyed a long and beneficial relationship with BMW, was pegged to develop an ultra-exclusive performance version of the X7, BMW’s full-size SUV, the first large SUV from Munich to be thusly massaged for exceptional road capability. Production just got underway at BMW’s stateside assembly facility outside Greer, South Carolina – officially, it’s known as Spartanburg – but it seems that the entire 2020 allotment of the Alpina-tuned XB7 is already sold. If you want one, you’ll have to wait until next year, at the earliest.
If you’re a little nonplussed, allow us to assuage your thoughts. Alpina-tuned BMWs are intended from the outset to be highly exclusive. As an indication, consider that total Alpina production, of all models, is limited to 2,000 units per year worldwide. By way of comparison, BMW proudly declares that its Alpina output is about 25 percent of what Rolls-Royce builds in total during any given year. The corresponding comparative percentage from Ferrari is even smaller. So if you buy an XB7 to take delivery sometime in 2021, you’ll be getting an SUV that’s really special, and not just in terms of its build quantity. Despite accommodating up to seven occupants, the XB7 can see 0-60 times of four seconds flat, a 12.6 second quarter mile, and maximum speed of 180 MPH. The reason why is the XB7’s twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8, rated at 612 horsepower. With a base MSRP of $141,300, the XB7 still sold out before production even commenced. Next year, set your alarm.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 