Recently, I put the wifey and baby girl in a 2021 BMW Alpina XB7 SUV for under $100K, and I couldn’t be happier.
Sure the price is excellent, and since we are approaching the end of the year (written in Sept 2023), this is a car that most certainly qualifies for Section 179, but even more than that, this thing is badass.
Right now, in my fleet, I have this SUV and my Urus Performante. These cars couldn’t be more different from each other.
I enjoy my Urus from a baller standpoint, but believe me, the Alpina is the one that will get the most use because it is more comfortable, more spacious, and still a gorgeous SUV.
A lot of you ask for 7 Seater SUV recommendations and sadly, there aren’t that many to speak of that work with the ECH methodology, but this one DOES.
So if you are looking for a family-friendly hack that looks great and won’t break the bank, keep reading.
Driving Experience
You might think given the size of the Alpina XB7 that it would drive like a boat, but that can’t be further from the reality.
I was shocked to find out just how grounded this BMW beast was once I got inside of it. I half expected to compare it to my Escalade but it is in a class all of its own.
It handles like a Rolls but isn’t heavy like one. It drives very car-like – handles sharp turns and quick braking like an absolute champ. As my fellow parents know, those are very important things as you are usually carrying some pretty precious cargo.
The cabin is spacious and easy to pack full of things or people. My daughter’s car seat fits perfectly and my wife and I don’t struggle getting her in or out (can’t say the same for the G63). The leather is also relatively forgiving so those dents that sometimes occur as a result of the kid’s seat haven’t appeared YET, but I will report back if they do when it comes time to sell it.
The usability is there, the elegance is there, and honestly, I couldn’t be more happy with this purchase. I enjoy taking it on longer road trips and in the rain because the car can handle it and still exudes that rich baller feeling I can’t live without.
BMW Alpina XB7 Common Problems
One thing that is fair to note is that any ALPINA variations of the BMW lineup tend to not bare the same reliability issues as their lower-performance siblings.
This is because ALPINA variants of the models get special treatment during the time of production and all superficial issues that could turn into catastrophic failures down the road tend to not exist. However, no car is ever perfect and whilst there are issues reported with the ALPINA XB7, they are still SUVs and are prone to SUV-type issues.
Suspension issues are common due to the heavy weight of the vehicle. Tires can wear out easier and more frequent especially if you live in harsher climates or on roads that have lots of potholes or are not maintained properly. But these are issues you’d see with anything from Defenders to G-Wagons and everything in between.
Just always ensure you are keeping up with the proper maintenance on your XB7, most of these vehicles are still under warranty so if there is an issue, it can be covered by BMW.
However, if out of warranty, don’t feel like you are a slave to “dealer only” repairs and maintenance. You can find a reputable independent shop that specializes in BMW or luxury/exotic cars in general, work to forge a relationship, and find yourself paying fractions of what BMW would charge you for a simple oil change or tire mount and balance.
Best BMW Alpina XB7 To Buy
Given the special nature of the ALPINA line, most of these cars all have the same options and sticker price. However there are a few additional options that could bump up your XB7, so be sure to read over your spec carefully.
The full Merino leather package for the interior can boost your value by $1,500 and comes in either White/Atlas Gray, Black, or Tarfuto (saddle brown). Second-row captain’s chairs are a $850 option and preferred for those truly in need of a spacious 7-seater. Then, as always, the Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System will give you a substantial bump on the sticker of $3,400.
All this to say, the ALPINA XB7 comes pretty stacked as is, with the base MSRP being $149,000 for all models. You just want to ensure you’re getting a spec that can resell well and appeals to the mass majority. This means something attractive like black on black, white on white (my spec), black on saddle, blue on black, red on black, etc.
If you are ever curious if your potential spec would be one worth pursuing, ask yourself, would PJ drive this?
Conclusion
So while this car is newer and the depreciation curve is still on the higher end, I still think it is a great car and one that can be acquired with Section 179.
This car has a lot of presence on the road, is able to fit the entire family, and is unique enough not to have a massive drop in value occur during your time of ownership so long as miles stay consistent and the condition of the SUV remains good and well maintained.
I know I greatly enjoy driving mine, and I don’t take to luxury cars very often, so if that is any indication… keep this XB7 on your radar.
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