BMW ALPINA is bidding farewell to its first-generation full-size luxury SUV with the XB7 Manufaktur, a limited edition capped at just 120 units for the U.S. and Canada. Priced at $181,550, this special model costs nearly $24,000 more than the standard XB7 and offers a unique throwback aesthetic paired with a lavishly equipped interior, making it a collectors’ piece as ALPINA prepares to move into a fresh chapter of its SUV lineup later this decade.
The standout feature of the XB7 Manufaktur is its exclusive use of matte ”Frozen” finishes-either ALPINA Green or ALPINA Blue-marking a first for the SUV. This matte treatment, complemented by 23-inch forged wheels in ALPINA’s Classic design and a retro-inspired 1980s decal, delivers a distinguished vintage flair not seen before on the model. Blacked-out details, such as the kidney grille and exhaust tips, complete the stealthy Shadowline look, setting it visually apart from regular XB7 models.
Inside, the vehicle embraces refined luxury with Tartufo full Merino leather upholstery, colored stitching matching the exterior tones, and hints of ALPINA’s heritage, including the pre-BMW-era logo on silver pins for the front mats. That old-school emblem contrasts with the brand’s modern identity, symbolizing this edition as a bridge between past and future ALPINAs. The cabin also features second-row captain’s chairs, two-axle air suspension, and a premium Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system. To top off the exclusivity, BMW includes a pair of handmade leather weekend bags styled to match the interior.
Legacy and what’s next at ALPINA
The XB7 Manufaktur is the final hurrah for ALPINA’s first-gen SUV, whose production is wrapping up after being the first to be assembled outside ALPINA’s Buchloe facility. Starting this September, these 120 units will roll out from Spartanburg with deliveries planned by year-end. This limited run is not just a pricing premium but a statement of exclusivity and craftsmanship as ALPINA now operates as a BMW Group sub-brand, aiming to compete with high-end rivals like Mercedes-Maybach.
Looking ahead, a new-generation XB7 based on the second-gen X7 (codenamed G67) is expected before the decade’s close. Unlike the current V8-only setup, future versions will likely offer both six-cylinder and V8 engines, signaling a broader appeal and more flexible powertrain options. Even more intriguing is the possibility of a fully electric ALPINA SUV, the rumored iX7 100 xDrive, which would mark the sub-brand’s leap into electrification beyond the upcoming i7 70 xDrive, likely to debut as ALPINA’s first EV. This shift reflects a wider industry pivot toward sustainability, even for ultra-luxury performance-divided brands.
ALPINA’s farewell edition blends nostalgia with exclusivity but also signals the tension traditional performance SUVs face in adapting to a future electrified and diversified market. The XB7 Manufaktur’s matte finishes and retro cues offer a striking contrast to the upcoming more conventional and electrified lineup, highlighting how carmakers balance heritage with innovation. Whether customers will embrace these future iterations remains to be seen, but the Manufaktur ensures the first-gen XB7 won’t fade quietly.