Exact information about ALPINA’s sales figures has always been a mystery. On the other hand, this may just increase the attractiveness of the niche brand. However, we have a general feel for the numbers. Since Burkard Bovensiepen founded the company in Buchloe, around 60,000 cars have been built. Around 40,000 of these vehicles are on the road today.
The annual production figures also pose a mystery. However, we know for sure that more than 2,000 units were built in 2021, a record year. This detail became known in early 2022 when the BMW Group acquired the rights to the ALPINA brand name. As expected, it’s now clear that the XB7 has done the heavy lifting since its launch five years ago.
Matt Russell, the brand’s representative for North America, said CarBuzz that the Luxobarge has been a complete success since its introduction in 2020: “In each of the first five model years [BMW] is sold out.” In other words: ALPINA has been able to completely fill its production slots at the Spartanburg plant since the debut of the XB7.
Approximately 600 to 700 vehicles are built in the special “SVO (Special Vehicle Ops)” workshop at the South Carolina plant. The XB7 is produced alongside the regular X7 M60i, although there is a huge price difference between the two. The ALPINA version starts at $157,175 for the 2026 model year, while the BMW-badged alternative costs a comparatively cheaper $115,075. That whopping $42,100 difference is roughly equivalent to a 228 xDrive 2 Series Gran Coupe.
The success of the XB7 will lead to a second-generation model being launched later this decade. With BMW now controlling the ALPINA brand, the model is reportedly set to move further upmarket, bridging the gap between the X7 and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. We previously reported on a separate codename, G69 instead of G67, and a five-seat-only layout. The complete elimination of the third row of seats is intended to create a more luxurious and spacious cocoon for the rear passengers.
As a reminder, the XB7 was not ALPINA’s first SUV, as the diesel-powered models
Yes, ALPINA electric vehicles will be available soon.
Source: CarBuzz
