2021 BMW Alpina XB7 Review and Off-Road Test

The 2021 BMW Alpina X7B is an extra fast-and-fancy version of the venerable BMW X7. Do the extra designer touches and increased performance make this a better choice for the money? We take a look at the features, street performance and then... yes, we took it into the mountains.
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:28 - Features
16:26 - Street Driving Impressions (and 0-60)
23:00 - Forest Road (Off-Road Driving)
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[@pigybak]

What separates you from the rest, you actually take it off road.

[@john-danielmartin8753]

Ikr

[@saiiiiiii1]

BMWs xdrive is actually pretty impressive. No fancy modes and stuff and it still just does the job, even on a X1.

[@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461]

Absolutely agree. The X-Drive performs surpsisingly good, check the SUV Battle channel videos at more hardcore off-road climbs and challenging the traction control systems.

[@bennyang8049]

When it is a SUV and if it is in this channel, i jump directly to the off road test

[@cbruno12180]

That’s impressive wow going up those hills with that tire set up!!!

[@yrasphong]

Right...pirelli p zeros..holy shit..lmao...my M5 get a lil squirrely with those tires..so Ill tell u their not made for off road..I love this guy's reviews

[@TK0O0O0O0]

One of my favorite shows on saturday mornings! KZbin has become like my grown up version of saturday morning cartoons

[@MrGandW1]

Agreed with everyone here, I am SO happy that you will take cars off road that most people wouldn't dream of. Keep 'em coming!

[@moonsapling]

So glad you take the german SUVs offroad too, most of them are very solid at it. Recently purchased a '14 ML and its so capable :)

[@mcalebeb]

So true, most never leave suburbia. It’s a shame.

[@8VD80Y]

Wow I love it. Super luxurious and many features. Love the 3rd row being heated and the 3rd row roof view so you won’t feel cramped.

[@davidrpriest]

Congratulations...you are the first and only person who will ever take this offroad.

[@timhenderson5284]

This is by far the most extensive X7 video I've seen on KZbin so far and I've watched damn near all of them

[@fitzgoblin81]

Always a pleasure. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@CCC-AUSTX]

Ryan....I'm not exactly an 'off road' fan but....I like watching you guys rip all these rigs to pieces! I esp. like your pieces when Karleena is in the videos....please start including her in ALL your videos! Thank YOU Much :-)))))) CCC Austin, TX

[@pablomoreno1999]

It seemed so not at home on the trail and yet is one of the few cars that did best, not even lifted wheels....what a beast

[@dwb468]

$155k with a CD player...what's not to love. :-) Love your reviews!

[@ajlee6933]

Blu Ray DVD for the rear passengers….but ok.

[@eddstarr2185]

Ryan, I never expected to see a 2021 Alpina XB7 driven off-road, but you did it and I'm impressed! Now I'm happy to give my support as a new Driving Sports TV supporter.

[@drivingsports]

Awesome, thanks!

[@0HOON0]

I was sweating watching you offroad those absurd wheels over rocks. But that's what sets this channel apart. Great vid.

[@stevefrawley9756]

As an X7 owner for 2 years now, I always find it hilarious when car reviewers 'hold' any of the window or seat-fold operation buttons. You only need to press it and release it, so you can get on with loading groceries or the kids... They never truly capture the advanced conveniences of this car.

[@mdc6151]

Thank you for reiterating this, because I though that it would be a one touch functionality rather than having to counterintuitively hold it while it slowly moves into place. This type of functionality would definitely be a make it or break it for me and knowing that beforehand saves some unwanted extra time at the dealer...

[@ajlee6933]

I also notice that a lot of Journalists don’t know how to adjust the gauges. The button on the turn signal stalk allows you to choose more options..

[@amirhosseini6231]

another great review. thanks

[@amateurtorque6709]

Really enjoyed your video Ryan, we are from England and my wife loves the way you say the word "button" in the NW.

[@sahilbrar7330]

loved the video. you got a new subscriber sir

[@philipthao8527]

i personally like how BMW have their shifters. I used to work there as a lot guy, love the convenience of it. I drive a Prius and love their shifter too. Like the LC and other Toyota cars that adopted that shifter, i hope Toyota implement it throughout their line.

[@AmmarMalik]

Those wheels are basically one pothole away from being destroyed

[@tallll70]

they scream roads only

[@JohnnyErnestoCampino]

@@tallll70 They scream GERMAN roads only.

[@yrasphong]

Would it help if it's run flat forged wheels with dampers?

[@ritwikheda2144]

Nice，I own a 2021 X7

[@timmietz]

Great review! Mine should be here in 60-70 days!!

[@shridharritti2056]

Hi Ryan , love your reviews. Please also review ford explorer ST

[@clementeortega5188]

Jajaja Starbucks Coffee on the sunroof, super review!

[@NateDawg0007]

There is an Xdrive info screen on the high end models that you should have turned on when testing the slip on the hill. It shows you where the power is being sent.

[@ruzzelladrian907]

Delicious interior.

[@stevefrawley9756]

The paddle shifters are replaced by buttons as per most Alpina models, which is also why there is green and blue thread on the steering wheel.

[@tomaszj.9608]

My man, Brian! I love that BMW allowed you to take it off-road on 23s🤣 Most people who can “swing” an Alpina could easily buy whatever off-road capable beast they please to take on such unpleasantries :)

[@drivingsports]

Allowed? ...not exactly... let's just keep it between us. 😂

[@rromancunard]

I think that all kinds of suvs and more for the price, need be capable to cross all kinds of off roads, but in this case the auto/manual control inside that elevate the suspension was not activated or don't have👀🙊🙈

[@MrRidd0]

Big wheels and skinny tires is such an unfortunate trend.

[@zogadwoe]

Subaru take notice. The awd system of this BMW is taking your lunch. I've a 2021 Subaru ascent limited and I'm like what?! I hope Subaru will make the ascent catch up to the palisade interior, the trunk space of the vw suv and BMW awd system.

[@willblake72]

As soon as I saw the beautiful wheels on this thing I started sweating thinking about them hitting a rock on the trail.

[@michaelp.3485]

I'm sure Dave was sweating too as he was going up that hill!! Lol😆😆😝😭

[@andrewnomad1113]

LIKE after reading the title of this video!!!:))

[@fitzgoblin81]

Worth noting that this is one of the first times that any BMW is offered with Android Auto.

[@drivingsports]

Good point.

[@yrasphong]

Bmw xdrive is very under rated..I think it's the best AWD and I have owned Audi,Subaru and Acura sh awd and now all bmw xdrive a and won't go back..in NY u need a good AWD and xdrive is best..if u need turn off the traction control so all wheels can spin

[@julianricardodiaz]

I can not believe those paddle shifters at this price range

[@jinmd9094]

It is a traditional Alpine thing. Regular X7s have normal paddle shifters.

[@agustinliden6189]

it is a magnificent luxury car / SUV.

[@wrzl1675]

Parking Sensors “ dirty “ somebody waxed the sensors. Certain manufactures parking sensors are extremely sensitive and wax and especially SiO2 coatings render them inoperable. Launch Control in BMW’s: Sport+ stability and traction off mash break and gas and wait for it to say launch which takes about 5+ seconds. Your were just throttle pedal launching which is a testament to how quick that land yacht is.

[@LeoMkII]

man that thing looks even more ridiculous with those rims, it looks like something outta nfs underground 2 lol anyway, great video! as usual

[@RamiH]

Awesome video as usual! top notch! Small question, what is the camera filming in car on the passenger side on the right, the one filming the driver? just next to the LED light? it is not on the list of equipment in the description. I like the quality and the compact size.

[@drivingsports]

It's a Sony RX0II in a Smallrig Cage.

[@RamiH]

@@drivingsports No wonder i couldnt figure it out! That cage was messing with my perception! Thank you! Always excited to get a notification of a new video!One of the best and well put car content channels out there!great video quality, great editing and amazing audio! Makes a great experience!

[@drivingsports]

@@RamiH Thanks for noticing audio. We just changed out to the Tentacle Track-E pocket recorders in the past couple weeks and they've been great to work with.

[@RamiH]

@@drivingsports I will make sure to check those out! Thanks!

[@andybaumeister6981]

Can you perform a review on the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid/Plugin Hybrid?

[@john-danielmartin8753]

Can always count on Ryan to put a vehicle to the test

[@aliemirtopuz6109]

'If you have been considering BMW X7 but you feel like you want something just a little more' well that means you are a psychopath.

[@proconsumersafety]

Thank you for your reviews. You do such a great job with the review, filming and editing. With many SUV's I see that unfortunately people do not understand 4WD or AWD, on the road, versus when off-road driving experiences and its purposes. When off read is not for racing (unless you are at an off-road race, but not for pleasure) and also with high profile tires not low-profile like on this vehicle. This vehicle is more of a "pretty boy" car street machine. Pretty much worthless, other than for those who have low-self esteem and education, and have the money to make themselves feel better and they think others wow them. Not! Also the 3rd row, having all electronic is dangerous without any manual over-ride, if you need to get out quickly or when power is down. Good luck when you crash and land in water. Taking this car snowboarding, the tires are so wide making it difficult on ice. Definitely do not take this off road. Happy to see that you did. One thing that I do like however, is the back window is relatively vertical and not slanted forward that takes up more space.

[@akilghosh]

Please add an in cabin decibel test in your reviews

[@drivingsports]

We're considering it.

[@DarkKnight-tt7sz]

I could only look at this car, maybe someday I will buy an X7.

[@femiogunsola5436]

Is that Doug Demuro' s voice in the background?

[@imranabbasi7871]

Bmw 👍

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, Am I wrong to associate 'assisted driving' with assisted living?

[@drivingsports]

Nope. You do you. Lol.

[@stout_tossme7541]

150k and no spare. Lol. I am not a luxury type. This is not for me. However, it is a sharp-looking ride.

[@shanesmith1]

Great video! However, summer tires don't mean no grip - they just have the inability to work at and below freezing. Of course, these are lacking any sidewall which is problematic. An A/T tire made with summer tire rubber would have insane grip!

[@ArnoldTriyudho]

Beemer & Alpina: "Wait, that's illegal.."

[@drivingsports]

To be fair, no worse than the roads in New Jersey. Lol.

[@BBlackmen]

Where's the video of the Grand Cherokee L??

[@drivingsports]

This coming week!

[@7g6_66]

Whattt this is in New Jersey? Is this a public spot ? The off road spot

[@gogutzy]

Holy shit, low profile tires offroad! Priceless! or is it?

[@somergoyt]

truey an executive sedan? 3:40 ?

[@DrShmuck]

xDrive is underrated

[@joemikey278]

You could buy 300 of my ‘86 Yugos for the price of one of these BMW Alpinas !!!!!

[@jacobruiz8269]

That would be a baller ass setup to take off road if you had all terrains and underbody protection looool

[@jinmd9094]

The regular X7 had an optional off-road package with underbody protection and allows you to select terrain.

[@MichaelMengo]

Why does he say the word “button” like Dee Dee from Dexters Laboratory

[@rromancunard]

The suspension of this suv is low. Where are the auto up or manual control for elevate the car of the dangerous rocks? Good and excellent video like always, thanks for share.

[@drivingsports]

The suspension is more about lowering the vehicle for aerodynamics than raising it for off-road.

[@BigC.]

All wait two years to buy it used, it will be around 60K.

[@yusufibrahim9586]

Can you review a Grand Cherokee L

[@drivingsports]

Video drops later this week.

[@Cz007_]

All those electronic whiz-bang goodies and supple air suspension is all glorious and dandy until it breaks and need very expensive repairs

[@jamestl124]

3:42 Executive Sedan? 😂😂

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

God this was painful. Those 22" wheels on anything but perfect pavement are in grave danger.

[@drivingsports]

Even worse... they're 23s!

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

@@drivingsports OOF

[@geethsan1567]

Interesting to see videos like this lol. Everything looks so excessive on this car.

[@megaacc9548]

Thank you for review, but you don't have porsche reviews, I would look cayenne offroading

[@drivingsports]

We’re talking to Porsche. They don’t send cars to our region often but we are hoping to get something soon.

[@megaacc9548]

@@drivingsports all right, I will hope with you. If it possible the first of all cayenne turbo coupe, and panamera turbo s. Thank you

[@wuquanchi]

Sponsored by Victor's Celtic Coffee :P

[@tallll70]

I'm sure the interior is very nice in person, but in case of this vehicle the exterior styling is subjectively not for me and the cruising hwy mileage is unimpressive for superior dohc engine

[@dearhallmark2]

3:41 You mean executive SUV, not executive sedan.

[@raymondhopson6809]

What are you doing?! There's no premise of off-road capabilities with 23s!😮

[@zero2sixty244]

Toyota SafetySense 2.5 bounces in the lane SOO bad

[@rovsenrovsen3533]

Nissan patrol test

[@Cringer101]

why is it that BMW and Mercedes have much better awd systems than the likes of subaru, no wheel braking a spinning wheel trying to "shuffle" power about just no drama climbing

[@pulda015]

Are you ever going to actually off-road a vehicle in one of your off road tests? Every single one of your "off road" drives is a basic Sunday morning drive to the trailhead out here in WA and could be done in clapped out accord if you used momentum and drove appropriately instead of coming to a stop and playing with a bunch of dials and cameras before every obstacle.

[@bossykxngtahzai16]

I saw the thumbnail and I was like 🤔 why is a 155,000 bmw SUV going offroad

[@MyAlexWest]

me too thats why we love this guy.l

[@BBlackmen]

So I'm watching this video and I'm thinking that the Grand Wagoneer is better than this BMW BX7 and more functional

[@jinmd9094]

Said no one ever (other than you).

[@stephenbanda]

Wonderful review...I just wish the reviews were shorter, 30 minutes is too long.

[@drivingsports]

Serious question: Which part would you cut out? 🤔

[@jonathanshrum7944]

They're perfect the way they are Ryan. Great review.

[@tonnnybricks7760]

WHY DON'T YOU USE THE 2022 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

[@drivingsports]

Because Mitsubishi doesn’t have one in the fleet in our area.

[@tonnnybricks7760]

@@drivingsports ughhhh I wanna see u use it cause I have one I wann see before I go

[@tahsin28]

If u want to go fast, why look at a suv. If u want to offroad why do you look at PZeros. This vehicle is the definition of wrong.

[@eyalschnider]

who takws bmw x7 off road?

[@MyAlexWest]

oh boy! you would last person to be given such car. cause you are only to drive outside cities. and actually test those so called SUVs

[@Ecuador006]

Brown interior is boring

[@commbubba1990]

The music while you’re talking is annoying.

[@Brownnproud91]

Who the hell buys this car to take it off road... 99% of people buying this car are just driving it around town and to golf courses.

[@BobsGT235]

Not a bad review. Though I've never heard anyone take so long pronouncing the word buttons. He wastes to much time making sure he pronounces both t's in the middle. Just sounds like he's trying way to hard.

[@johnhetherington8830]

SO got $150K to waste?

[@gs98999]

It’s not all waste. They helped pay for some workers wages somewhere to put this thing together. So at least that’s a plus. 🙃

[@jinmd9094]

@@gs98999 This thing is put together in Spartanburg, South Carolina. BMWs largest plant in the world. All X3s, X5s, and X7s are produced here. BMW is the largest vehicle exporter in the USA.

[@blueryxfalls7949]

that car is not made for italians then

[@enessolhan]

It's not a suv, it just a big car 😂

[@addicz2]

Yes. Wagon

[@mcalebeb]

I’m screaming 😂

[@aidenp5768]

It’s an SUV.. it tows more than some most on frame SUVs(7,200lb+), regular X7 has over 9 inches of clearance with off-road pack which is more than the G wagon, rear lockers and under protection, 22+inch wading depth too

[@coolyjavon591]

Sedan? 🤣

[@mikealanzo]

WOW, I am AMAZED by this incredible SUV!!! NOT!!! What a load of bullshit tech to waste money on, it's just insane!!!I'd get this car or SUV, what ever you wanna call it, bare ass naked to the bone without ANY feature to speak of and save myself around $110K! I'm not handling my hard earned money to BMW or any manufacturer just to wank off a screen to up the volume!

[@jinmd9094]

Clearly you are not in the BMW target market.

[@mikealanzo]

@@jinmd9094 no, I'm in the driving market where there are buttons and no screens!

[@jinmd9094]

@@mikealanzo Enjoy. Happy motoring.

[@trailrunnah8886]

I'm sure it's a nice vehicle, but I can't with that face. It looks like a Chinese knockoff of what they think a BMW would look like.

[@multivisao]

OFF ROAD Test LOL!!!!!!...a Toyota Corolla can go over that 'off road' terrain

[@drivingsports]

The test has to be tailored to the vehicle.

[@palomares.webador]

@@drivingsports Great review though! Would love indeed to see a Corolla, or a FWD crossover crumbling there.

[@ezeNdog]

Ice vid man.... but Yeahhh I guess, IMHO bmw has gotten boring, it's all plastic and generic leather like every car over $30k... Same as Mercedes ... Just mmmuhhh I guess ... Your average car today is what top luxury was in the 80s and early 90s ... The top tier cars for general public have cut cost to stay competitive, and the cheap cars have crammed as much expensive looking junk as they can and jack the price up... It's a weird middle ground buying a car today, where u r paying way to much for over priced junk, or over paying for the average junk. Most cars r plastic with the same tech. Just prices r increased and quality is ok or shit. Unless u r a Toyota / Lexus owner, your rolling the dice other wise.

[@jinmd9094]

Cleary you have not sat in an X7. Materials are amazing, almost no plastic and among the highest grade leather that can be had.

[@brianmartin1139]

That is a butt ugly vehicle.